Canavalia ensiformis neutral lipids, a rich source of lupeol

Abstract

The composition of the neutral lipids of Canavalia ensiformis, which represent 2.21% of whole seeds, has been investigated. The fatty acid composition is characterized by the presence of palmitic (15%), oleic (54%), linoleic (7%) and linolenic (8%) acids. The unsaponifiable matter (7.9% of the neutral lipids), was examined for sterol, 4α-methylsterol and triterpene alcohols. The occurrence of lupeol in high amount in the last fraction (96%) constitutes an interesting source for this compound. © 1992 AOCS Press.