Fatty acid and oil variation in seed from kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Abstract

Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a fibre plant native to east-central Africa. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of edible oil is often overlooked when considering kenaf as a fibre and feed crop. The aim of this research was to study and compare the fatty acid composition and oil content of eight commercial kenaf varieties from various countries. Linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid were the predominant fatty acids in all cultivars. Percentages of fatty acids varied greatly among different kenaf varieties. Gregg had the highest percentage of linoleic acid whilst El Salvador had the lowest. El Salvador had the highest percentage of oleic acid and Endora had the highest percentage of palmitic acid. Stearic acid and palmitic acid were positively correlated, as well as stearic and linoleic acid. Increasing stearic and linolenic acid and reducing palmitic acid at the same time therefore might be difficult through conventional breeding. The oil content was 19.84% on average and there was not much difference between the varieties. The relatively high oil content and the unique fatty acid composition, suggested that kenaf seed could be used as a source of edible oil. Kenaf oil can be considered nutritionally healthy because of the relatively high amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.