Occurrence and characterization of oils rich in γ-linolenic acid part I: Echium seeds from Macaronesia

Abstract

Nineteen species of the genus Echium (Fam. Boraginaceae) collected in Macaronesia were surveyed in a search for new sources of γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3ω6). High amounts of this acid were found in all of them, ranging from 9.15% (E. plantagineum) to 26.31% (E. callithyrsum) of total seed fatty acids. The amounts of GLA related to total seed weight were also significant, ranging from 1.77% (E. sventenii) to 5.02% (E. nervosum). In addition, considerable amounts of stearidonic acid (SA, 18:4ω3) were detected, ranging from 3.03% (E. auberianum) to 12.94% (E. plantagineum) of total fatty acids. These data allow us to consider the members of the genus Echium from Macaronesia as one of the richest sources of γ-linolenic acid found so far in nature. The results obtained from multivariable data analysis and the taxonomic relationships among the species is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.