Lipid composition of perilla seed

The composition of lipids and oil characteristics from perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.] seed cultivars are reported. Total lipid contents of the five perilla seed cultivars ranged from 38.6 to 47.8% on a dry weight basis. The lipids consisted of 91.2–93.9% neutral lipids, 3.9–5.8% glycolipids and 2.0–3.0% phospholipids. Neutral lipids consisted mostly of triacylglycerols (88.1–91.0%) and small amounts of sterol esters, hydrocarbons, free fatty acids, free sterols and partial glycerides. Among the glycolipids, esterified sterylglycoside (48.9–53.2%) and sterylglycoside (22.1–25.4%) were the most abundant, while monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol were present as minor components. Of the phospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine (50.4–57.1%) and phosphatidylcholines (17.6–20.6%) were the major components, and phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were present in small quantities. The major fatty acids of the perilla oil were linolenic (61.1–64.0%), linoleic (14.3–17.0%) and oleic acids (13.2–14.9%). Some of the physicochemical characteristics and the tocopherol composition of perilla oil were determined.     

Dietary protein deficiency affects n−3 and n−6 polyunsaturated fatty acids hepatic storage and very low density lipoprotein transport in rats on different diets

Fatty livers and the similarity between the skin lesions in kwashiorkor and those described in experimental essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency have led to the hypothesis that protein and EFA deficiencies may both occur in chronic malnutrition. The relationship between serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and hepatic lipid composition was studied after 28 d of protein depletion to determine the interactions between dietary protein levels and EFA availability. Rats were fed purified diets containing 20 or 2% casein and 5% fat as either soybean oil rich in EFA, or salmon oil rich in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, or hydrogenated coconut, oil poor in EFA. Animals were divided into six groups, SOC (20% casein +5% soybean oil), SOd (2% casein +5% soybean oil), COC (20% casein +5% hydrogenated coconut oil), COd (2% casein + 5% hydrogenated coconut oil), SAC (20% casein +5% salmon oil) and SAd (2% casein +5% salmon oil). After 28 d, liver steatosis and reduced VLDL-phospholipid contents (P<0.001) were observed in protein-deficient rats. In protein deficiency, triacylglycerol and phospholipid fatty acid compositions in both liver and VLDL showed a decreased polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio. This ratio was higher with the salmon oil diets and lower with the hydrogenated coconut oil diets. Furthermore, independent of the oil in the diet, protein deficiency decreased linoleic and arachidonic acids in VLDL phospholipids. Conversely, despite decreased proportions of EPA at low protein levels, DHA levels remained higher in rats fed salmon oil diets. While in rats fed the hydrogenated coconut oil-fed diets the amount of 22∶5n−6 was lower in liver, it was higher in VLDL lipids at low protein levels. Both EPA and arachidonic acid are precursors of eicosanoids and their diminution may be related to certain clinical symptoms seen in infants suffering from kwashiorkor.     

Chemical composition and biological quality of defatted hazelnut flour

The results of the chemical composition and biological quality of deffated hazel nut flour are shown. The samples analyzed contained significant amounts of proteins (19%) comparable to legume flour, higher than cereals and lower than deffated oleaginous flours. The oil extracted from the seed was analyzed and the average results obtained were the following: Refraction index, 1.47; saponification No. 184.8; iodine No. 85.0. The average composition of the fatty acids obtained by gas liquid chromatography was: Palmitic acid 2.3% Palmitoleic acid 37.0% Stearic acid 0.5% Oleic acid 39.5% Linoleic acid 6.9% Linolenic acid 1.1% Eicosanoic acid 2.3% Eicosaenoic acid 4.6% Docosenoic acid 3.4% Tetraeicosanoic acid 0.3% These results indicate a good-quality oil due to the low content of linolenic acid. The nutritive value of the deffated meal measured in the rats gave a net protein ratio (NPR) of 3.58, lower than the corresponding casein value (4.10). The true protein digestibility measured in the rat gave a value of 7.3%, compared to 95% for casein. The amounts of iron and phosphorous are comparatively lower than those reported for rape-seed meal and sunflower meal.     

