Analysis of Oil and Fatty Acids from the Seeds of Erythrina variegata Linn

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DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/1149

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ABSTRACT:

Extraction and analysis of oil (petroleum ether 60-80ºC extract) from Erythrina variegata Linn. seeds and fatty acid analysis of the oil have been done. The seeds contain a fixed oil, which is orange yellow in color with 11.67 % yield. The seeds are rich in protein, which is fairly comparable with high protein animal sources like beef, pork, oyster and marine fishes. The iodine value of the oil place it in the non-drying group of oils, and the composition of the oils compares with common edible oils, which supports it to have use as edible oil. Gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) analysis of the fatty acids shows eight naturally occurring fatty acids present in the oil, including Linoleic acid in good amount, which is one of the three essential fatty acids. Oleic acid is present in major amount, others being Palmitic acid and Stearic acid. Two polyunsaturated fatty acids, Linoleic acid and Linolenic acid are also present. The GC-MS analysis of the methyl esters of the mixture of fatty acids supports the presence of the fatty acids in the seeds

KEYWORDS:

Fatty acids; seed oil; Erythrina variegata; GLC analysis