Abstract
Research on new, untapped seed oil sources is receiving increased attention. In this study, 18 different seed samples of Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos from various locations in Slovenia were collected and oil was extracted. The compositions of triglyceride fatty acids and unsaponifiable compounds were determined using GC-MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method. The oil content in the seeds varied significantly, from 9.1% to 21.7%. Linoleic acid (50–60%) was found to be the predominant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid (18–22%) and palmitic acid (8–9%). Characteristic cyclopropene fatty acids (sterculic, dihydrosterculic and malvalic acids) were present in the average range of 4–8.4%. Antioxidant activity ranged from 8.9% to 65.5%, and was higher, on average, for T. platyphyllos. Higher antioxidant activity was closely correlated with higher γ-tocopherol contents. Statistically significant correlations were confirmed between antioxidant activity and γ-tocopherol, between Δ-tocopherol and phytol, between stigmasterol and β-sitosterol and between squalene and malvalic acid. Tilia oil may be of great interest for cosmetic and dermal preparations. It is, however, not considered a good source of dietary fatty acids due to the undesired, significant content of omega-6 fatty acids.
Highlights
Tilia, commonly referred to as the linden or lime tree, is native to areas with a temperate climate in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is widespread and considered a tree of great economic and cultural importance
Tilia fruits or seeds are a source of vegetable oil with a specific triglyceride composition characterised by the predominant linoleic acid and cyclopropene fatty acids
Based on a lack of information, the aim of our study was to determine the compositions of fatty acid in triglycerides and of unsaponifiable matter, and the antioxidant activity of
Summary
Commonly referred to as the linden or lime tree, is native to areas with a temperate climate in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is widespread and considered a tree of great economic and cultural importance. Besides its use in forestry, the timber trade and the paper industry, herbal substances from Tilia are essential raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Tilia flowers are approved as a category of traditional herbal medicinal products used for the relief of symptoms of the common cold and mental stress [1]. Tilia leaves have less significant therapeutic value [2], but have been well-researched in terms of environmental aspects [3,4,5,6,7]. Tilia fruits or seeds are a source of vegetable oil with a specific triglyceride composition characterised by the predominant linoleic acid (content of approximately 50%) and cyclopropene fatty acids Limited data are available in terms of Tilia seed oil yield, composition and variability, and potential biological properties
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