Cupressus sempervirens var. horizentalis seed oil: Chemical composition, physicochemical characteristics, and utilizations

The lipid fraction of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) seeds was extracted and analyzed for chemical and physical properties, i.e., fatty acid composition (GC–MS), acidity (as % of oleic acid), iodine value, triacylglycerol (TAG) composition (HPLC), saponification value, specific extinctions (K232 and K270), thermal profile (DSC), and tocopherol composition (HPLC). The oil's fatty acid composition revealed the major fatty acids to be α-linolenic, linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid (35.11, 25.08, 15.07, and 11.11%, respectively). γ-Tocopherol was the major tocopherol (80%) with the remainder being α- and δ-tocopherol. The polyunsaturated TAGs LLLn, LLnLn, LLL, and LnLnLn (L, linoleic and Ln, linolenic) were the oil's major TAG components. The oil exhibited two thermal profile peaks, indicating two thermal structural transitions, one at low temperature (−28.34 °C) with a 54.66 J/g enthalpy and the other at high temperature (−13.41 °C) with a 22.49 J/g enthalpy. The oil showed high absorbance in the UV-B and UV-C ranges. The many positive characteristics observed here in this oil, as well as the favorable botanical properties of the tree, suggest that this oil could have important applications in non-food industries.

► Characterization of Cupressus sempervirens seed oil.
► γ-Tocopherol is the major tocopherol.
► DSC curve indicates two thermal transitions (−28.34, −13.41 °C).
► It shows a high content of EFAs, a high wide range UV absorbance and high saponification value.
► It can be used as a feedstock for biodiesel production and in cosmetic formulations.