Tocopherols, fatty acids and sterols in seeds of four Sardinian wild Euphorbia species

Fitoterapia. 2004 Jan;75(1):50-61. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2003.07.009.

Abstract

Sardinian wild Euphorbia pithyusa, E. semiperfoliata, E. dendroides and E. characias seed oils were analyzed for their fatty acids, unsaponifiable and tocopherol content. Total tocopherol content showed a wide variability, ranging from 939 mg/kg in E. semiperfoliata seeds to its absence in E. characias. The results on tocopherol content were statistically correlated with both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and the beta-carotene bleaching antioxidant test. All seeds were rich in linolenic acid, while no uncommon fatty acids were detected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Euphorbia*
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Picrates / chemistry
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Seeds
  • Sterols / chemistry
  • Tocopherols / chemistry*
  • beta Carotene / chemistry

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Fatty Acids
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Picrates
  • Plant Oils
  • Sterols
  • beta Carotene
  • 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
  • Tocopherols