Chemical Composition of Seed Oils Recovered from Different Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Cultivars

Lipophilic bioactive compounds in oils recovered from the seeds of eight pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars were studied. Oil yield in pear seeds ranged between 16.3 and 31.5 % (w/w) dw. The main fatty acids were palmitic acid (6.13–8.52 %), oleic acid (27.39–38.17 %) and linoleic acid (50.73–63.78 %), all three representing 96–99 % of the total detected fatty acids. The range of total tocochromanols was between 120.5 and 216.1 mg/100 g of oil. Independent of the cultivar, the γ‐tocopherol was the main tocochromanol and constituted approximately 88 %. The contents of the carotenoids and squalene were between 0.69–2.99 and 25.5–40.8 mg/100 g of oil, respectively. The β‐sitosterol constituted 83.4–87.6 % of total sterols contents, which ranged between 276.4 and 600.1 mg/100 g of oil. Three significant correlations were found between oil yield and total contents of sterols (r = ?0.893), tocochromanols (r = ?0.955) and carotenoids (r = ?0.685) in pear seed oils.     

Effect of seed maturity on seed oil,fatty acid and crude protein content of eightCuphea species

Thirty-six lots of eightCuphea species grown at nine geographical locations from 1983 to 1985 were analyzed for seed weight, oil percentage, fatty acid and crude protein content. Twenty-two samples were separated into two distinct seed maturity groups and also analyzed. Seed maturity varied widely but had little effect on oil percentage, even though mature seeds were significantly heavier than less mature seeds. Lauric acid content generally increased and capric acid decreased with increasing seed maturity. Crude protein of whole seeds and defatted seed meal increased with increasing seed maturity. The net effect of harvestingCuphea wrightii seeds at full maturity in comparison with that for less mature seeds was to increase seed weight by 12%, decrease capric acid by 3%, increase lauric acid by 2% and increase crude protein of whole seeds and defatted meal by 5% and 4%, respectively. Seed oil content was decreased by a statistically nonsignificant 1%. The effect of seed maturity was comparable for the other four lauric acid- and three capric acid-rich species, even though distinct species differences in all factors were measured. Location and environment contributed to some quantitative and qualitative changes, but these factors are not considered to be major sources of variation. It is concluded that variation in seed maturity does not present a major constraint to commercialization ofCuphea as a new, alternative source of lauric and other medium-chain fatty acids. The ultimate significance of these minor changes will depend upon relative yields, demands and values of the various seed components.     

Chemical Compositions and Mineral Contents of Some Hull-Less Pumpkin Seed and Oils

The main objective of this study was to determine total oil, total phenol, antioxidant activity and mineral contents of hull‐less pumpkin seeds and also fatty acid composition of seed oils. The results indicated that total oil, total phenol content and antioxidant activity values were found between 33.04 and 46.97 %, 56.94 and 87.15 mg GAE/100 g and 0.19 and 11.75 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids were the most prominent fatty acids in all genotypes. The most abundant mineral in the studied seeds, which belong to different genotypes, was potassium (2704.75–1033.63 ppm) followed by phosphorus (3569.690–9108.835 ppm) and magnesium (1275.15–3938.16 ppm) (p < 0.05). Particularly genotype‐1 was the richest seed in essential fatty acids and minerals.     

