Study of the oil from millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Schum.) seed

Abstract

The seed lipids from 2 cv. of Pennisetum americanum were analysed. Tabulated data show the physicochemical characteristics, % distribution of lipids, fatty acid composition, triglyceride structure, sterol composition and tocopherol contents. The main fatty acids are palmitic (P, 18.1 and 18.0%), oleic (O, 26.7 and 23.3%) and linoleic (L, 44.8 and 49.2%), with small amounts of C20, C20:1, C22 and C24 acids (total about 2% of fatty acids). Structures of the principal triglycerides were calculated to be PLO, PLL, OLL, OOL, PLP and LLL. The main sterols are beta-sitosterol and campesterol, the main tocopherols beta + gamma (93%) and alpha (7%). The nutritional quality of the oil is briefly discussed, mainly in relation to its essential and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents (especially linoleic).