Source Of Essential Fatty Acids Research Articles

Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for High-Quality Vegetable Oils: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Chinese Residents.

The consumption of edible vegetable oil is an important source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E for the human body. Guiding residents to consume scientifically and reasonably control the intake of edible oils is an important part of promoting the construction of a healthy China. Currently, Chinese residents have an insufficient understanding of the scientific consumption of edible oils, leading to an intake exceeding the dietary recommendations, resulting in excessive fat intake and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study analyzed the cognitive preferences and willingness to pay a premium for edible vegetable oils among urban consumers in China. The survey included 1098 Chinese urban consumers of vegetable oils. The research found that attitudes, health value, monetary value, and environmental endowment of urban residents are the main predicting factors of the intention to purchase high-quality vegetable oils. This study confirms the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior in the consumption of high-quality vegetable oils and provides theoretical contributions and insights for Chinese enterprises and policymakers in formulating marketing strategies for vegetable oils.

Effects of the extraction of fatty acids and thermal/rheological properties of Mexican red pitaya oil

<abstract> <p>We evaluated the effects of solvents with different polarities—methylene chloride (MC), methanol (MT), and hexane (HE) on the extraction of compounds from Mexican red pitaya seed oil. The fatty acid composition and the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of the different extracts were characterized. The results indicated that the highest yield of extraction was generated for MC (26.96%), as well as the greatest amount of Mono and Polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the lowest yield was for MT (16.86%). The antioxidant activity was greater in the MT treatment due to extractable compounds from high polarity. The generated extracts contained unsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic and linoleic acids, and saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid. The lowest solidification temperature was −6.35 ℃ for MC due to its fatty acid composition, and the degradation temperature was around 240 ℃. The viscosity is a quality parameter; the highest level was generated for the MC treatment, which was significantly different from HE and MT. The composition of the extracts was analyzed using the FT-IR spectroscopy and showed the typical characteristic of absorption bands for triglycerides with high frequency in bands 2852 cm<sup>−1</sup> and 2924 cm<sup>−1</sup>, which indicated that the samples were rich in unsaturated and polyunsaturated acids. These results suggested that pitaya seed oil is an excellent alternative source of essential fatty acids with potential physiological benefits.</p> </abstract>

Dietary intake and food sources of essential fatty acids among Korean adolescents: a cross-sectional study based on the 2016–2021 KNHANES data

Dietary intake and food sources of essential fatty acids among Korean adolescents: a cross-sectional study based on the 2016–2021 KNHANES data

Specificities of accumulation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids of ω-3 and ω-6 families in the tissues of bulls after supplementing their diet with the sources of fatty acids and mineral elements

Aim. To determine the intensity of growth of fattening bulls and the specificities of the accumulation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids from the ω-3 and ω-6 families in their tissues after supplementing their diet with the sources of essential fatty acids and copper sulfate to increase their meat productivity and improve the biological value of beef. Methods. The study was conducted using the methodological approaches, common for international practice in accordance with the requirements of ISO 17025, and using the conventional methods of peer groups involving clinically healthy animals. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 and ω-6 families was determined by gas chro- matography using the Chrom-5 device. Copper content was determined by the method of atomic absorption spectro- photometry using the Selmi C-115 M1 device. Results. It was found that the introduction of linseed oil (as a source of α-linolenic acid, which is a precursor of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 family) and sunflower oil (as a source of linoleic acid, which is a precursor of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-6 family), the synthetic substance doxane (as an inhibitor of biohydrogenation processes in unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen) and pentahydrate copper sulfate (as a source of copper) to the diet of young fattening cattle caused a probable increase in the content of biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 and ω-6 family and copper in their liver and skeletal muscles. At the same time, the increase in the content of biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 and ω-6 families and copper in the abovementioned tissues due to the stimulation of metabolic processes in the body contributed to a probable increase in the average daily weight gain of young fattening animals. Thus, there was a direct relationship between the content of α-linolenic and linoleic acids and copper in the diet and their content in the tissues of experimental animals, productivity characteristics, and biological value of beef. Conclusions. The introduction of a mixture of linseed and sunflower oils into the diet of fattening bulls led to an increase in the content of α-linolenic and linoleic acids and a 1.7-fold decrease in the ratio between essential polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-6 family and that of the ω-3 family. The increase in the content of copper and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-6 and ω-3 families in the diet of fattening bulls led to their accumulation in the liver and skeletal muscles, which contributed to the enhanced biological value of beef.

