| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4514140 | Industrial Crops and Products | 2013 | 5 Pages |
The aim of this work was to extract and characterize the oil obtained from the seeds of the Oecopetalum mexicanum tree. The results show that the seeds contained 11.20% moisture, 19.37% protein, 1.68% ash, 7.70% crude fiber and 60.02% fat. A preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, coumarins and sterols. The physical properties of the oily extract showed it to be a light yellow color at ambient temperature. The oil contained high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic (Ω-6, 48%), palmitic (25%) stearic (12.1%), oleic (Ω-9, 7.17%) and linolenic (Ω-3, 5.62%) acids. Additionally, the following volatile compounds were identified during storage for six months from the seed: 3-methyl-butanal (16.48%), benzaldehyde (14.3%), 2,3-pentanedione (8.50%), 2-furanmethane (7.12%) and 2,6-dimethylpyrazine (4.08%). The iodine index was 48.56 g I2/100 g oil, which classifies this as a non-drying oil, therefore unfit for human consumption. We investigated the oxidative stability of the oil and found a peroxide index of 15.80 meq O2 kg−1 oil. The results show that this seed could be considered as a food supplement and could also be used for the extraction and industrialization of its oil; however, future research is required regarding the technique for extracting and refining this oil in order to obtain better oxidative stability.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The extracted oil has an iodine value similar to oils with industrial uses. ► The seed can be considered as important source of oil and proteins. ► The oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9. ► The major phytochemicals present in non polar extracts are saponins and sterols.
