Comparison of two kinds of pumpkin seed oils obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction

The oils from two kinds of pumpkin seeds, black and white ones, were extracted by supercritical CO₂ (SC‐CO₂). The technological variables for SC‐CO₂ extraction were optimized and the resulting oils were analyzed by GC‐MS. As a result, the optimal conditions for SC‐CO₂ extraction were as follows: 25～30 MPa, 45 °C, SC‐CO₂ flow rate of 30～40 kg/h. The main compounds in the resulting oils were 9,12‐octadecadienoic acid, 9‐octadecenoic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid for both types of pumpkin seeds, however, the black seed oil contains more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) than the white seed oil. On the other hand, some compounds including heptadecanoic acid (0.27%), tetracosanic acid (0.1%), 9‐dodecaenoic acid (0.45%) and pentadecenoic acid (0.05%) were found in white seed oil but not in black seed oil; while eicosanic acid (0.05%), 11,14‐eicosadienoic acid (0.2%), 11‐octadecenoic acid (0.06%), 7‐hexadecenoic acid (0.02%) and 1,12‐tridecadiene (0.02%) were only found in black seed oil.     

Characterization and Benzo[a]pyrene Content Analysis of Camellia Seed Oil Extracted by a Novel Subcritical Fluid Extraction

A novel continuous subcritical n‐butane extraction technique for Camellia seed oil was explored. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, and benzo[a]pyrene content of Camellia seed oil extracted using this subcritical technique were analyzed. Orthogonal experiment design (L₉(3⁴)) was adopted to optimize extraction conditions. At a temperature of 45 °C, a pressure of 0.5 MPa, a time of 50 min and a bulk density of 0.7 kg/L, an extraction yield of 99.12 ± 0.20 % was obtained. The major components of Camellia seed oil are oleic acid (73.12 ± 0.40 %), palmitic acid (10.38 ± 0.05 %), and linoleic acid (9.15 ± 0.03 %). Unsaturated fatty acids represent 83.78 ± 0.03 % of the total fatty acids present. Eight physicochemical indexes were assayed, namely, iodine value (83.00 ± 0.21 g I/100 g), saponification value (154.81 ± 2.00 mg KOH/g), freezing‐point (?8.00 ± 0.10 °C), unsaponifiable matter (5.00 ± 0.40 g/kg), smoke point (215.00 ± 1.00 °C), acid value (1.24 ± 0.03 mg KOH/g), refrigeration test (transparent, at 0 °C for 5.5 h), and refractive index (1.46 ± 0.06, at 25 °C). Benzo[a]pyrene was not detected in Camellia seed oil extracted by continuous subcritical n‐butane extraction. In comparison, the benzo[a]pyrene levels of crude Camellia seed oil extracted by hot press extraction and refined Camellia seed oil were measured at 26.55 ± 0.70 and 5.69 ± 0.04 μg/kg respectively.     

Microemulsion of seal oil markedly enhances the transfer of a hydrophobic radiopharmaceutical into acetylated low density lipoprotein

Four different microemulsions differing in their core lipid component (triolein, canola oil, squalene, or seal oil) and containing 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one 1,3-diiopanoate (DPIP), a potential radioimaging probe, were prepared by means of ultrasonication. The DPIP microemulsions were incubated with acetylated human low density lipoprotein (AcLDL) and the amount of DPIP transferred into AcLDL was examined. The amount of DPIP in the microemulsions expressed as DPIP/oil (w/w) was dependent on the core lipid component of the microemulsion in the order of seal oil (0.19±0.04, mean ±standard deviation) > squalene (0.15±0.02) > canola oil (0.12±0.02) > triolein (0.07±0.004). With the exception of canola oil, all microemulsions were effective in enhancing the transfer of DPIP into Acl DI in comparison with commonly used methods, i.e, direct diffusion and detergent solubilization. DPIP in seal oil resulted in the highest amount of DPIP transferred into AcLDL [309.16±34.82 vs. 203.19±64.51 using squalene and 151.31±28.54 using triolein (DPIP molecules per AcLDL particle)]. For the first time, oil from harp seals, was studied as a major core lipid component of formulating pharmaceutical microemulsions. DPIP in seal oil resulted in the highest transfer of DPIP into AcLDL which is likely due to the highest DPIP concentration found in this microemulsion as well as the high fluidity of seal oil.     

Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Phoenix Tree Seed and its Oil

Various components of Phoenix tree (Firmiana simplex) seed were determined. Oil, protein, moisture, ash, and fiber accounted for 27.8 ± 0.3, 19.7 ± 0.4, 7.5 ± 0.2, 4.4 ± 0.3, and 31.23 ± 0.93 % (w/w) of the seed, respectively. The acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter content of Phoenix tree seed oil extracted using the Soxhlet method were 3.73 ± 0.02 mg KOH/g, 1.97 ± 0.21 mmol/kg, 183.74 ± 2.37 mg KOH/g, and 0.90 ± 0.05 g/100 g, respectively. The total tocopherol content was 54.5 ± 0.5 mg/100 g oil, which consisted mainly of δ‐tocopherol (29.5 ± 0.6 mg/100 g oil) and γ‐tocopherol (13.8 ± 0.8 mg/100 g oil). Linoleic acid (L, 30.2 %), oleic acid (O, 22.2 %), and sterculic acid (S, 23.2 %) were the main unsaturated fatty acids of Phoenix tree seed oil. The saturated fatty acids included palmitic acid (17.4 %) and stearic acid (St, 2.9 %). The work shows the first report of sterculic acid in seeds of this species. This oil can be used as a raw material to produce sterculic acid.     

Effect of Different Frying Methods on the Total <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Fatty Acid Content and Oxidative Stability of Oils

The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of different frying oils and frying methods on the formation of trans fatty acids and the oxidative stability of oils. Sunflower, canola and commercial frying oils, the most commonly used oils for frying potatoes in the fast food industry, were used as the frying medium. The value for total polar compounds was highest when commercial frying oil was used in the microwave oven (22.5 ± 1.1). The peroxide value, as an indicator of oil oxidation, was lowest for microwave oven frying (2.53 ± 0.03). The K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀ values were 0.41 ± 0.04 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively, for commercial frying oil in the microwave oven. The lowest free fatty acid content was recorded for the commercial frying oil used in the deep‐fat fryer at 190 °C. The highest iodine value was measured for sunflower oil used in the deep‐fat fryer (148.14 ± 0.07), indicating a greater degree of unsaturation. The lowest trans fatty acid value was recorded for sunflower oil in the microwave oven (0.17 ± 0.05), with a higher overall amount of total trans fatty acids observed for oils after frying in the electrical deep‐fat fryer compared to the microwave. Sunflower oil was favourable for both frying methods in terms of the trans fatty acid content.     

Development,optimization, and evaluation of emulsion‐gelled floating beads using natural polysaccharide‐blend for controlled drug release

This article describes the development, optimization, and evaluation of groundnut oil‐entrapped tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)‐alginate floating beads containing diclofenac sodium by emulsion‐gelation method for gastroretentive delivery. The effect of polymer to drug ratio, groundnut oil to water ratio, and sodium alginate to TSP ratio on drug entrapment, density, and drug release of floating beads was optimized using three‐factor and two‐level factorial design. The optimized floating beads showed drug entrapment efficiency of 82.48% ± 2.34%, density of 0.88 ± 0.07 g/cm³, cumulative drug release of 41.02% ± 0.86% after 8 h and floated well over 8 h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) with 8.25 min floating lag‐time. The in vitro drug release from these floating beads containing diclofenac sodium was followed controlled‐release pattern (zero‐order kinetics) with case‐II transport mechanism. The average bead size was ranged from 1.07 ± 0.03 to 1.94 ± 0.09 mm. The floating beads were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and ¹H NMR. The optimized floating beads showed excellent anti‐inflammatory activity in carrageenan‐induced rats over prolonged period after oral administration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on plasma lipoproteins and tissue fatty acid composition in humans

