FATTY-ACID AND SUGAR COMPOSITION OF ACORUS-CALAMUS LINN

Abstract

The rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn. (Araceae family) were examined for the content and composition of fatty acids and sugars. Composition of the mixed fatty acids, as indicated by gas chromatography of the corresponding methyl esters, were myristic (1.3%), palmitic (18.2%), palmitoleic (16.4%), stearic (7.3%), oleic (29.1%), linoleic (24.5%) and arachidic (3.2%). The nature of the sugars was defined by paper chromatography and confirmed by direct comparison with authentic samples. Composition of the sugars, as indicated by densitometer, were maltose (0.2%), glucose (20.7%) and fructose (79.1%).