STUDIES ON PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Abstract

Pumpkin seed oil contains ca. 52% linoleic, 29% oleic and traces of linolenic acid. The content of tocopherols (33.8 mg β + γ-tocopherol per 100 g oil) is relatively low; α- and δ-tocopherols are not found. The total carotenoid content is 15 ppm, out of which 71% are lutein and 12% are β-carotene. In addition, smaller proportions of α-carotene, cryptoxanthin and flavoxanthins are found. The characteristic dark colour of the oil is due, in addition to carotenoids, to chlorophyll and pheophytins, which are formed from the corresponding chlorophylls. The total content of chlorophyll pigments, 13 ppm, is mainly composed of chlorophyll b and pheophytin a. Laboratory-refined oil has a higher oxidative stability, as measured by SWIFT-Test, than to be expected from the fatty acid composition.