Search for new seed oils. XV. Oils of boraginaceae

In a search for a preferred source of γ-linolenic (all-cis-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic) acid, seed oils of 33 species of Boraginaceae were examined. The desired triene was found primarily in the subfamily Boraginoideae in amounts ranging from 0.2 to 18%. Oils of this subfamily also contain 0.2 to 15% of the tetraene, all-cis-6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid. Total unsaturation and the relative proportions of the common acids varied widely in oils of the family. Monoene predominated in the subfamily Cordioideae, diene in Heliotropioideae, and a diverse composition among the Boraginoideae; seven had iodine values of 200 or above.Cordia verbenacea seed oil was unique among those examined in having 43% of C₂₀ acids and 23% of components more volatile in gas chromatography than the usual triglycerides. Presented at AOCS meeting, New Orleans, May 1967. Earlier papers of this series carried the running title “Search for New Industrial Oils.” The revised title is more appropriate for the basic chemical compositional data reported, that can be useful in a broader context than originally implied. No. Utiliz. Res. Dev. Div., ARS, USDA. ARS, USDA.