Maternal rat prenatal and neonatal treatment with pequi pulp reduces anxiety and lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of rat offspring at adolescence

The Pequi fruit (Caryocar Brasiliense cambess), typical of the Brazilian cerrado or savannah, is a source of essential fatty acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of consuming this fruit on anxiety behavior and lipid peroxidation in the brains of rats whose mothers were treated (by gavage) during pregnancy and lactation with Pequi fruit (pulp or nuts) at 2000 mg/kg of body weight. Anxiety parameters were assessed using the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light/dark box (LDB) tests. The brain was removed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Data were analyzed using One-way Anova (p < 0.05). In the OF, the animals in the pulp group presented more time spent in the central area (20.37 ± 0.73 vs Control: 12.51 ± 0.39; Nuts: 8.28 ± 0.40) and increased locomotion (159.7 ± 6.10) compared to the other groups (Control: 127.3 ± 5.54; Nuts: 139.08 ± 6.57). In the EPM, the pulp group entered into the open arms (8.57 ± 0.36) and stayed more time in the central area (19.44 ± 1.17) compared to the Nuts group (7.14 ± 0.34; 13.00 ± 1.57). In the LDB the pulp group entered more (8.00 ± 0.42 vs Control: 7.16 ± 0.16 and Nuts: 7.42 ± 0.75) and stayed longer in the clear light side (92.18 ± 6.42) than all the other groups (Control: 71.44 ± 3.53; Nuts: 80.57 ± 6.50), respectively. Pulp group presented lower MDA in the brain (55.34 ± 3.04) compared to Control (72.06 ± 4.66) and Nuts (66.57 ± 2.45). We conclude that Pequi pulp consumption during pregnancy and lactation reduces lipid peroxidation in brain tissue and induces anxiolytic-like behavior in rat offspring. These effects were not observed in the Pequi nuts group.

The marine diatom Thalassiosira rotula: chemical profile and antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts

The cosmopolitan centric diatom Thalassiosira rotula produces compounds in its natural habitat that can inhibit copepod reproduction. Moreover, it has been reported to possess compounds with therapeutic effects beneficial for health care. In this experiment, the extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and chemical profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of T. rotula were investigated. Extractions were performed with 50% and 70% ethanol. A higher extraction yield [0.21 ± 0.01 g extract/g dry weight (DW) diatom] was observed for 70% ethanol. In addition, higher TPC (5.80 ± 0.32 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW diatom) and antioxidant activity [DPPH inhibition of 17.53% ± 0.56%, FRAP of 766.67 ± 34.69 µM Trolox equivalents (TE), and ORAC of 58.87 ± 2.03 µM TE] were observed for this extract. Myristic acid, palmitelaidic acid, palmitic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, 24-methylenecholesterol, and docosapentaenoic acid were identified as dominant compounds in both extracts, while extraction in 70% ethanol yielded a higher content of fatty acids such as myristic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and sterol 24-methylenecholesterol. Thus, it can be concluded that extraction of T. rotula with 70% ethanol improves antioxidant activity and provides a higher yield of compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and sterols. Therefore, the species T. rotula could be considered a sustainable source of essential fatty acids and other bioactive compounds for further applications.