Analysis of oil and meal fromLesquerella fendleri seed

Attention is being focused onLesquerella species as a source of hydroxy acids to replace imported castor oil. Genetic and agronomic improvement and utilization of the seed oil and meal are being studies. We have conducted laboratory experiments to extract oil fromL. fendleri seed in preparation for extracting large quantities of seed.L. fendleri is a member of the Cruciferae family, and when seeds are crushed glucosinolates release isothiocyanates by the action of a thioglucosidase enzyme system. Therefore, our experiments included moist heat treatment of whole seeds to inactivate this enzyme. The seed was then flaked in a Wolf mill, and the flakes were exhaustively extracted with hexane. The oil was degummed and bleached, and then analyzed for hydroxyl (103), saponification (174), and iodine values (107), and for unsaponifiables (1.5%), FFA (1.13%) and P (10 ppm) contents. Hydroxy fatty acids, 55% lesquerolic (14-hydroxy-cis-11-eicosenoic) and 3% auricolic (14-hydroxy-cis-11,cis-17-eicosadienoic), and total fatty acid distribution were determined by gas chromatography of the methyl esters. The defatted meal was analyzed for residual oil (1%), protein (29.8%), non-protein nitrogen (0.7%), ash (6.45%). crude fiber (12.9%), and for distribution of amino acids. DefattedL. fendleri meal has an excellent distribution of amino acids, including favorable levels of lysine, methionine and threonine compared with soybean meal.     

Unexploited Thapsia garganica,Orlaya maritima,and Retama raetam Seeds: Potential Sources of Unsaturated Fatty Acid and Natural Antioxidants

Total lipid contents, fatty acid compositions, phenolic profiles and antioxidants activities of seeds from Thapsia garganica, Orlaya maritima, and Retama raetam were investigated. The oil values were more than 26 %, except seeds of R. raetam (ca. 3 %). Unsaturated fatty acids accounted for the majority of the fatty acids (more than 75 %). Oleic and linoleic acid were the predominant fatty acids. Total phenolic compounds (24–104 mg GAE g^?1 DR), total flavonoids (4–102 mg QE g^?1g DR), total tannins (28–85 mg GAE g^?1 DR) and condensed tannins (0.62–131 mg CE g^?1 DR) were also determined. The antioxidant activities using different assays were evaluated. The predominant detected classes were the phenolic acids (42–85 %) and the flavonoids (11–48 %). The major phenolic acids were caffeic, trans‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamic, p‐coumaric, and gallic acid. The predominant flavonoids were quercetin, luteolin, naringin, apigenin, and kaempferol. This study brings attention to the medicinal importance of these species as a source of oil and antioxidant molecules.     

Variation in Seed Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Globe Artichoke Under Different Irrigation Regimes

Seed oil content of globe artichoke and its composition were assessed under three irrigation regimes, including irrigation at 20, 50, and 80 % depletion of soil available water. Water deficit affected the phenological characteristics, amount and the quality of the oil as well as the phenolics and antioxidant activity of the leaves and capitula. The seed oil content ranged from 18.7 % in 80 % to 22.8 % in 20 % treatment. The fatty acid composition of oil was determined using gas chromatography (GC). The predominant fatty acids in the oil were linoleic (51.68 %), oleic (34.22 %), palmitic (9.94 %), and stearic (3.58 %). Water deficit leads to reduced oil content, linoleic acid, the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and the iodine value. On the other hand, some other fatty acids such as palmitic and oleic acid and also the ratio of oleic/linoleic acid were elevated due to water deficit. Higher antioxidant activity was observed in capitula (IC₅₀ = 222.6 μg ml^?1) in comparison to the leaves (IC₅₀ = 285.8 μg ml^?1). Finally, the severe drought stress condition caused to gain higher oil stability, while the highest seed oil content and unsaturated fatty acids in the oil was obtained in non‐stress condition. Moreover, high phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity as well as appreciable dry matter content were obtained in the moderate water stress condition.     

Seed Oils of Five Black Tartary Buckwheat Cultivars with Biochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties

Black tartary buckwheat oils (BTBOs) were extracted from five major industrial tartary buckwheat cultivars grown under similar agronomical activities and environmental conditions. These oils were characterized for the bioactive compounds containing fatty acids, β‐carotene, lutein, α‐, β‐, δ‐ and γ‐tocopherol, and for their antioxidant properties. The total tocopherol contents that were obtained ranged from 704.66 to 1156.19 mg/kg, with γ‐tocopherol (588.98–977.91 mg/kg) as the main component. The concentration of lutein ranged from 253.14 to 429.63 mg/kg, which was almost ten times higher than that of β‐carotenoid (46.71–69.2 mg/kg), indicating that black tartary buckwheat seed oils were a good source of lutein. The predominant fatty acids were unsaturated oleic acid (C18:1) (35.27–40.61 %) and linoleic acid (C18:2) (38.25–42.90 %). Excellent values of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were obtained and the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 13.89 mmol Trolox equiv/g oil was detected in the variety of Chuanqiao No. 1, which was clearly separated by principal component analysis (PCA) on the basis of the highest content of tocopherols and carotenoids. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that tocopherols and carotenoids were the major contributors to the antioxidant activities of the BTBOs. This study demonstrates that lipophilic extraction in the tartary buckwheat seed contains many interesting bioactive compounds, which are beneficial for human health.     

Chemical evaluation of some paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) seed oils

The oil contents of seeds from paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) collected from different locations in Turkey and Italy varied in a relatively wide range from 8.5 g/100 g to 32.6 g/100 g. The fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol contents of the oils from different paprika seeds were investigated. The main fatty acids in paprika seed oils were linoleic acid (69.5–74.7 g/100 g), oleic acid (8.9–12.5 g/100 g) and palmitic acid (10.7–14.2 g/100 g). The oils contained an appreciable amount of γ‐tocopherol (306.6–602.6 mg/kg), followed by α‐tocopherol (7.3–148.7 mg/kg). The major sterols were β‐sitosterol (1571.4–4061.7 mg/kg), campesterol (490.8–1182.7 mg/kg), and Δ⁵‐avenasterol (374.5–899.6 mg/kg). The total concentration of sterols ranged from 3134.0 mg/kg to 7233.7 mg/kg. Remarkable amounts of cholesterol were found in the different samples (164.6–491.0 mg/kg). The present study showed that paprika seeds are a potential source of valuable oil that could be used for edible and industrial applications.     

Mulberry Seed Oil: a Rich Source of δ‐Tocopherol

In the present study, mulberry seed oil (MSO) samples obtained from seeds of different mulberry varieties as well as concentrated mulberry juice production waste (mulberry pomace) were investigated. Radical scavenging capacity, tocopherol and total phenolic content of MSO were determined. It was observed that MSO contain unique amounts of δ‐tocopherol varying between 1645–2587 mg kg^?1 oil depending on the variety. The secondary tocopherol homologue was γ‐tocopherol within a concentration range of 299–854 mg kg^?1 oil. MSO exhibited a very high antioxidant capacity varying in the range of 1013–1743 and 2574–4522 mg α‐tocopherol equivalents (α‐TE) per kg of oil for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and freeze‐dried 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (FD‐ABTS) radical cation assays, respectively. Both antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were higher for mulberry pomace oil compared with the seed oils. Fatty acid composition of MSO was also determined, and linoleic acid was found to be the primary fatty acid (66–80 %).     

Soybean Seed Quality Characteristics in Response to Indigenous Bradyrhizobium Inoculation and N Fertilization in Kashmir–Pakistan

The objective of this study was to quantify changes in soybean seed quality characteristics in response to indigenous Bradyrhizobium inoculation and N fertilization applied under field conditions during the years 2009 and 2010. Seven indigenous Bradyrhizobium isolates were isolated from the different locations under the foothills of great Himalayas Rawalakot Kashmir, Pakistan. The field isolates were compared to a reference strain (exotic) TAL102, three N fertilizer rates and to an un‐inoculated control. The seed oil content, fatty acid composition, seed N, P and K concentration and seed N, P and K uptake were quantified. Bradyrhizobium inoculation and N fertilization significantly increased oil content compared to the un‐inoculated control. The seed oil content varied between 16.2 and 21.5 %, highest in the seeds treated with indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains NR₂₂, NR₂₅ and NR₃₅, and mainly composed of linoleic acid (47 %), and oleic acid (24 %). Inoculation and N fertilization both decreased the saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) and increased unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid). The mineral nutrient content of N, P, and K and their accumulation in seed increased by 2–3‐fold compared to the corresponding control. Indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains were able to generate the highest values for seed oil content (NR₂₂, NR₂₅, and NR₃₅), unsaturated fatty acids, i.e. linoleic acid and oleic acid (NR₂₅, and NR₃₅) and N, P and K uptake (NR₂₀, and NR₂₂). There were noticeable differences among the treatments in terms of essential fatty acid, oil, and mineral nutrient content. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of using indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains in order to achieve high quality soybean seeds that can be used as a balanced health product.     

Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Antiproliferative Capacity of Selected Cold-Pressed Seed Flours

Cold-pressed seed flours from pumpkin, parsley, mullein, cardamom, and milk thistle were examined for total oil, fatty acid profile of the oil, total phenolic content (TPC), scavenging activities against peroxyl (ORAC), hydroxyl (HOSC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (RDSC) radicals, and antiproliferative capacity against HT-29 human colon cancer cells. The cold-pressed parsley seed flour contained a very high concentration of total oil—17.6 g/100 g flour—with primarily C18:1 fatty acid at 86.2 g/100 g fatty acids. All other flour oils had relatively high levels of saturated fats, ranging from 39.0 to 62.9 g/100 g fatty acids. The tested seed flours demonstrated significant TPC and free radical scavenging activities. Milk thistle seed flour had the highest TPC value of 25.2 mg gallic acid equivalent per g flour (GAE mg/g) followed by that of parsley seed flour at 8.1 GAE mg/g. Milk thistle seed-flour extract also had significantly higher antioxidant activities than all other extracts against all tested radicals. The milk thistle seed-flour extract had an ORAC value of 1131 μmol trolox equivalents (TE) per g flour (TE μmol/g), a HOSC value of 893 TE μmol/g, and an RDSC value of 61 TE μmol/g. Also, ORAC, HOSC, and TPC values were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) under the experimental conditions. The cold-pressed milk thistle seed flour inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Results from this study suggest that these cold-pressed seed flours may serve as natural sources of antioxidants and may be used to improve human health.     

Seed oils fromCitrus sinensis

Comparative analyses of seed oils from the four most important orange varieties at different stages of maturity have shown remarkably similar fatty acid content by GLC. Percentage distribution of fatty acids, refractive index, and iodine number could probably be used to differentiate or help confirmCitrus species since there is enough variation between species to make a valid comparison. Seed content was noted as being related to fruit maturity, as was moisture content of seeds. The oil content of pineappleorange seeds was found to be variable, correlated to moisture content of seeds, and it reached a maximum when seed moisture had decreased to approximately 49%. Journal Series No. 1662. University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations.     

Development of Whole and Ground Seed Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Calibrations for Oil,Protein, Moisture,and Fatty Acids in Salvia hispanica

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an ancient crop that has experienced an agricultural resurgence in recent decades owing to the high omega 3 fatty acid (ω-3) content of the seeds and good production potential. Analysis of 563 lots of chia grown in Kentucky and 10 lots from Arizona, Australia, Mexico, and Peru was performed. All of these lots were assessed for fatty acid, oil, and protein content, while a subset of 120 samples were assessed for amino acids, fiber, minerals, and trace elements. The mean oil content was 31.3%, ranging from 21.4% to 35.3%. The protein content averaged 22.8%, ranging from 18.2% to 28.2%, and the ω-3 FA α-linolenic acid (ALA) averaged 61.3%, ranging from 33.9% to 69.9%. Using these seed lots, nondestructive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations were developed for whole and ground seed oil, protein, moisture, and the six major fatty acids. The R² and SE of cross-validation (SECV) values for oil were 0.78 and 0.95, respectively, while those for protein were 0.75 and 1.05, respectively. The NIRS calibrations for fatty acid had R² and SECV greater than 0.6 and less than 10% of actual values for all major fatty acids, respectively. An R² of 0.99 was established for moisture content of whole seeds within the range of 3–10% moisture content. The precision and accuracy of these calibrations is adequate for use by breeders, growers, and food quality experts to quantitatively assess these major constituents without the need for costly and time-consuming chemical analysis.     