Composition and physicochemical properties of Combretum collinum,Combretum micranthum,Combretum nigricans,and Combretum niorense seeds and seed oils from Burkina Faso

Combretum collinum, Combretum micranthum, Combretum nigricans, and Combretum niorense are abundant unconventional seed oils of the African savannah. In this study, the proximate, mineral, amino acid, fatty acid, and triacylglycerol compositions of the four seed oils were quantified, and the oxidative and physicochemical properties were investigated. The amino acid, fatty acid, and triacylglycerol compositions were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography respectively. Carbohydrates (57.35%–64.20%) followed by crude oils (20.07%–22.60%), proteins (11.95%–15.86%), and ashes (3.78%–6.19%) were the main constituents of the four seed species. The highest ash, crude fat, and protein contents were found in C. collinum, C. nigricans, and C. niorense, respectively. All four seed species were rich in Ca, K and Mg, and poor in methionine, cysteine, and lysine. The four seed oils had high saponification values (198.46–202.71 mgKOH/g), low acidity (1.12–2.26 mg of KOH/g of oil), and peroxide values (1.19–1.98 mEqO₂/kg of oil). The seed oils of C. micranthum and C. collinum exhibited the highest thermal oxidative stability (8.10 and 9.79 h at 160°C). Oleic (40.49%–56.69%), palmitic (15.17%–24.27%) and linoleic (9.49%–14.50%) acids were the predominant fatty acids of the four seed oils. The results showed that the four seed species and seed oils had good chemical composition and physicochemical properties making them suitable for food and non-food application.     

Characterisation of Seed Lipids from Bixa orellana and Trachyspermum copticum

Bixa orellana L. seeds possess a resinous lipid (6.3 %), which has a pungent and spicy odour. The seed is known for its medicinal properties such as anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic activity and as a cure for tonsilitis. Trachyspermum copticum L. seed is a well known digestive aid and relief from colic pain. T. copticum possesses essential oil rich in thymol (>50 %) and lipid (15.6 %). The present study was aimed to quantify lipid classes of these two species by silicic acid chromatography and analyze their fatty acid composition by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It was observed that the seed lipids are rich in neutral lipids with 98.1 and 95.2 % and lower quantities of glycolipids of 1.5 and 3.8 % and phospholipids of 0.36 and 1.0 % in B. orellana and T. copticum, respectively. The fatty acid composition of B. orellana seed lipid showed major quantities of palmitic (26.9 %), linoleic (26.1 %), oleic (17.5 %), linolenic (15.1 %), stearic acid (10.8 %) and small quantities of eicosanoic acid (3.6 %). In T. copticum seed lipids, petroselinic acid (68.3 %) and linoleic acid (25.3 %) together constituted 93 % of the total lipid. The results revealed that the lipids after recovery of the essential components namely, bixin and volatile oil from B. orellana and T. copticum, respectively can be further explored for industrial applications.     

Characterization of yam bean (Pachyrhizus spp.) Seeds as potential sources of high palmitic acid oil

Seeds from 22 accessions of the yam bean species Pachyrhizus ahipa (14 accessions), P. erosus (5), and P. tuberosus (3) were investigated for oil and protein contents, fatty acid composition of the seed oil, and the total tocopherol content and composition. Plants from the accessions were grown under greenhouse conditions during one (P. erosus and P. tuberosus) or two years (P. ahipa). The pattern of the investigated seed quality traits was very similar in the three species. Yam bean seeds were characterized by high oil (from about 20 to 28% in one environment) and protein contents (from about 23 to 34%). Seed oil contained high concentrations of palmitic (from about 25 to 30% of the total fatty acids), oleic (21 to 29%), and linoleic acids (35 to 40%). Levels of linolenic acid were very low, from about 1.0 to 2.5%. Total tocopherol content was relatively low in P. erosus (from 249 to 585 mg kg⁻¹ oil) and P. tuberosus (from 260 to 312 mg kg⁻¹ oil) compared with the levels found in P. ahipa grown under identical conditions (508 to 858 mg kg⁻¹ oil). In all the samples, γ-tocopherol was predominant, accounting for more than 90% of the total tocopherol content. The combination of high oil and protein contents, together with high palmitic acid, low linolenic acid, and high γ-tocopherol concentration, makes these crops an interesting alternative as sources of high palmitic acid oil for the food industry.     

