Analysis of EPA and DHA in the viscera of marine fish using gas chromatography

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2016 Mar;29(2):497-502.

Abstract

The viscera of 10 kinds of marine fishes were collected for fish oil extraction and detection of DHA and EPA, two most important polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fish oil extraction ratio for the evaluated fishes varied from 0.95% to 10.18% (wt%). Pseudosciaena crocea presented the highest fish oil yield, followed by Mustelus manazo, Hippoglossus and Sciaenopsocellatus. A gas chromatography method was then established for analysis of EPA/DHA. The EPA concentration (in methyl ester form) in the fish oil varied from 1.39 to 10.65(mg/g). Epinephelus awoara presented the highest EPA concentration (p<0.05), followed by Epinephelussp, Sciaenopsocellatus and Hippoglossus. The DHA concentration (in methyl ester form) in the fish oil varied from 0.58 to 37.02 (mg/g). Epinephelus awoara presented the highest DHA concentration (p<0.05), followed by Sciaenopsocellatus, Pseudosciaena crocea and Hippoglossus. No strict positive correlation between the EPA/DHA concentration and the sea depth where the fish live was observed. The fishes living in middle depth presented highest EPA/DHA concentration.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Gas*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / analysis*
  • Ecosystem
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / analysis*
  • Fish Oils / chemistry*
  • Fishes / classification
  • Fishes / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Species Specificity
  • Viscera / chemistry*

Substances

  • Fish Oils
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid