Abstract
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid that serves as a precursor for prostaglandin biosynthesis in humans. GLA was first extracted from the seed oils of evening primrose, and currently Oenothera biennis is the major commercial source of evening primrose oil. In this study, native species of the Onagraceae family occurring in semiarid regions of Texas were surveyed. Seeds from these native populations were collected and oil extracted for analyzation of fatty acid composition. Gamma-linolenic acid levels ranged from less than 1% to 8% and was species specific. GLA levels from field-grown plants from native seed were compared with GLA levels from corresponding native populations. Two species of native Oenothera were evaluated for relative levels of GLA over several harvest dates.
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