Ecological and simultaneous seed oil extraction/saponification/γ‐linolenic acid concentration

The essential fatty acid γ‐linolenic (GLA, C18:3n‐6), which has several pharmaceutical properties, has been concentrated from the seed oil of three plant species, Borago officinalis, Anchusa azurea and Echium fastuosum. The process was effected through one single and ecological step: simultaneous seed oil extraction/saponification/GLA concentration. Finally, the mother liquor containing the GLA concentrate was stored at low temperature to crystallize saturated fatty acids and further increase GLA purity. Two variables affecting the process were found: water content in the saponification mixture and filtration temperature. Best results were obtained from B. officinalis (GLA purity 68%, GLA yield 64%), although closely followed by the concentrates from the other species.