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.