Red muscle of small pelagic fishes’ fillets are high-quality sources of essential fatty acids

Red muscle of small pelagic fishes’ fillets are high-quality sources of essential fatty acids

Comparing the antioxidant activities of tomato seed oil extracted from two varieties of tomato fruits

Comparing the antioxidant activities of tomato seed oil extracted from two varieties of tomato fruits (Riogrande and Roma VF) demonstrated by five spectrophotometric methods: DPPH, β- carotene linoleic antioxidant, HRSA, ORAC, FRAP. Tomato seed is the major by-product of the tomato paste manufacturing industry in the world today. The tomato seed was extracted from healthy tomato fruits of the two varieties and were washed with water and dried in an oven at 60oC for 3 days, and milled to powder. Ten gram of the powdered samples was placed in a soxhlet extractor, using 300 ml of n- Hexane, and allowed to boil at 40-60°C for 6 hours repeatedly to obtain the oil. The oil was placed in a water bath at 70°C to remove the excess n-Hexane. The results showed that tomato seed oil (TSO) is stable, translucent and highly penetrating oil and the refractive index, Density and the specific gravity of the oil of both varieties are all in line with the FAO/WHO standard. The fatty acid composition results showed that TSO is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Though Roma VF seed oil at a lower concentration of DPPH (43.270±0.028), β- carotene linoleic antioxidant (15.855±0.035), FRAP (10.765±0.021) and HRSA (31.010±0.014) demonstrated higher oxidation rates of scavenging free radicals, chelating prooxidative metals, quenching singlet oxygen and photosensitizers, and inactivating lipoxygenase compared to the Riogrande seed oil which had the only lower reducing potential of ORAC (1.480±0.014).

Physicochemical, potential nutritional, antioxidant and health properties of sesame seed oil: a review.

Sesame (Sesanum indicum L.) is one of the primary annual oilseeds grown in Africa and Asia. Sesame seed oil (SSO) is of great economic and human nutrition interest worldwide. Due to its composition in phytochemical antioxidants and profile in unsaturated fatty acids, sesame is used as a biological source of essential fatty acids. It contains bioactive compounds such as lignans (sesamin, sesamol, sesamolin), tocopherols and phytosterols. The oleic/linoleic fatty acids ratio of sesame makes it important for human health. SSO has bioactive compounds that can help prevent certain cardiovascular, metabolized and coronary diseases. The ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in SSO are precursors to eicosanoids that regulate the immune system and inflammatory functions. The essential fatty acids contained in this oil are essential for cell construction and highly recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. The consumption of SSO allows both a decrease in the LDL-cholesterol complex and an increase in the HDL-cholesterol complex. It regulates blood sugar and may have favorable effects on people with liver cancer and those developing fatty liver disease. In this review, the nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of SSO have been compiled to provide collective information of nutritional and medical interest.

Proinflammatory mediators in lipid emulsions and parenteral-nutrition associated liver disease: Review of leading factors.

Lipid injectable emulsions have been in clinical use for over 60 years. The first product launched was Intralipid, which consisted of an emulsion of soybean oil in water for intravenous administration. It was a key source of essential fatty acids and an alternative source of energy for patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction requiring long-term parenteral nutrition. With clinical experience, a condition known as parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD), or intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), was observed, with a focus on carbohydrate and fat energy. Modifying the daily doses and infusion rates had some salutary effects, but PNALD persisted. Subsequently, on closer inspection of the fatty acids profile and phytosterol concentrations, degradation products arising from chemical and physical stability issues of the available lipid injectable emulsions were implicated. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration convened an online workshop entitled "The Role of Phytosterols in PNALD/IFALD," with an emphasis on (1) the multifactorial pathophysiology of PNALD/IFALD, (2) risk associated with phytosterols, and (3) regulatory history. The scope of this review includes the multifactorial pathophysiology of PNALD/IFALD as it relates to the pharmaceutical aspects of the various lipid injectable emulsions on the market, with respect to potential proinflammatory components, as well as physical and chemical stability issues that may also affect products' safe intravenous administration to patients.

SOĞUK PRESLENMİŞ ASPİR YAĞINDAN ZENGİNLEŞTİRİLMİŞ SALATA SOSLARININ HAZIRLANMASI VE KALİTE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize two different salad dressings based on cold-pressed safflower oil. Common physico-chemical and thermal properties, compositions, sensory descriptive analysis, and consumer tests were completed. Both samples had acceptable free fatty acidity, peroxide and pH values, and had color values reflecting the spices (red pepper and green spices). Both dressings were liquid at around -14 to -19 oC and were pourable. They were good sources of essential fatty acids, including around 91-92% of total unsaturated fatty acids. Total phytosterol contents were around 1693-1700 mg/kg, with a majority of β-sitosterol. Further, both samples had around 284 mg/kg of total tocopherols. The panel used 8 sensory terms (consistency, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, spicy, vinegary, and metallic) to describe the samples. Consumers liked their appearance and smell/aroma, but taste/flavor and general acceptance scores were lower. Further studies to improve taste properties are suggested.

