Malvalic Acid Research Articles

Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology

Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) belonging to the Malvaceae family is one of the most frequently used herbs in Ayurveda therapeutics. It has been included in Agraya Prakarana (best among their class drugs) which signifies its role in various diseases. In Charaka Samhita, Bala has also been categorized under Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya. It is used in several diseases like Vatavyadhi, Vatarakta and acts as a Rasayana. Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sterculic acid, malvalic acid are its main bioactive chemical constituents. It has been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities like CNS depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antidiabetic activities and the plant is reported to be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease also. In classical texts, five varieties of Bala have been mentioned and all are said to possess similar properties and actions. All the varieties are abundantly available across the country. Thus, Bala becomes one of the most potent medicinal plants of present era. Present paper is an attempt towards exploration of therapeutic potential of the drug through reverse pharmacology.

Comprehensive adulteration detection of sesame oil based on characteristic markers.

Sesame oil has a unique flavor and is very popular in Asian countries, and this leads to frequent adulteration. In this study, comprehensive adulteration detection of sesame oil based on characteristic markers was developed. Initially, sixteen fatty acids, eight phytosterols, and four tocopherols were utilized to construct an adulteration detection model, which screened seven potentially adulterated samples. Subsequently, confirmatory conclusions were drawn based on the characteristic markers. Adulteration with rapeseed oil in 4 samples was confirmed using the characteristic marker of brassicasterol. The adulteration of soybean oil in 1 sample was confirmed using the isoflavone. The adulteration of 2 samples with cottonseed oil was demonstrated by sterculic acid and malvalic acid. The results showed that sesame oil adulteration could be detected by screening positive samples using chemometrics and verifying with characteristic markers. The comprehensive adulteration detection method could provide a system approach for market supervision of edible oils.

Probable mode of action of Sida Cordifolia in Dyspareunia an In-Silico network Pharmacological approach

Dyspareunia, a painful sexual disorder can be correlated to Paripluta yonivyapath (disorders of the genital tract) as per Ayurveda classics, which comes under the category of Female sexual dysfunction, the less explored clinical field in Ayurveda. Bala, Sida cordifolia Linn is the single drug that is directly indicated in this disease condition. This is the era in which the whole medical world is running behind in standardizing Evidence-based medicine (EBM) in clinical application. Network pharmacology, a branch of science that combines Network biology and polypharmacology, which predicts the mode of action of therapeutic drugs on both the interactome and the diseasome level. Here is an attempt to put forth the therapeutic efficacy of Bala in Dyspareunia through network pharmacology and bonding energy was demonstrated by molecular docking. Methods: Phytochemicals of Bala were collected from the IMPPAT database and related research articles. The disease targets were obtained from databases namely the Therapeutic target database, ChEMBL, Human protein atlas, and DisGeNet. The therapeutic efficacy of these gene targets in dyspareunia is confirmed and the conclusion is obtained from the network pharmacological ligand-target interaction methodology. The ligands and targets were retrieved from the PubChem, Protein Data Bank and docked using PyRx software. Results and Conclusion: The current study identified important Phyto-constituents like Resin Acid, Malvalic Acid, 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-Isoprenyl Flavones, Peganine, Β-Phenethylamine, Ψ-( Pseudo) -Ephedrine, Coronaric Acid, Potassium Nitrate, Phenethylamine, Ephedrine, Choline which were highly modulating CYP19A1, ESR2, MAPK1, AR, MAPK3, ESR1, CYP19A1, PGR proteins related with Dyspareunia.

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn.

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn. (Malvaceae) is a popular medicinal plant found in tropical and sub-tropical region of world. All plant parts of Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn are most widely used to treat several ailments like anti-Tumor, anti-fertility, anti-ovultory, anti-implantation, anti-Inflammatory, analgesic, anti-estrogenic, anti-pyretic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, hypoglycemic, spasmolytic, CNS depressant, hypertensive and juvenoid Activity. Due to its multidimensional pharmacological approach it is certain to emerge as a effficient player in the flourising field of herbal supplements, medicines and health care system. This review aims to present recent details on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, photochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxic effects, with the purpose to find research gaps demanding for upcoming research and investigation of Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn. Principal constituents reported in Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Linn are flavones, containing quercetin-3-sophorotrioside, kaempferol-3xylosylglucoside,quercetin-3-diglucoside, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, cyaniding-3,5-diglucoside, cyaniding-3-sophoroside-5-glucoside and other constituent are cyanidin chloride, cyclopeptide alkaloid, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, hentriacontane, taraxeryl acetate, ß-sitosterol, malvalic acids and cyclic acids sterculic. Complete literature was probed via websites,online databases, thesis and texts. The available reports was portray physicochemical parameters, nutritional aspects and phytochemical analysis of bioactive plant parts. Friendly holistic conservation approaches offered by plant biotechnology applications are also discussed.