Normal, healthy male volunteers (n=6) were fed diets [high docosahexaenoic acid-DHA] containing 6 g/d of DHA for 90 d. The stabilization (low-DHA) diet contained less than 50 mg/d of DHA. A control group (n=4) remained on the low-DHA diet for the duration of the study (120 d). Blood samples were drawn on study days 30 (end of the stabilization period), 75 (midpoint of the intervention period), and 120 (end of the intervention period). Adipose tissue (AT) samples were taken on days 30 and 120. The plasma cholesterol (C), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C and apolipoproteins (apo) [Al, B, and lipoprotein (a)] were unchanged after 90 d, but the triglycerides (TAG) were reduced from a mean value of 76.67±24.32 to 63.83±16.99 mg/dL (n=6, P<0.007 using a paired t-test) and the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-C increased from 34.83±4.38 mg/dL to 37.83±3.32 mg/dL (n=6, P<0.017 using a paired t-test). The control group showed no significant reduction in plasma TAG levels. Apo-E, however, showed a marked increase in the volunteers’ plasma after 90 d on the high-DHA diet, from 7.06±4.47 mg/dL on study day 30 to 12.01±4.96 mg/dL on study day 120 (P<0.002 using a paired t-test). The control subjects showed no significant change in the apo-E in their plasma (8.46±2.90 on day 30 vs. 8.59±2.97 on day 120). The weight percentage of plasma DHA rose from 1.83±0.22 to 8.12±0.76 after 90 d on the high-DHA diet. Although these volunteers were eating a diet free of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), plasma EPA levels rose from 0.38±0.05 to 3.39±0.52 (wt%) after consuming the high-DHA diet. The fatty acid composition of plasma lipid fractions—cholesterol esters, TAG, and phospholipid—showed marked similarity in the enrichment of DHA, about 10%, after the subjects consumed the high-DHA diet. The DHA content of these plasma lipid fractions varied from less than 1% (TAG) to 3.5% (phospholipids) at baseline, study day 30. EPA also increased in all plasma lipid fractions after the subjects consumed the high-DHA diet. There were no changes in the plasma DHA or EPA levels in the control group. Consumption of DHA also caused an increase in AT levels of DHA, from 0.10±0.02 to 0.31±0.07 (wt%) (n=6, P<0.001 using a paired t-test), but the amount of EPA in their AT did not change. Thus, dietary DHA will lower plasma TAG without EPA, and DHA is retroconverted to EPA in significant amounts. Dietary DHA appears to enhance apo-E synthesis in the liver. It appears that DHA can be a safe and perhaps beneficial supplement to human diets.     

Composition, Physical Properties and Drying Characteristics of Seed Oil of Momordica charantia Cultivated in Sri Lanka

Karawila (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, is widely used as a food and a medicine in Asian countries. Representative samples of the seeds of the most abundant cultivar (MC43) in Sri Lanka were collected. The kernel represented 60 ± 4.7% of the seed by dry weight basis. The oil content of the dry kernel was 40.45 ± 3.12%. The seed oil was rich in α-eleosteric acid (50.04 ± 4.80%) and three other geometrical isomers of 9,11,13-octadecatrienoic acid that constituted 6.55%. The acid value, the saponification value and the iodine value were 2.73 ± 0.876, 190.70 ± 1.82 mg/g and 115.96 ± 3.46 cg/g, respectively. The set-to-touch drying time of 3 h observed for the seed oil of MC43 was significantly less than that of linseed oil (13 h). The presence of a high amount of conjugated octadecatrienoic acids, low acid value, high saponification value, moderate iodine value and the low set-to-touch drying time are promising indicators of the potential of karawila seed oil as a good drying oil for the paint and coating industry.     

Oil and minor components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) strains

Oil and mior components of sesamin and sesamolin were studied in 42 strains ofSesamum indicum L. The oil contents of the seed ranged from 43.4 to 58.8% and varied inversely with the percentage of hull (r=−0.804, significant at the 1% level). The hull percentage was used as a criterion to predict oil content. The percentage of sesamin in the oil ranged from 0.07 to 0.61% and that of sesamolin from 0.02 to 0.48%. There was a significant positive correlation between the oil content of the seed and the sesamin content of the oil (r=0.608, significant at the 1% level); no correlation was found between the oil and sesamolin contents. The average oil content found for the white-seeded strains was 55.0% and for the black-seeded strains 47.8%, the difference of 7.2% being significant at the 1% level. The white- and black-seed strains also differed significantly in sesamin content, but not in sesamolin content.     

Solvent extraction of the oils of rubber,melon, pumpkin and oilbean seeds

Solvents of differing dielectric constant were used to extract oils from the seeds of: rubber [Hevea brasiliensis (Kunth) Muell. Arg.], melon [Colocynthis vulgaris Schrad], fluted pumpkin [Telfairia occidentalis Hook f.] and oilbean [Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth]. The aim was to examine the effect of solvent polarity on oil yield and oil properties. The oils were extracted under Soxhlet conditions with the following solvents: petroleum benzene (60–80°C), cyclohexane, isopropyl ether, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, propan-2-ol and acetone. The oils were characterized by acid number, iodine value and color intensity determinations. The oil yields of each seed in different solvents ranged as follows: 58.0–64.4% (pumpkin), 56.1–59.1% (melon), 40.6–48.8% (rubber) and 35.4–43.3% (oilbean). The equilibrium extracting capacity of each solvent was found to depend on two factors, namely, the nature of the oil and the polarity of the solvent. Both factors were found to determine the acid number, iodine value and color intensity of each oil.     

Seeds and oil of the Styrian oil pumpkin: Components and biological activities

Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. Styriaca is a phylogenetically young member of the Cucurbita spp. since the mutation leading to dark green seeds with stunted outer hulls arose only in the 19^th century. This mutation defined the so‐called Styrian oil pumpkin and facilitated the production of Styrian pumpkin seed oil. It is a regional specialty oil in the south‐eastern part of Europe. In this article, we describe the production and economic value of this edible oil as well as its composition on a molecular basis, including fatty acids, vitamins, phytosterols, minerals, polyphenols, and the compounds responsible for its pigments, taste and flavor. We also describe contaminants of Styrian pumpkin seed oil and the most relevant field pests of the Styrian oil pumpkin plant. Finally, we review the putative beneficial health effects of Styrian oil pumpkin seeds and of their products.     

Production technology and characteristics of Styrian pumpkin seed oil

Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. Styriaca, the so‐called Styrian oil pumpkin, is a phylogenetically young member of the Cucurbita spp. A single mutation occurred only in the 19^th century and led to dark green seeds with stunted outer hulls. This mutation facilitated the production of Styrian pumpkin seed oil that became a regional specialty oil in the south‐eastern part of Europe during the last few decades. We describe in this article the production and economic value of this edible specialty oil as well as the most important parameters relevant for its quality. Furthermore, we report on its molecular composition including fatty acids, vitamins, phytosterols, minerals, polyphenols, and those compounds that are responsible for its color, taste and flavor. Finally, information is provided on potential contaminants of Styrian pumpkin seed oil as well as its putative beneficial health effects.     

On the interrelationship between hepatic carnitine, fatty acid oxidation, and triglyceride biosynthesis in nephrosis

The nephrotic syndrome is associated with disturbances in plasma lipid pattern and metabolism. However, the reason for these perturbations is poorly understood. In the present study, we have investigated hepatic triglyceride metabolism in puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats. Nephrotic rats displayed a 70% increase in hepatic triglyceride levels compared to controls (16.9±1.6 vs. 9.8±0.6 μmol/g liver; means±SEM, P<0.01). The capacity for hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids was substantially elevated (80%). This was associated with a rise in the liver content of the fatty acid carrier carnitine (1.24±0.06 vs. 0.85±0.07 μmol/g dry weight, P<0.05). A positive correlation between the levels of acetylcarnitine and acetyl-CoA was found in normal as well as in nephrotic rats, implying that carnitine plays an important role as an acetyl group acceptor in the liver under normo- and hyperlipidemic conditions. Changes in carnitine levels seem to be tightly coupled to the rate of fatty acid oxidation. There was a significant elevation in the activity of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (E.C. 3.1.3.4) in liver microsomes from nephrotic rats (1.07±0.09 vs. 0.81±0.04 nmol/min·mg protein, P<0.02). Hepatic very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-triglyceride secretion rate was 18% higher in nephrotic rats than in controls. The results demonstrate a deranged hepatic triglyceride metabolism in nephrosis, with an increased hepatic triglyceride biosynthesis, a sizable accumulation of hepatic triglycerides, and only a modest increase in VLDL triglyceride secretion. In addition, mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids was enhanced, associated with an increased availability of carnitine.     

含聚污水斜管除油-过滤分离效率实验研究

含聚污水的高效分离处理是注聚采出液处理的热点难点之一。结合LD10-1平台斜管除油器V-3010的设计运行参数,探讨了污水含聚量为200 mg/L时、斜管除油器中斜管倾角600、500、450和污水停留分离时间20 min时的斜管除油率为60.8%～72.5%,悬浮物去除率为56.37%～66.21%;斜管倾角500时和污水停留分离时间15～40 min时的斜管除油率为59.8%～79.5%,悬浮物去除率为54.23%～73.48%。污水含聚量在50～600 mg/L变化时斜管倾角500的除油率为75.91～61.7%,模拟现场流程与核桃壳过滤器串联使用后,处理后水中粒径中值的分布范围0.972～26.16μm。     

Dietary lipid modification of myocardial eicosanoids following ischemia and reperfusion in the rat

