Conjugated linolenic acids and nutraceutical components in Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) seeds

• Nutraceutical components of di- and tetraploid Jiaogulan seeds were determined.
• Jiaogulan seeds were rich in conjugated linolenic acids, essential amino acids and phytosterols.
• Jiaogulan seed extracts showed potential anti-inflammatory activities.
• Jiaogulan seeds had significant radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing capabilities.

Diploid and tetraploid Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) seeds were examined for their conjugated linolenic acids and nutraceutical components. Both di- and tetraploid Jiaogulan seeds were rich in conjugated linolenic acids possibly including α-eleostearic, catalpic and β-eleostearic acids for about 80% of total fatty acids. α-Eleostearic acid was the primary conjugated isomer at a level of 98.8 and 187.7 mg/g dried seeds in diploid and tetraploid seeds, respectively. The seeds also contained significant levels of essential amino acids (616.3 and 541.5 μmol/g dry seeds), phytosterols (1292.0 and 2316.0 μmol/kg dry seeds), tocopherols, phenolics and flavonoids. In addition, the seeds extract showed no difference in their anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells, whereas the diploid seed extract had stronger radical scavenging activities and a ferric reducing capability than those of the tetraploid seed extract on a per seed weight basis. The results may be used to promote the value-added utilization of Jiaogulan seeds.