Tilia sp. Seed Oil—Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Potential Use

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.

Organ- and Age-Specific Differences of Dioscorea polystachya Compounds Measured by UPLC-QTOF/MS.

Dioscorea polystachya, named Chinese yam, is widely cultivated as a functional food and natural medicine in China. There is currently little information about the chemical characteristics of Dioscorea polystachya in different organs (tuber cortex and tuber flesh) and at various ages. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was used to profile chemical compounds in Dioscorea polystachya. As a result, thirty-eight compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex and tuber flesh. More compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex than in tuber flesh. Compounds such as dehydroepiandrosterone, allantoin and flavonoids were selected as biomarker candidates. Dehydroepiandrosterone was found more abundant in tuber flesh, while allantoin and flavonoids showed higher levels in tuber cortex. Furthermore, the levels of dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose differed significantly among age groups and were highest in the tubers at 2 years. While the levels of allantoin, adenosine and glutamine increased with the growing years and were highest at 4 years. Thus, 2-year old Dioscorea polystachya tubers could be harvested to prepare dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose supplements. The 4-year-old Dioscorea polystachya tubers would be the best choice for obtaining a large amount of allantoin and adenosine in industrial production.

Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Effects of Cassia Fistula

Cassia fistula is widely utilized in conventional medicines against various diseases. The plant possesses diverse pharmacological characteristics including anti-tussive, hepatoprotective, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-itching, anti-ulcer, anti-epileptic, anti-fertility and wound healing characteristics. Its leaves and bark are used to treat skin diseases,while its roots are useful as diuretic and are used to treat tubercular glands, cardiac disorders, and ulcer. Its fruit pulp is used as a mild laxative in numerous stomach problems. Its flowers are used to treat leprosy, abdominal problems and fever and its seeds possess anti-pyretic, cooling and laxativeproperties. The plant isan important source of tannins, glycosides and flavonoides, linoleic, oleic, stearic and carbohydrates. Its leaves contain glycosides, free rhein, sennosides A and B, isofavoneoxalic acidsandoxyanthraquinones derivatives,while the stem bark contains lepeol, hexacosanol, tannins and B-sitosterol. The pulp is composed of carbohydrate, arginine, protein, leucine and flavonid-3-ol-subordinates. Its pods contain astringent matter, fistulic acids, glutten matter and kaempferol,whereas its seeds are rich in malvalic acid, sterculic acid and vernolic oil. Moreover, aurantimide, ceryl alcohol, kaempferol, anthraquinonees, bianthroquonones and glycosides basic oils are present in the flower.

Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Seeds Oil: Fatty Acids Profiling by GC-MS and NMR and Bioactivity.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses, the antioxidant activities evaluated by different in vitro assays namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests, and the inhibitory effects of enzymes linked to obesity (lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) of fixed seed oil of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.). Fourteen compounds were identified. Linoleic acid (28.22%) was the most abundant followed by palmitic acid (19.56%). Malvalic acid (16.15%), sterculic acid (11.11%), and dihydrosterculic acid (2.74%) were also detected. C. speciosa fixed oil exerted a promising ABTS radicals scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 10.21 µg/mL, whereas an IC50 of 77.44 µg/mL against DPPH+ radicals was found. C. speciosa fixed oil inhibited lipase with an IC50 value of 127.57 µg/mL. The present investigation confirmed the functional properties of C. speciosa fixed oil, and proposes its use as valuable source of bioactive constituents.

Optimisation, experimental validation and thermodynamic study of the sequential oil extraction and biodiesel production processes from seeds of Sterculia foetida.