Maternal seafood consumption and fetal growth: a birth cohort study in urban China

BackgroundSeafood is a good source of essential fatty acids which has a presumably beneficial effect on developing embryos and fetuses, although it is also a source of contaminants. In this context, pregnant women are faced with conflicting reports on the risk and benefits of seafood consumption. This study aims to assess whether the consumption of seafood during pregnancy was associated with fetal growth in an inland city in China.MethodsThis study included 10,179 women who delivered a singleton live birth in Lanzhou, China. Seafood consumption was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Maternal data including birth outcomes and maternal complications information is extracted from the medical records. Associations between seafood consumption and fetal growth indicators were analyzed using multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression.ResultsThere was a positive association between total seafood consumption and birth weight (β = 0.027, 95%CI:0.030–0.111) but no association concerning birth length or head circumference. Seafood consumption was associated with decreased risk of low birth weight (OR = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.480, 0.689). The frequency of seafood consumption during pregnancy showed a trend toward a positive association with low birth weight. Significantly reduced rates of low birth weight were found in women who consumed more than 75 g of seafood/week during pregnancy as compared to women with no or very low intakes (P for trend 0.021). A significant interaction was observed between pre-pregnancy BMI and seafood consumption on birth weight among underweight women, but not among overweight women. Gestational weight gain partially mediated the association between seafood consumption and birth weight.ConclusionsMaternal seafood consumption was associated with decreased risk of low birth weight and increased birth weight. This association was mainly driven by freshwater fish and shellfish. These results further corroborate the present dietary recommendation to the Chinese Nutrition Society for pregnant women, especially those with underweight pre-pregnancy BMI and inadequate GWG. In addition, our findings provide implications for future interventions to improve seafood consumption among pregnant women to prevent low birth weight babies in the inland city in China.

Modern health concept of non-bovine milk: A review

Milk is considered as the most complete single food available and is a fundamental part of the human diet in which major contribution comes from bovine than that of Non-Bovine Animals (NBA). Among NBAs, goat, camel, and donkey are important components of livestock industry which play vital role in the socio-economic structure in rural areas. The gross composition of the Non-Bovine Milk (NBM) is almost like that of bovine milk, except donkey milk due to its lower fat and protein and higher lactose content. NBM has several health benefits as it is rich source of essential fatty acids, some essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and several bioactive compounds. Goat and camel milk have smaller fat globules hence known as naturally homogenized milk and have better digestibility and protein utilization. Camel and donkey milk are rich source of vitamin C as compared to bovine milk. Furthermore, the protein composition of NBM is one of the attractive points as compared to bovine milk due to its lower allergenic effects in consumers. NBM is also a very rich source of healthy unsaturated fatty acids. Multiple medicinal and therapeutic anti-allergic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-cancerous properties help to promote them as “functional foods” to attract consumers. Goat, camel and donkey milk are well known for their bifidogenic, anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects, respectively. NBM has potential for human well-being though, less awareness, information about the microbiota and its significance for milk quality and safety are challenging fields for further exploration.

Pavlova gyrans as a potential source of essential fatty acids, sterols and pigments: culture under low temperature

Pavlova gyrans as a potential source of essential fatty acids, sterols and pigments: culture under low temperature

Alternative Protein Sources and Novel Foods: Benefits, Food Applications and Safety Issues.

