The sterols of Nigella sativa seed oil

Abstract

Free sterols, steryl esters, steryl glucosides and acylated steryl glucosides were isolated from Nigella sativa seed oil and their components identified. Steryl glucosides comprised the major sterol form. Steryl esters appeared relatively richer in 4-methylsterols and triterpene alcohols than free sterols. Δ7-Sterols were present only in the steryl ester fraction which was also richer in obfusifoliol (Δ8-4α-methylsterol). The total fatty acids of the seed oil appeared richer in unsaturated acids than those of the acylated steryl glucosides and the steryl esters. © 1986.