Non-edible seeds are not used in any commercial applications, which implies that they can be used for biofuel applications. The present study aimed to maximise the process conditions for oil extraction and sterculia biodiesel production from Sterculia foetida (poon oil). GC-MS identified the methyl esters of sterculia oil as sterculic acid (32%), palmitic acid (15.88%), oleic acid (10.00%), linoleic acid (9.95%) and malvalic acid (9%). Response surface methodology (RSM) based parametric optimisation of oil extraction was carried out by choosing process variables such as sample weight, volume of solvent to seed ratio and time. The optimum sample amount of 7.5 g and the volume of solvent to seed ratio of 40 mL/g resulted in a maximum oil yield of 45.27% at 3 h. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.05) with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9988. Furthermore, the artificial neural network (ANN) resulted in an R2 value greater than 0.9, which validates the RSM. Conventional optimisation of the temperature (55 °C), feedstock to methanol ratio (1:12), catalyst proportion (1.5%) and transesterification reaction time (60 min) yield 90.87% biodiesel production. The physicochemical characteristics of oil and biodiesel complied with the requirements of the ASTM standards. The rate constant and thermodynamic variables at the optimum temperature (333 K) were calculated from the experimental data. The activation energy (Ea), activation enthalpy in transition state theory (ΔH++), activation entropy in transition state theory (ΔS++) and Gibbs free energy in transition state theory (ΔG++) were 37.91 kJ mol-1, 35.14 kJ mol-1, - 239.58 J mol-1 K-1 and 79.81 kJ mol-1 respectively. Graphical abstract.

Optimization and transesterification of sterculia oil: Assessment of engine performance, emission and combustion analysis

Biodiesel is considered as an alternative for petroleum fuels. Hence, identifying efficient biomass for biodiesel production is necessary to meet the demand. This study reports the optimum conditions of Sterculia foetida oil for biodiesel production and its engine performance, emission and combustion analysis. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry revealed the dominance of fatty acids in the order of sterculic acid (32%) > palmitic acid (15.88%) > oleic (10%) > linolenic (9.95%) > malvalic acid (9%) respectively. Oil extracted from the seeds of Sterculia foetida were purified by the degumming process to remove the unwanted impurities present in the oil. Box-Benhken design was used for optimizing transesterification process. A Maximum biodiesel yield of 90.2% was obtained at a temperature of 55 °C, catalyst concentration 1.5%, Oil to methanol ratio 1:12, agitation speed 900 rpm. ANN model was also utilized for the prediction of biodiesel yield using feed-forward backpropagation exhibited significant correlation (R2 - 0.9) with experimental results. Biodiesel blends and their properties were also analysed. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emission were found to be low with the observation of increased nitrogen oxide emission. D90STB10 and D80STB20 was showing better performance and also lesser emission ompared to the conventional fuel.Combustion analysis of Sterculia foetida biodiesel (STB) and biodiesel blends (D90STB10, D80STB20, D70STB30, D60STB40 and STB100) for the various load at constant speed were analysed. Cylinder gas pressure, cumulative heat release rate, heat release rate, mass fraction burnt and mean gas temperature were discussed in the current paper.

Behavioral Effect of Sterculia apetala Seed Oil Consumption in Male Zucker Rats.

Sterculia apetala (order: Malvales, family: Sterculiaceae) seed oil contains two cyclopropene fatty acids: sterculic and malvalic acid. Both positive and negative effects have been associated with the consumption of sterculic oil. In Mexico, S. apetala seeds are consumed after being boiled or roasted, used as chocolate flavoring, and utilized as animal fodder. Therefore, it is important to evaluate whether the consumption of this seed has a negative impact on the organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of sterculic oil, during an 8-week period, on anxiety-like behavior and spontaneous locomotor activity in Zucker rats, analyzed through light/dark and open-field tests. The results showed that the consumption of sterculic oil decreased exploration latency in light/dark tests, which suggests an anxiolytic-like effect. Alterations in time spent on rearing and grooming were present in open-field tests, but this was not statistically significant, discarding nonspecific motor alterations. The alterations found in this study are possibly related to intrinsic obesity and metabolic complications present in the Zucker rat model, where leptin plays an important role in animal mood, more so than sterculic oil consumption.

Fatty acid composition of fourteen seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) seed oil accessions collected from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States

Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) is a flowering perennial halophytic herb belonging to the family Malvaceae that is found in marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Fourteen accessions were collected from wild populations along the Atlantic (n=8) and Gulf (n=6) coasts of the United States and fatty acid profiles were determined from seeds cultivated in one or more of three controlled environments. Those growth environments were a greenhouse and field plots irrigated with freshwater and field plots irrigated with saltwater, all of which were located in Lewes, DE. Twenty-four of the 42 combinations were selected for fatty acid analysis. The principal fatty acid identified in all accessions was linoleic acid (53.1±2.8%), with significant amounts of palmitic (20.7±1.3%), oleic (13.7±1.4%), and stearic (1.8±0.5%) acids also detected. Additionally, significant amounts of cyclopropyl fatty acids such as malvalic (5.2±0.7%) and dihydrosterculic (1.2±0.5%) acids were also identified, along with trace amounts of sterculic acid. Minor fatty acids (<1.0%) included myristic, palmitoleic, vaccenic, linolenic, arachidic, and behenic acids. Statistical evaluation revealed that growth environment did not affect fatty acid composition, as statistically equivalent profiles were obtained regardless of whether accessions were grown in a greenhouse or in field plots with freshwater or saltwater irrigation. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid content between Gulf and Atlantic coast accessions, with Gulf coast accessions providing lower mean oleic and palmitic acid content and higher mean linoleic and stearic acid content. In addition, Gulf coast accessions contained lower mean dihydrosterculic and malvalic acid content.

Fatty acid profile of seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) seed oil and properties of the methyl esters

In recent literature, seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos; also known previously as Kosteletzkya virginica) seed oil was reported as a potential alternative feedstock for biodiesel. In the present work, the fatty acid profile of K. pentacarpos is shown to correspond to that of other plants in the Malvaceae family by containing approximately 6% fatty acids with cyclic moieties, namely malvalic acid as well as dihydrosterculic acid. Previously determined properties of biodiesel from seashore mallow are discussed under the aspect of the fatty acid profile. The 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectra of K. pentacarpos methyl esters, which confirm the fatty acid profile, are also discussed.Practical applications: This article discusses the fatty acid profile of the seed oils of Kosteletzkya species. This is significant for evaluating potential applications of these oils. This is demonstrated by evaluating biodiesel fuel properties from the results.The seed oils of Kosteletzkya species contain malvalic acid and other acids with cyclic moieties.

Fatty acid composition and some physicochemical characteristics of &lt;em&gt;Sterculia apetala&lt;/em&gt; seed oils

In the tropical rain forests of southeastern Mexico, the use of Sterculia mexicana and Sterculia apetala seed oils for human and animal nutrition is common. However, the seeds contain cyclopropene fatty acids, whose consumption is related with beneficial as well as detrimental physiological effects. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile and the physicochemical characteristics of S. apetala seed oil and to evaluate the effect of roasting on both aspects. Cyclopropenoic fatty acids, sterculic acid and malvalic acid were identified in the natural and roasted seed oils. The major component in the seed oil was sterculic acid, as has been reported for Sterculia mexicana and Sterculia foetida. The roasting process modified some physicochemical properties and the fatty acid composition of the seed oil, particularly by decreasing its content of sterculic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the fatty acid composition of S. apetala seed oil.

Physicochemical and Antioxidant Characteristics of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) Seed Oil

AbstractIn view of the growing demand for vegetable oils and fats, currently exploration of some under‐utilized and non‐conventional oil seed crops is of great concern. This work presents data on the detailed physicochemical and antioxidant attributes of kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) seed oil. The kapok seeds contained an appreciable amount of oil (27.5 %), protein (35.0 %) and fiber (19.0 %). The extracted kapok seed oil (KSO) had an iodine value of 101.8 g of I2/100 g of oil, a saponification value of 187 mg of KOH/g of oil), and unsaponifiable matter 0.83 %. KSO also showed a good oxidation state as indicated by the measurements of the peroxide value, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, para‐anisidine and the induction period (Rancimat method). The tested oil showed a considerable amount of total phenolics (2.50 mg/100 g) and an appreciable free radical scavenging capacity. Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of fatty acids (FA) reveals that KSO mainly has linoleic acid (33.6 %) followed by oleic acid (23.4 %) and palmitic acid (22.4 %). Besides, a notable amount of cyclopropenoid fatty acids such as malvalic acid (9.1 %) and sterculic acid (2.8 %) was also detected. The FA composition of the tested oil was further verified by recording FTIR and NMR spectra. Among the oil phytosterols, analyzed by GC/GC–MS, β‐sitosterol was found to be the principal component whereas RP‐HPLC analysis showed the occurrence of γ‐tocopherol (550 mg/kg) as the major tocopherol along with considerable amount of α‐tocopherol (91 mg/kg) and δ‐tocopherol (5.52 mg/kg). It can be concluded from the results of this comprehensive study that under‐utilized kapok seeds are a potential feed stock for the production of a useful oil for edible and/or oleochemical applications.

