γ-linolenic acid inAnemone spp. seed lipids

Abstract

γ-Linolenic acid containing oils have been found in seed lipids of a number of plants, but are restricted to certain genera and families,e.g., the Boraginaceae. Some of these oils have found considerable interest for pharmaceutical and dietary use,e.g., borage oil and evening primrose oil in treatment of essential fatty acid and Δ6 desaturase deficiency. Our investigation of the seed lipids of certain Mongolian and other Ranunculaceae has now shown the presnce of unusual fatty acids, including considerable amounts (up to 20%) ofγ-linolenic acid in certain species ofAnemone, whereas this acid was found to be absent in other species ofAnemone. A number of other unusual fatty acids are present inA. rivularis but have not yet been identified. The significance of the presence ofγ-linolenic acid, a Δ6 acid, is discussed in relation to δ5 fatty acids that had been reported to occur in the same plant family.