The increasing global focus on health and wellness, particularly in the context of pandemics, has spurred interest in natural sources of therapeutic compounds. Fruit seed oils, often considered agricultural byproducts, represent a promising reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals. A recent study employed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the composition of various fruit seed oils, including grape, plum, apple, Ajwa date, pomegranate, and avocado seeds.

GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse array of compounds within these seed oils. Key findings included the presence of fatty acids and their derivatives (e.g., oleic acid, palmitic acid, 9-octadecenamide), sterols (e.g., stigmastan-3,5-diene), hydrocarbons (e.g., squalene), and various esters, amides, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals have been linked to a range of beneficial biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even potential mood-regulating effects.

To further explore their therapeutic potential, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular docking studies were conducted. These in silico simulations predicted the binding affinities of identified phytochemicals with key biological targets: the β2 adrenoreceptor (2rh1) and the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The ACE2 receptor is known to be a crucial entry point for the SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells, while the β2 adrenoreceptor is implicated in stress and mood regulation.

The molecular docking results indicated that several compounds, such as stigmastan-3,5-diene and levoglucosenone, exhibited significant binding energies with both receptors. This suggests that seed oil extracts could potentially offer a dual benefit: acting as antiviral agents by interfering with viral entry mechanisms and as mood enhancers by influencing stress-related pathways. The presence of compounds like oleamide derivatives, known for their sedative effects, further supports the potential for mood and sleep regulation.

While these findings are promising, further experimental validation is required to confirm the pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy of these seed oil extracts. Nevertheless, this research highlights the underutilized potential of agricultural waste materials as sources of health-promoting compounds, paving the way for novel applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and even as precursors for pharmaceutical development.