Physicochemical characteristics of the cold-pressed oil obtained from seeds of Fagus sylvatica L.

- The analyzed beech seeds oil has been classified as oleic-linoleic acids oil.
- Beech seeds oil contains gamma-linolenic (GLA) acid effective in treating inflammation.
- Unique characteristic is the high content of γ- and δ-tocopherol.
- Content of carotenoids is at high level in comparison with other cold-pressed oils.
- PCA analysis may help to determine the authenticity of beech seeds oil.

A physicochemical characteristic of the cold-pressed oil obtained from seeds of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) has been presented. This plant may be considered as unconventional oilseeds crops because of relatively high content of fat (27.25%). The analyzed beech seeds oil has been classified as oleic-linoleic acids oil with more than 76% percentage share of those species. Beech seeds oil contains 4.2% of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Unique characteristic is the high content of γ-tocopherol (75.4 mg/100 g) and δ-tocopherol (34.05 mg/100 g). γ-Tocopherol is effective scavengers of reactive nitrogen species and prevents DNA bases nitration, what makes beech seeds oil interesting raw material in the production of cosmetics. Additionally the content of carotenoids, very effective photooxidation inhibitors, is at high level in comparison with other cold-pressed oils. It was demonstrated that PCA analysis may help to determine the authenticity of oil obtained from beech seeds.