Ameliorating Effects of Exogenously Applied Proline on Seed Composition,Seed Oil Quality and Oil Antioxidant Activity of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress

This study was carried out to appraise whether or not the exogenous application of a potential osmoprotectant, proline, could ameliorate the adverse effects of drought stress on maize seed and seed oil composition, as well as oil antioxidant activity. Water stress reduced the kernel sugar, oil, protein and moisture contents and most of the seed macro- and micro-elements analyzed in both maize cultivars but it increased the contents of seed fiber and ash. Water stress increased the oil oleic acid content with a subsequent decrease in the amount of linoleic acid, resulting in an increased oil oleic/linoleic ratio for both maize cultivars. However, no variation was observed in oil stearic and palmitic acids content due to water stress. A considerable drought induced an increase in seed oil α-, γ-, δ- and total tocopherols and flavonoids were observed in both maize cultivars. However, oil phenolic and carotenoid content as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity decreased. Foliar-applied proline significantly increased the content of seed sugar, oil, protein, moisture, fiber and ash in both maize cultivars under well irrigated and water deficit conditions. Furthermore, exogenous application of proline increased the oil oleic and linoleic acid contents. The concentrations of antioxidant compounds namely phenolics, carotenoids, flavonoids and tocopherols estimated in the seed oil increased due to foliar-applied proline under water deficit conditions that was positively correlated with the enhanced oil DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Moreover, the increase in the contents of these antioxidant compounds and oil antioxidant activity due to the foliar application of proline was noted to be more pronounced under water deficit conditions.     

Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Khat (Catha edulis) Seed Oil

The proximate, physicochemical, and fatty acid compositions of seed oil extracted from khat (Catha edulis) were determined. The oil, moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, crude carbohydrate, and ash content in seeds were 35.54, 6.63, 24, 1.01, 30.4 %, and 1.32 g/100 g DW respectively. The free fatty acids, peroxide value, saponification value, and iodine value were 2.98 %, 12.65 meq O₂/kg, 190.60 mg KOH/g, and 145 g/100 g oil, respectively. Linolenic acid (C_18:3, 50.80 %) and oleic (C_18:1, 16.96 %) along with palmitic acid (C_16:0, 14.60 %) were the dominant fatty acids. The seed oil of khat can be used in industry for the preparation of liquid soaps and shampoos. Furthermore, high levels of unsaturated fatty acids make it an important source of nutrition especially as an animal product substitute for omega‐3 fatty acids owing to the high content of linolenic acid.     

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.     

Oxidative Stability of Microencapsulated Kenaf Seed Oil Using Co-extrusion Technology

This study investigates the effect of microencapsulation (via co‐extrusion technology using high methoxyl pectin‐enhanced alginate as a shell formulation) on the storage stability and antioxidant properties of kenaf seed oil. Microencapsulated kenaf seed oil (MKSO) and unencapsulated oil were stored at 25 °C for 28 days and at 65 °C for 24 days. The oils were then subjected to stability and quality evaluation based on peroxide, p‐anisidine, and total oxidation values, conjugated diene and triene levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, free fatty acids, total phenolic content, and the radical scavenging activity assays of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid). The results showed that there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in oxidation and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of antioxidant activity in the unencapsulated oil while oxidation changes generally occurred more slowly in MKSO. It was demonstrated that the current microencapsulation method is a feasible approach to enhance oxidative stability of kenaf seed oil.     

