Chemical composition of Chinese Oenothera oil (Oenothera biennis L.)

Abstract

The oil from the seeds of O. biennis L. from continental China was analysed by GLC, MS-GLC, UV and IR spectroscopy and the usual chemical and physicochemical methods. Results are shown graphically and in tables. The main fatty acids were oleic (8.7%, 8.9 in beta-position), linoleic (73.7%, 81.5 in beta position) and cis-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic (8.9%, 9.9 in beta position). No trans isomers or conjugated trienes were detected. About 90% of sterols were beta-sitosterol (92.1% on SE 30, 87.0 on OV 17 column) and 9% compesterol. No stigmasterol was detected. The trienoic acid present is not normally found in commercial edible vegetable oils.