Fatty Oil of the Seed of Stephania cepharantha Hayata.

Abstract

A reddish brown fatty oil exhibiting an amethyst fluorescence was obtained in 19.4% yield from the seeds of Stephanie cepharantha Hayata (Menispermaceae) by extraction with ether. d413 0.9219. Iodine number, 133.4. The benzine solution of the crude oil was shaken with 2% HCI to remove the alkaloidal components, the oil obtained was saponified, and the presence of the following fatty acids was established by the usual method. The liquid acids (84.5%) were chiefly composed of oleic acid and 19.2% of linoleic acid for the total fatty acids. The solid acids (15.5%) were composed of palmitic and stearic acids. From the unsaponifiable fraction, a crystalline power (0.44%), containing a purple fluorescent substance, an oily substance (0.35%), and phytosterol (ca. 0.1%) were obtained.