Several different edible oils were compared for their ability to modify eicosanoid biosynthesis following experimentally-induced myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in the rat. Two types of palm oil [neutralized, bleached, and deodorized (NBDPO) and refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBDPO)] and partially hydrogenated soybean oil (SBO) were tested against a diet supplemented with sunflower seed oil (SSO) rich in n−6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Fish oil (FO) rich in n−3 PUFA, with its known cardioprotective actions, served as an internal reference point for the study. Test oils were fed as a 12% (w/w) supplement for nine months before the induction of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Palm oil diets exerted effects indistinguishable from the SBO group against cardiac arrhythmia, which occurred following alterations to coronary blood flow. Arrhythmic potentials, as expressed by a hierarchical scale (0–9) of arrhythmia score, were: SSO, 1.5±0.5; FO, 0.9±0.4; SBO; 3.1±0.5^*; NBDPO, 3.2±0.5^*; RBDPO, 3.3±0.6^*,^* P<0.05 vs. SSO. Following ischemia and reperfusion, both SSO and RBDPO groups tended to show an increase in myocardial prostacyclin, with the effect being more prominent in the RBDPO group (SSO, 10%; RBDPO, 25%). Thromboxane production was reduced in the FO group. Interestingly, cardiac muscle from both FO and palm oil groups displayed a reduced capacity to produce 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid SSO, 591.9±95.8; SBO, 375.5±48.9; NBDPO, 287.2±64.7^*; RBDPO, 230.9±80.2^**; FO, 203.7±81.4^** (ng/g dry wt,^* P<0.05,^** P<0.01). No clear relationship was seen between the availability of 20∶4n−6 in myocardial phospholipids and eicosanoid profile. Data suggests that fatty acid composition of edible oils is not the only determinant of arrhythmic vulnerability and eicosanoid production. Based on a paper presented at the PORIM International Palm Oil Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 1993.     

Characterization of the Composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caesalpinia bonducella</Emphasis> Seed Grown in Temperate Regions of Pakistan

Caesalpinia bonducella is an oilseed that is indigenous to Pakistan. The hexane-extracted oil content from the seed kernel was 17.3 ± 1.0% DM (dry matter). The proximate analysis of C. bonducella seed estimated protein, fiber and ash contents to be 20.8 ± 1.4, 5.3 ± 1.0 and 4.6 ± 0.8%, respectively. Trace metals were determined comparable to commonly consumed legume seeds. α-Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol ranging from 345.10 to 460.21 mg/kg of oil, followed by γ- and δ-tocopherol. The major sterols were β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, Δ5-avenasterol, Δ7-stigmastenol and Δ7 avenasterol. The kernel oil was found to contain a high level of linoleic acid (72.7 ± 1.0%) followed by oleic, stearic and palmitic acids. The high percentage of linoleic acid revealed that this oil is a potential source for the manufacture of cosmetics, paints, varnishes, soaps, liquid soaps and other products including biodiesel. These investigations suggest that C. bonducella oil is potentially an important dietary source of essential fatty acids and protein which could be employed for edible and commercial applications in various industries of Pakistan.     

Modulation of renal injury in pcy mice by dietary fat containing n−3 fatty acids depends on the level and type of fat

Low-fat diets and diets containing n−3 fatty acids (FA) slow the progression of renal injury in the male Han:Sprague-Dawley (SPRD)-cy rat model of polycystic kidney disease. To determine whether these dietary fat effects are similar in females and in another model of renal cystic disease, in this study we used both male and female pcy mice to examine the effects of fat level and type on disease progression. Adult pcy mice were fed 4, 10, or 20 g soybean oil/100 g diet for 130 d in study 1. In study 2, weanling pcy mice were fed high or low levels of fat rich in 18∶2n−6 (corn oil, CO) 18∶3n−3 (flaxseed oil/CO 4∶1 g/g, FO), or 22∶6n−3 (algal oil/CO 4∶1 g/g, DO) for 8 wk. In adult pcy mice, low-compared with high-fat diets lowered kidney weights (2.4±0.2 vs. 3.1±0.2 g/100 g body weight, P=0.006) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) (9.6±0.6 vs. 11.9±0.6 mmol/L, P=0.009), whereas in young pcy mice it reduced renal fibrosis volumes (0.44±0.04 vs. 0.62±0.04 mL/kg body weight, P<0.0001). FO feeding in young pcy mice mitigated the detrimental effects of high fat on fibrosis while not altering kidney size, function, and oxidative damage when compared with the CO-fed mice. In contrast, DO-compared with CO-fed mice had higher kidney weights (2.64±0.07 vs. 2.24±0.08 g/100 g body weight, P=0.005), SUN (9.4±0.57 vs. 7.0±0.62 nmol/L, P<0.0001), and cyst volumes (7.9±0.28 vs. 6.2±0.30 mL/kg body weight, P<0.0001) and similar levels of oxidative damage and fibrosis. The FA compositions of the diets were reflected in the kidneys: 18∶2n−6, 18∶3n−3, and 22∶6n−3 were the highest in the CO, FO, and DO diets, respectively. Dietary effects on kidney disease progression were similar in males and females. A low-fat diet slows progression of renal injury in male and female pcy mice, consistent with findings in the male Han:SPRD-cy rat. Dietary fat type also influenced renal injury, with flaxseed oil diets rich in 18∶3n−3 slowing early fibrosis progression compared with diets rich in 18∶2n−6 or in 22∶6n−3.     