Composition of jojoba seed during development

Data were taken on developing jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis [Link] Schneider) seed to determine what differences should be expected in quantity and quality of wax and meal when seed is harvested before complete maturation. Analyses were carried out for seed wt; moisture, protein, and wax contents; fatty acid and alcohol composition of the wax; and amino acid composition of the meal of seed samples collected from a natural population in Aguanga, Calif., at weekly intervals from June 20 to maturity on August 15. Wax content of the seed increased rapidly during the first 4 weeks from 13.5–40.5% and slower later, from 43.6–49.4%. Protein content of the meal increased at a slow steady rate during the entire period from 22.3–32.6%. Seed harvested 20 days prior to full maturity had essentially the same wax and protein contents as mature seed; it had lower seed wt and excessively high moisture though. The amino acid content of the meal increased considerably between the first and last sampling from 13.40–26.18% by wt. Certain amino acids increased at a faster rate than others. Whereas major changes occurred in the fatty acid composition of the wax, the alcohol composition remained unchanged throughout the sampling period.     

γ-Linolenic and stearidonic acids in Mongolian Boraginaceae

Seeds of nine Central Asian species of Boraginaceae were investigated for the first time for their oil content and for the fatty acid composition of their seed oils by capillary gas chromatography. Levels of γ-linolenic acid ranged from 6.6 to 13.0% and levels of stearidonic acid ranged from 2.4 to 21.4% of total seed fatty acids. The seed oil ofHackelia deflexa exhibited the highest stearidonic acid content (21.4%) that has been found so far in nature. Other high contents of this fatty acid were in threeLappula species (17.2 to 18.1%). Seed oils ofCynoglossum divaricatum andAmblynotus rupestris contain considerable amounts ofcis-11-eicosenoic (5.3 to 5.8%) andcis-13-docosenoic acid (7.0 to 9.7%) besides γ-linolenic (10.2 to 13.0%) and stearidonic acid (2.4 to 6.5%), which distinguish these oils from those of other Boraginaceae genera. This paper was presented as a poster at 10th Minisymposium and Workshop on Plant Lipids, Sept. 3–6, 1995, in Berne, Switzerland.     

Chemical and nutritional studies on the seed oil ofAcacia arabica

The seeds ofAcacia arabica contain 5.2% oil. Physicochemical constants and fatty acid composition of the refined seed oil were determined. The seed oil was rich in linoleic acid (39.2%) and oleic acid (32.8%). Trace quantities of epoxy and hydroxy fatty acids were present in the seed oil. Nutritional evaluation of the refined seed oil was done by rat bioassay with peanut oil as control. The animals fed 10% seed oil showed poor growth performance and low feed efficiency ratio. The digestibility of the seed oil was 90% compared to 94% for peanut oil. The seed oil in the diet of rats for 4 wk did not produce any abnormal serum lipids or histopathological findings.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Santalum </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">insulare</Emphasis> Acetylenic Fatty Acid Seed Oils: Comparison within the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Santalum</Emphasis> Genus

The sandalwood kernels of Santalum insulare (Santalaceae) collected in French Polynesia give seed oils containing significant amounts of ximenynic acid, E-11-octadecen-9-oic acid (64–86%). Fatty acid (FA) identifications were performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of FA methyl esters. Among the other main eight identified fatty acids, oleic acid was found at a 7–28% level. The content in stearolic acid, octadec-9-ynoic acid, was low (0.7–3.0%). An inverse relationship was demonstrated between ximenynic acid and oleic acid using 20 seed oils. Results obtained have been compared to other previously published data on species belonging to the Santalum genus, using multivariate statistical analysis. The relative FA S. insulare composition, rich in ximenynic acid is in the same order of those given for S. album or S. obtusifolium. The other compared species (S. acuminatum, S. lanceolatum, S. spicatum and S. murrayanum) are richer in oleic acid (40–59%) with some little differences in linolenic content.     

Studies on Herbaceous Seed Oils XI

Seeds from eight species were analysed by standard procedures for oil and protein contents. The fatty acid composition of the oils was determined by GLC. Five species were found to contain oils above 20% and none of them is rich in protein. Some of the oils have a composition fairly similar to the oils at present in common use. Five seed oils are interesting in having more than 50% of saturated acids of the total fatty acids. T. involucrata seed seems to be a promising species because of its high oil and linoleic acid (61.7%) contents.     

Changes in ether-linked phospholipids in rat kidney by dietary α-linolenic acidin vivo

We investigated the effects of perilla oil containing a high level of α-linolenic acid onin vivo phospholipid metabolism, particularly three subclasses of choline glycerophospholipids (CGP) and ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EGP), in rat kidney. After three weeks of feeding, a significantly lower proportion (by 35%) of the alkylacyl subclass of CGP was found in the perilla oil, as compared to corn oil-fed animals. The alkylacyl species of EGP was also higher in the perilla oil than in the corn oil-fed animals. These alterations were accompanied by a remarkably lower proportion of arachidonic acid and a higher level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in all six subclasses of CGP and EGP in the perilla oil-fed animals. The levels of linoleic acid were even higher in the diacyl subclasses of CGP and EGP in the perilla oil group, suggesting that desaturase and elongase enzymes prefer n−3 to n−6 fatty acids as substrates for diacyl species. These data are useful in defining the effects of α-linolenic acid on the biosynthesis of renal phospholipids and on the replacement of n−6 with n−3 fatty acids in the six CGP and EGP subclasses.     

