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

BRUNI R;MUZZOLI M;BALLERO, MAURO;LOI, MARIA CECILIA;FANTIN G;POLI F;SACCHETTI G.

2004-01-01

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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 mgykg 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 b-carotene bleaching antioxidant test. All seeds were rich in linolenic acid, while no uncommon fatty acids were detected.