A multistage hydrocyclone/stirred-tank system for countercurrent extraction of canola oil

Ground canola seed containing 46.9% oil (A) and partially extracted meal, similar to pre-pressed meal containing 13.7% oil (B), were ground in a methanol/ammonia/water solution, filtered to remove antinutrients and extracted countercurrently with hexane in a multistage hydrocyclone/stirred-tank extraction unit. An empirical model was developed for predicting the yield (i.e., oil recovery) from the process. Based on the model calculations, a six-stage unit operating at a hexane-to-meal ratio (R) of 6.2 L/kg was required for processing meal A. The calculated oil recovery was 98.3%, resulting in a meal containing 0.7% residual oil. Meal B required a five-stage unit operating at R=5.7 L/kg. The calculated oil recovery was 99.2% with 0.6% residual oil in the meal. The calculations were confirmed experimentally with two- and four-stage crosscurrent extraction processes.     

Cuphea a rich source of medium chain triglycerides: Fatty acid composition and oil diversity in Cuphea procumbens

The phenological characteristics, oil content, and fatty acid composition of 34 selections of Cuphea procumbens have been studied. The mean seed yield per plant was 9.7 ± 0.43 g. Maximum seed yield (16.7 g) was noticed in NBC‐27, while the average number of fruits per plant was 124.9 ± 10.7. The oil content in the seeds ranged from 16.7—28.7%, maximum being in NBC‐34. The fatty acid composition revealed the presence of capric acid (C10:0) in all the selections of C. procumbens as the major constituent of the oil ranging from 87.7—94.6%. C. procumbens showed its novelty as an alternative source of capric acid and may be utilized as a renewable resource in the production of plasticizers and lubricants which wholly depend on petrochemical import. Researches are in progress in order to obtain tolerant cultivars against wild plant characteristics and some delayed seed shattering plants have been identified.     

Proximate Analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Adenanthera pavonina</Emphasis> L. Seed Oil,a Source of Lignoceric Acid Grown in Pakistan

Adenanthera pavonina L. is indigenous to Pakistan a proximate analysis of the seeds was carried out and a physicochemical characterization of the seed oil and also a quality evaluation of the oil was made. The hexane-extracted oil content of the seed was 13.32 ± 0.55 %. Analysis showed the seed of A. pavonina contained appreciable amounts of protein (22.14 ± 0.78 %). Fiber and ash contents were 3.13 ± 0.64 and 4.53 ± 0.47 %, respectively. Triacylglycerol (97.51 ± 1.12 %) was predominantly present in the seed oil. Unsaponifiable matter (0.95 ± 0.10 %), peroxide value (11.43 ± 0.51 mequiv./kg) and saponification value (196.3 ± 0.87 mg of KOH/g of oil), iodine value (83.73 ± 1.18 g I/100 g oil) are in close agreement with the edible seed oils. α-Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol 152.33 ± 13.19 mg/kg of oil while sterols are present at a significant level. Linoleic acid (42.97 ± 0.91 %) and oleic acid (17.89 ± 0.54 %) were found predominantly in unsaturated fatty acids while lignoceric acid (20.24 ± 1.12 %) was the predominant one among the saturated fatty acids. Lignoceric acid is rarely found in seed which is an essential nutrient for growth, development and maintenance of the brain. It is concluded that A. pavonina seeds appear to be a potential source of lignoceric acid and linoleic acid. This oil can be utilized in the manufacture of cosmetics, paints, varnishes, soaps, pharmaceutical products, biodiesel and blended formulations. The high protein content revealed that the seeds could be a good source of energy.