GLOBE ARTICHOKE (CYNARA-SCOLYMUS L) OIL - A POTENTIAL NEW SOURCE OF ESSENTIAL POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS

Abstract

Fatty acid composition of Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) oil was analysed by GLC. The principal constituents of this oil are stearic acid (6.59%), Palmitic acid (1.35%), Oleic acid (41.6%) and Linoleic acid (50.33%). This oil is thus composed of about 91 per cent essential polyunsaturated and 9 per cent saturated fatty acids. Thus, the high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids makes the oil an excellent dietary oil.