The increasing size of the human population and the shortage of highly valuable proteinaceous ingredients has prompted the international community to scout for new, sustainable, and natural protein resources from invertebrates (e.g., insects) and underutilized legume crops, unexploited terrestrial and aquatic weeds, and fungi. Insect proteins are known for their nutritional value, being rich in proteins with a good balance of essential amino acids and being a valuable source of essential fatty acids and trace elements. Unconventional legume crops were found rich in nutritional, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties, showing excellent abilities to survive extreme environmental conditions. This review evaluates the recent state of underutilized legume crops, aquatic weeds, fungi, and insects intended as alternative protein sources, from ingredient production to their incorporation in food products, including their food formulations and the functional characteristics of alternative plant-based proteins and edible insect proteins as novel foods. Emphasis is also placed on safety issues due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors and allergenic proteins in insects and/or underutilized legumes. The functional and biological activities of protein hydrolysates from different protein sources are reviewed, along with bioactive peptides displaying antihypertensive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and/or antimicrobial activity. Due to the healthy properties of these foods for the high abundance of bioactive peptides and phytochemicals, more consumers are expected to turn to vegetarianism or veganism in the future, and the increasing demand for such products will be a challenge for the future.

Fatty Acids in Waste Tissues: The Nutraceutical Value of Gonads and Livers from the Moroccan Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio Fishes.

Fishes are an important component of human nutrition, mainly acting as source of essential fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The increase in their consumption has led to a growth of fishes waste; therefore, the disposal and recycling of waste has become a key issue to address, in accordance with circular economy principles. The Moroccan Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio fishes, living in freshwater and marine environments, were collected at mature and immature stages. The fatty acid (FA) profiles of liver and ovary tissues were investigated by GC-MS and compared with edible fillet tissues. The gonadosomatic index, the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes were measured. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to be abundant in the mature ovary and fillet of both species, with a polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio ranging from 0.40 to 1.06 and a monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio between 0.64 and 1.84. Saturated fatty acids were found to be highly abundant in the liver and gonads of both species (range 30-54%), as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (range 35-58%). The results suggested that the exploitation of fish wastes, such as the liver and ovary, may represent a sustainable strategy for the achievement of high value-added molecules with nutraceutical potential.

Nutritional Value of Silkworm Pupae (Bombyx mori) with Emphases on Fatty Acids Profile and Their Potential Applications for Humans and Animals

Bombyx mori is an ideal lepidopteran species representative of many scientific studies, a model of studies for medicine and a significant insect from an ecological standpoint. This review was performed to summarize the fatty acids (FA) composition of silkworm pupae (SP) that are associated with other important compounds that could add value to SP, diversifying the ways of valorization. The proposal to complete plant-based feeds with insect-based feeds represents a viable option to beneficially impact human and animal health and the environment. The quality and quantity of fats consumed significantly impact the aetiology of certain diseases. The key compounds of fat named essential FA (EFA) substantially influence the prevention and treatment of several diseases through their nutraceutical functions. Due to its excellent profile in nutrients such as protein and fat, amino acids and fatty acids composition, SP has become an important alternative feed ingredient and source of EFA. SP is a by-product that was discarded in large quantities. Following the need to act to improve human health and reduce climate change impact, many researchers focused on studying SP applications in the medical and agricultural industries. Several authors noticed an improvement in the health markers by using SP. The feed cost for the animal was reduced with economic implications. Minimization of environmental impact was recorded. Few precautions were recommended regarding SP use, although they should not be ignored. The composition of SP and its potential for use in various industries provides us with persuasive arguments for continuing to develop the sericulture industry.

Nutrient Density and Microbial Safety of Open-Air-Dried Beef Meat and Its Biochemical and Organ Histopathology Effects in Albino Rats: A Promising Ingredient for Complementary Food Formulation.

