Therapeutic Applications of Vegetable Oils and GC-MS Evaluation of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 Amounts in Six Oleaginous Plants

摘要

The medicinal importance of vegetable seed oil is highlighted by studying six oleaginous plants rich in nutrients essential for human health, meaning rose hip (Rosa canina), flax (Linum usitatissium), hemp (Cannabis sativa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), and camelina (Camelina sativa). The vegetable oils obtained by cold pressing are a direct source of essential polyunsaturated acids, like linolenic (omega-3) and linoleic (omega-6). For evaluating the fatty acids content in the seeds of the mentioned plants it was used the technique of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The determined composition of the corresponding oils revealed a high content of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. The 3:1 omega-6:omega-3 optimal ratio was observed in hemp oil, while flaxseed oil, rose hip oil, and camelina oil showed a higher content of omega-3 versus omega-6. On the other hand, safflower oil is richer in omega-6, while amaranth oil shows a low content of omega-3, but a high content in omega-6 and omega-9. The results are of interest for people and companies concern by a healthy way of life through the use of vegetable fatty acids.