Cold pressed oils: a systematic review on physicochemical properties, nutritional composition and pharmacological activities.

Background: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in novel plant-based oil sources as sustainable alternatives to conventional edible oils. This shift is driven by consumer demand for natural, nutrient-dense, and health-promoting products. Among these, cold-pressed oils have gained prominence as specialty oils. Cold-press extraction is a mechanical, environmental friendly and energy-efficient technique that eliminates the use of heat and solvents, thereby preserving the natural physicochemical and nutritional properties of oils. This method is applied to seeds, kernels, fruits, and peels to obtain oils rich in bioactive compounds. Aim of the review: This systematic review aims to summarize and critically evaluate the extraction techniques, stability-enhancing strategies, physicochemical characteristics, nutritional composition, and pharmacological activities of various cold-pressed oils. It also highlights current research gaps to guide future investigations. Methods: Relevant literature was collected from scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and NCBI, as well as peer-reviewed journals. Additional gray literature, including web articles were also examined to ensure a comprehensive review of available information. Results: Cold-pressed oils retain significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds compared to refined oils due to minimal processing. These constituents contribute to enhanced biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Consequently, cold-pressed oils exhibit improved nutritional quality and potential health benefits. However, their quality and shelf life are strongly influenced by factors, including the source of raw materials, plant genotype, harvest timing, moisture content, storage conditions, pre-processing steps, and extraction parameters. Oils rich in mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly susceptible to oxidation, which can compromise stability and health benefits. To address this, various strategies, including the use of natural antioxidants, encapsulation, optimized storage conditions, and advanced extraction technologies, have been proposed to enhance oxidative stability. Conclusion: Cold-pressed oils offer valuable therapeutic and nutritional benefits due to their rich profile of bioactive compounds. Despite their potential, research gaps remain, in developing integrated approaches to maintain and enhance their stability, nutritional value, and pharmacological properties. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fully understanding and maximizing the health benefits of plant-based, cold-pressed oils.