Dried beef meat is a major source of essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that are digestible and absorbable, thus could be a potential source of nutrients in complementary food formulations. Composition, microbial safety, and organ function tests were analyzed, and histopathological effect of air-dried beef meat powder was determined in rat model. Three groups of diets were given for the three groups of animals: (1) standard rat diet, (2) meat powder+standard rat diet (1 : 1 formulation), and (3) dried meat powder. A total of 36 Wistar albino rats (18 males and 18 females) of 4-8 weeks old were used and randomly assigned to the experiments. After acclimatization for one week, the experimental rats were followed for 30 days. Microbial analysis, nutrient composition, organ histopathology (liver and kidney), and organ function tests were conducted from serum samples taken from the animals. Protein, fat, fiber, ash, utilizable carbohydrate, and energy contents of meat powder on a dry weight basis were 76.12 ± 3.68, 8.19 ± 2.01, 0.56 ± 0.38, 6.45 ± 1.21, 2.79 ± 0.38 g/100 g, and 389.30 ± 3.25 kcal/100 g, respectively. Meat powder could be also a potential source of minerals such as potassium (766.16 ± 77.26 mg/100 g), phosphorus (150.35 ± 16.26 mg/100 g), calcium (18.15 ± 7.80 mg/100 g), zinc (3.82 ± 0.10 mg/100 g), and sodium (123.76 ± 32.71 mg/100 g). Food intakes were lower in MP group compared to the others. According to organ histopathology results, animals fed with the diet have shown normal values, except rise in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine kinase (CK) in groups fed with meat powder. The results of organ function tests were all within the acceptable ranges and comparable with their counterpart control groups. However, some of the microbial contents of the meat powder were not within the recommended level. Dried meat powder has a higher amount of nutrients, which would be a potential recipe in complementary food preparation that can support to reduce child malnutrition. However, further studies need to be conducted on the sensory acceptability of formulated complementary foods containing dried meat powder; also, clinical trials are aimed at observing the effect of dried meat powder on child linear growth.

Phyto-chemical and bioactive compounds of pumpkin seed oil as affected by different extraction methods

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) seeds of KH (Kashi Harit) cultivar were chosen for oil extraction by three different methods cold press extraction (CPE), soxhlet extraction (SE) and mechanical shaking extraction (MSE) method. SE method showed highest oil yield (38.03%) followed by CPE (33.25%) and MSE (26.36%) methods. Peroxide and acid value were found to be least in the CPE pumpkin seed oil (PSO) whereas oil stability index was highest in this oil. PSO is a good source of essential fatty acids as it contains significant amount (p < 0.05) of linoleic acid in the range of 44.38–44.47%. PSO also contains major sterols like campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, ∆7,22,25-Stigmastratrienol, ∆7,25-Stigmastadienol, ∆5-Avenasterol, etc. CPE oil showed higher values for tocopherols (α, β, γ and δ) (4.01, 0.77, 12.51 and 6.42 mg/100 g, respectively), β-carotene (3.86 mg/kg), TPC (19.26 mg GAE/g), DPPH (46.35%) and squalene (352.63 mg/100 g). Thermal analysis of all oil samples revealed that no endothermic reaction occurred beyond 27.5 °C and remains at liquid state at room temperature. 1HNMR fingerprinting of PSO was carried out to determine the composition of major and minor oil constituents like mono and di-glycerides, aliphatic chains and fatty acids.

Phytochemical Elucidation and Antioxidant Activity of Seeds from Three Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) Cultivars from Algeria

In this study, the characterization of fatty acids and secondary metabolites in seeds of three cultivars of Opuntia ficus-indica L. (O. ficus-indica, yellow, orange, and green) harvested from the Souk Ahras area in Northeast Algeria was performed. The antioxidant activity of seed extracts was also assessed by using two methods, namely FRAP and DPPH tests. Results show that total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 63.02 to 81.80 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g of seeds. The yellow cultivar had the highest TPC, followed by the orange and green cultivars. Concerning flavonoids and tannins, the orange cultivar showed higher concentrations, corresponding to 2.97 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g and 5.60 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g, respectively. Analysis of the seed extracts by HPLC revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, including gallic acid and chlorogenic acid, while the GC analysis of oil showed that prickly pear oil is a major source of essential fatty acids (C18:2). The antioxidant activities of extracts from the three cultivars were comparable. The EC50 for the reduction of ferric iron was almost 0.05 g/mL for all extracts. Regarding the scavenging of DPPH, green and yellow cultivars showed the highest capacity (EC50 = 0.26 g/mL). Linear correlations between the content of some antioxidants (flavonoids, tannins) and different activities were observed, indicating their participation in the latter. Above all, a significant inverse correlation between the total flavonoid content and the EC50 calculated for the reducing activity of seed extracts was observed (r = −0.657; p ≤ 0.05). Overall, the results indicate that the seeds of O. ficus-indica growing in Algeria can be exploited as valuable sources of table oil, cooking oil, and antioxidants.