Serum cholesterol,triglycerides and total lipid fatty acids of rats in response to okra(hibiscus escuientus) seed oil

Tender pods of okra are commonly consumed vegetables in India. Okra seed kernel, like soybean, is a rich source of protein and fat. Its fat, with its appreciable linoleic acid content (>42%), prompted us to look into its metabolic utility in comparison with commonly consumed groundnut oil. Serum lipid profiles, with respect to cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipid fatty acids were determined in rats receiving okra seed oil at a level of 10% in the casein based diet which was adequate with respect to vitamins, minerals, etc. The control group received a casein based diet in which groundnut oil was the source of fat. Serum lipid profiles in this group were similarly monitored. The feeding trial was carried out for a period of 90 days. Results showed that serum cholesterol content of rats receiving okra seed oil was significantly lower compared to those consuming groundnut oil. A decreasing trend in total lipids as well as triglycerides was also evident in animals fed okra seed oil. Serum fatty acid profiles showed a relatively higher proportion of long chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this group as compared to the group receiving groundnut oil. These results indicate that okra seed oil consumption has a potential hypocholesterolemic effect. To whom correspondence to be addressed. ¹Part of this work was presented at 45th Annual Meeting of Oil Technologists Association of India, New Delhi-Feb. 9–10, 1990.     

Nutritional effects of mustard seed protein detoxified with aqueous isopropanol in young rats

The effect of removing anti‐nutritional factors from n‐hexane‐extracted mustard meal using 80% isopropanol (to reduce thioglucosides, phenolics, etc.) on growth, food efficiency ratio, serum and liver lipid profiles and protein content of young rats was examined. For this n‐hexane‐extracted mustard meal was extracted with 80% isopropanol giving a fraction with 68% protein and low residual thioglucoside (0.5%) as well as phenolic (0.3%) content. This isopropanol‐extracted mustard seed protein fraction reduced the growth of young rats slightly when compared with casein. The food efficiency ratio between rats fed isopropanol‐extracted mustard seed protein or casein did not differ, nor did the protein composition affect serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, VLDL‐cholesterol and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio. However, rats fed isopropanol‐extracted mustard seed protein showed a significantly lower (p<0.05) liver cholesterol concentration than rats fed casein. Liver triglyceride and phospholipid concentrations did not differ between rats fed the two proteins, nor was serum protein affected. This study indicates that extraction of hexane‐extracted mustard meal with 80% isopropanol reduced a number of anti‐nutritional factors like thioglucoside and phenolics. Furthermore the nutritional quality of mustard seed protein fraction is comparable to casein in respect to growth, food efficiency ratio, serum lipid and protein concentrations and organ weights.     

Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis>, a Potential Biodiesel Crop

The chemical characteristics of Pongamia pinnata seeds, focussing on proximate composition and the fatty acid profile of its oil, are presented. The proximate composition of P. pinnata seeds was: 3.8% ash, 9.7% sugar, 7.07% protein, 24% oil, 10.7% free amino acids, and 0.24% free fatty acids. The oil was extracted from seeds by use of different solvents and the highest yield (29%) was obtained by use of n-hexane. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids accounted for 63.3 and 22.9%, respectively, of the seed oil. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid but a substantial amount of erucic acid was also detected; this was not reported in previous studies. The level of erucic acid and the presence of toxic flavonoids, for example karanjin, pongapin, and pongaglabrin, render the oil inedible according to WHO recommendations. However, low levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with desirable cetane number and iodine value suggest potential for application as a biodiesel fuel.     