Fatty acid composition of &lt;i&gt;Tilia&lt;/i&gt; spp. seed oils

As part of a study of the seed oil fatty acid composition of Malvaceae plants, the seeds of seven Tilia species (lime or linden trees) were evaluated for their fatty acid profiles. Seeds were obtained from the Germplasm Research Information Network and from various commercial sources. After extraction of the seed oil with hexane, the glycerides were trans-methylated and analyzed by gas chromatography on two polar stationary phases. All of the seed oils analyzed were composed primarily of linoleic acid (49-60%) with lesser amounts of oleic (16-22%) and palmitic (8-10%) acids. The usual secondary components were also found. In addition, cyclopropenoid acids (i.e., sterculic and malvalic acids) were present at levels between 6 and 17%. In all samples, the level of malvalic acid was approximately twice the level of sterculic acid, indicating that considerable a-oxidation of sterculic acid had occurred in these seeds. Two additional a-oxidation products, 8-heptadecenoic acid and 8,11-heptadecadienoic acid were also detected. Combined, the level of these fatty acids was between 1.3 and 2.3%, roughly comparable to the levels of these acids recently reported in the seed oil of Thespesia populnea.

Thermal behavior of Sterculia striata oil

The thermal behavior of Sterculia striata oil, which is rich in fatty acids containing a cyclopropenyl ring in their chain, mainly malvalic acid (7-(2-octylcycloprop-1-en-1-yl) heptanoic acid) and sterculic acid (8-(2-octylcycloprop-1-en-1-yl) octanoic acid), is evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has shown that weight loss occurs from 280°C. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis indicates two exothermic events: one related to the ring opening in cyclopropenoids fatty acids chains and another to the pyrolitic decomposition of the oil, mainly the cracking of the ester groups. 1H NMR analysis revealed that the opening process of the cyclopropenyl ring starts at 150°C, probably via either a di-radical or a vinylcarbene intermediates. This process leads to the formation of a six members ring with a double bond in a terminal chain. After 280°C, the pyrolysis starts to decompose the ester groups into carboxylic acids. FT-IR analysis corroborated the results found by the other techniques.

Identification of the Unsaturated Heptadecyl Fatty Acids in the Seed Oils of Thespesia populnea and Gossypium hirsutum

AbstractThe fatty acid composition of the seed oils of Thespesia populnea and cotton variety SG‐747 (Gossypium hirsutum) were studied to identity their 17‐carbon fatty acids. With a combination of chemical derivatization, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, 8‐heptadecenoic acid, 9‐heptadecenoic acid, and 8,11‐heptadecadienoic acids were identified in both oils. Additionally, traces of 10‐heptadecenoic acid were identified in the T. populnea oil. Although these odd‐carbon number fatty acids are present in only minor amounts in cottonseed oil, they make up about ~2 % of the fatty acids in T. populnea seed oil. The identification of these acids indicates that fatty acid α‐oxidation is not restricted to cyclopropene fatty acids in these plants, but also occurs with unsaturated fatty acids. Combined with malvalic acid (generally accepted as being formed by α‐oxidation of sterculic acid), ~7 % of the fatty acids in T. populnea seed have under gone α‐oxidization. The results should help clarify the composition of T. populnea seed oil, which has been reported inconsistently in the literature.

Fatty acids of Thespesia populnea: Mass spectrometry of picolinyl esters of cyclopropene fatty acids

AbstractThespesia populnea belongs to the plant family of Malvaceae which contain cyclopropane and cyclopropene fatty acids. However, previous literature reports vary regarding the content of these compounds in Thespesia populnea seed oil. In this work, the content of malvalic acid (8,9‐methylene‐9‐heptadecenoic acid) in the fatty acid profile of Thespesia populnea seed oil was approximately 7% by GC. Two cyclopropane fatty acids were identified, including dihydrosterculic acid. The methyl and picolinyl esters of Thespesia populnea seed oil were also prepared. The mass spectrum of picolinyl malvalate was more closely investigated, especially an ion at m/e 279, which does not fit the typical series of ions observed in picolinyl esters. It is shown that this ion is caused by cleavage at the picolinyl moiety and contains the fatty acid chain without the picolinyl moiety. This type of cleavage has previously not been observed prominently in picolinyl esters and may therefore be diagnostic for picolinyl esters of cyclopropene fatty acids. The NMR spectra of Thespesia populnea methyl esters are also discussed.Practical applications: The work reports the fatty acid composition of Thespesia seed oil whose derivatives have not yet been extensively utilized for industrial purposes, for example, biodiesel. Knowing this composition is essential for understanding potential uses and, for example, in case of biodiesel the fuel properties. Besides this issue, some data (mass spectrometry and NMR) crucial for obtaining the composition information are analyzed in detail. The biodiesel properties of methyl esters of Thespesia populnea will be reported separately.

ChemInform Abstract: A New Approach to Cyclopropene Fatty Acids.

Abstract A series of esters of cyclopropene fatty acids, including sterculic, malvalic and sterculynic acids, has been prepared by alkylation of the corresponding 1-lithiocyclopropenes.