Fatty Acid Profile of Kenaf Seed Oil

The fatty acid profile of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed oil has been the subject of several previous reports in the literature. These reports vary considerably regarding the presence and amounts of specific fatty acids, notably (12,13-epoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic (epoxyoleic) acid, but also cyclic (cyclopropene and cyclopropane) fatty acids. To clarify this matter, two kenaf seed oils (from the Cubano and Dowling varieties of kenaf) were investigated regarding their fatty acid profiles. Both contain epoxyoleic acid, the Cubano sample around 2 % and the Dowling sample 5-6 % depending on processing. The cyclic fatty acids malvalic and dihydrosterculic were identified in amounts around 1 %. Trace amounts of sterculic acid were observed as were minor amounts of C17:1 fatty acids. The results are discussed in the context of the fatty acid profiles of other hibiscus seed oils.