Chemical Quality Evaluation of Damaged Jojoba Seeds (Simmondsia chinensis)

The objective of the research was to characterize the quality of damaged and undamaged jojoba seeds. The study was performed on jojoba seeds grown in La Rioja, Argentina. Proximal composition, fatty acid composition, acid value, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and trienes and protein electrophoresis profiles were determined in undamaged (JS) and damaged jojoba seeds (DJS). The fat content (wax) was lower in DJS (39.11%) than in JS (50.82%). The values of acid, peroxide, conjugated dienes and trienes were higher in DJS than in JS. No difference in fatty acid composition was observed between DJS and JS. The protein content was not significantly different between JS and DJS. However, DJS had lower soluble protein values. In the electrophoresis profiles, the band located at 50 kDa disappeared in DJS and the intensity of the band located at 25 kDa decreased. The deterioration process in jojoba kernels significantly affects the chemical quality of their proteins and waxes.     

Characterization of proteins in Cuphea (PSR23) seeds

This study characterized the proteins in Cuphea (PSR23) seed to provide fundamental information on their size, amino acid profile, solubility classes, and solubility behavior. The seed contained 32% (dry basis, db) oil and 21% (db) crude protein. Over 70% of the protein was extracted at pH 11.6. Nonprotein nitrogen accounted for 9% of the total N content. Compared with the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University suggested pattern of requirements, Cuphea PSR23 seed protein had sufficient amounts of methionine+cystine-cysteine, considerable amounts (90%) of valine, phenylalanine+tyrosine, but was practically devoid of tryptophan. Lysine was the second-most limiting essential amino acid at 68%. Glutelins and albumins accounted for 83.5 and 15.4%, respectively, of the total protein extracted. SDS-PAGE showed that Cuphea protein subunits had M.W. ranging from <6.5 to 110 kDa. Dominant protein subunits in albumins had M.W. of 30, 40, 50, and 86 kDa. Glutelins had two major protein subunits with M.W. of 15 and 30 kDa. The distribution of essential amino acids was better in the albumin and glutelin fractions than in the defatted meal.     

Fractionation and Some Chemical Studies on Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Seed Protein

The unavailability of protein foods, particularly in the context of population growth, has been an important factor in the protein malnutrition encountered in developing countries. The fractionation, gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of Ailanthus excelsa seed (a nontraditional source containing 15.81% protein) proteins were carried out in the present study, and their solubility profiles, surface topographies and amino acid compositions were evaluated. The globulin fraction dominated the seed protein composition, accounting for 51.31% (w/w) of the total soluble proteins in the seeds. Protein isolate and protein fractions of A. excelsa seeds showed similar topographical structures to those of other plant seed proteins. Analysis of the isolated proteins identified 17 amino acids, of which nine were essential. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 revealed the presence of seven components. PAGE detected different polypeptide bands in the range of 28.8−154.9 kDa in the protein isolate as well as in protein fractions for A. excelsa. The amino acid compositions, the solubility patterns and the high abundances of low molecular weight proteins indicate that the isolated seed protein of A. excelsa may be a potential food protein.     

Comparison of chemical and agronomic characteristics of twoBrassica napus L. cultivars,bronowski and target

TheBrassica napus cultivar, Bronowski, has a low glucosinolate content in the seed and thus has considerable potential as a parent stock for the production of low glucosinolate rapeseed. It also differs from otherB. napus cultivars in fatty acid composition, but the meal amino acid analysis is similar to that of the standard cultivar, Target. The physical and chemical properties of the Bronowski seed storage proteins are similar to those from Target. While the results permit no definite conclusions about the origin of Bronowski, they show that a cross between it and Target does not change greatly the amino acid composition of meal or the protein composition in the progeny. Crosses between Bronowski and otherB. napus cultivars have produced progeny with a glucosinolate content lower than Target and an improved agronomic performance. One of six papers presented in the symposium “Rapeseed Marketing and Breeding,” AOCS Meeting, Ottawa, September 1972. NRCC No. 13393.     

Fatty acid variation in seed oil amongOcimum species

Content, fatty acid composition, and glyceride profile of oil from seeds of seven basil (Ocimum sp.) chemotypes were determined. The species studied includedO. basilicum, O. canum, O. gratissimum, andO. sanctum. The oil content ranged from 18 to 26%, with triglycerides comprising between 94 and 98% of extracted neutral lipids. The major acylated fatty acids were linolenic (43.8–64.8%), linoleic (17.8–31.3%), oleic (8.5–13.3%), and palmitic acid (6.1–11.0%). Linolenic acid was similar among the fourO. basilicum chemotypes (57–62%), highest inO. canum (65%), and lowest inO. sanctum (44%). Basil seed oil appears suitable as an edible oil or can be used for industrial purposes, and could be processed in the same way as linseed oil. Preliminary calculations estimate that a hectare of basil could produce from 300 to 400 kg of seed oil.