Determination of seed oil content and fatty acid composition in sunflower through the analysis of intact seeds, husked seeds, meal and oil by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

A methodological study was conducted to test the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the oil content and fatty acid composition of sunflower seeds. A set of 387 intact-seed samples, each from a single plant, were scanned by NIRS, and 120 of them were selected and further scanned as husked seed, meal, and oil. All samples were analyzed for oil content (nuclear magnetic resonance) and fatty acid composition (gas chromatography), and calibration equations for oil content and individual fatty acids (C_16:0, C_16:1, C_18:0, C_18:1, and C_18:2) were developed for intact seed, husked seed, meal, and oil. For intact seed, the performance of the calibration equations was evaluated through both cross- and external validation, while cross-validation was used in the rest. The results showed that NIRS is a reliable and accurate technique to estimate these traits in sunflower oil (validation r ² ranged from 0.97 to 0.99), meal (r ² from 0.92 to 0.98), and husked seeds (r ² from 0.90 to 0.97). According to these results, there is no need to grind the seeds to scan the meal; similarly accurate results are obtained by analyzing husked seeds. The analysis of intact seeds was less accurate (r ² from 0.76 to 0.85), although it is reliable enough to use for pre-screening purposes to identify variants with significantly different fatty acid compositions from standard phenotypes. Screening of intact sunflower seeds by NIRS represents a rapid, simple, and cost-effective alternative that may be of great utility for users who need to analyze a large number of samples.     

Fatty Acids Profile and Chemical Composition of Egyptian Moringa oleifera Seed Oils

Moringa oleifera is grown all over the world as a crop for its nutritious pods, leaves and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the oil percentage, density, iodine value, saponification value, acid value and fatty acid profile of Egyptian moringa Seed oils. Moringa seeds were irradiated using ⁶⁰Co at dose levels of 0.0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 kGy and oil was extracted from unirradiated and irradiated samples. Results showed that the oil percentage and density were almost unaffected. Irradiation reduced the iodine value, whereas the acid and saponification values were increased in all irradiated samples. The oil was found to contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially an omega‐9‐fatty acid (oleic) (up to 76.29 %) at a dose level of 15 kGy. Also at the same dose level, the dominant saturated acids were palmitic, stearic acid and arachidic (the three up to 12.66 %). GC–MS revealed the presence of different compounds (more than 50) in the moringa oil extract, among them alkaloids, terpenoids steroids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and polyphenolic compounds. Phenolic and falvonoid were significantly increased by increasing irradiation dose levels. Also, the antioxidant activity of irradiated seed oil increased by increasing the phenolic and flavonoid contents. Moringa oleifera could be grown by wide scale production as a potentially valuable crop. However, isolation of individual compounds and their biological activities needs to be covered in future to enhance its pharmacological importance and to open new avenues of research.     

Physical properties and processing of Silphium integrifolium seeds to obtain oil and enriched protein meal

Silphium integrifolium Michx. (Silflower) has been a promising subject for domestication as a perennial oilseed crop. This work was carried out to investigate the seed processing aspect of this effort. Thousand seed weight, densities, and dimension of the seeds were evaluated, seed milling to obtain enriched kernel fraction was conducted, and initial characterization of the seed protein was performed. There was wide variation in flat seed length (11.5–20.8 mm), width (4.6–11.8 mm), and thickness (0.9–1.6 mm). The thousand seed weight was 23.8 g but the tapped bulk density was only 189.6 g/L due to the presence of wing around the seed's periphery. The kernel accounted for 56.1% of the seed weight and contained 31.0% oil. A kernel-enriched fraction with 79.6% purity was obtained by roller-milling, sifting, and air classification. Linoleic (62.3%) and oleic (19.6%) acids were the major fatty acids in the oil. The defatted enriched kernel fraction contained 63.41% crude protein. Globulin, glutelin, albumin, and prolamin accounted for 55.6%, 19.3%, 16.4%, and 8.7% of the soluble proteins, respectively. At an extraction pH of 9, protein solubility was 62%. Maximum solubility (70%) was obtained at pH 10 while minimum solubility of 9% occurred between pH 4 and 5.5. Aside from the oil, the dehulling of silflower seeds also produced a high-protein defatted meal, which may be used as is or as a starting material for enriching the protein further into a protein isolate.