Two-stage solvent extraction of seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn: Lipid and FA compositions

Abstract

The lipid and FA compositions of TAG seed oil of ambrette (Hibiscus abelmoschus), contrary to earlier reports, were found to contain only a small amount of epoxy FA. Higher HBr absorption values were shown to be due to the presence of fragrance components of the seed coat in the oil derived from intact whole seeds. Cyclopropene/cyclopropane acids in the FAME were determined to be about 1.5% by GLC, while epoxy acids were less than 1% by two different methods. Based on the physicochemical characteristics and lipid and FA compositions of the fresh and methanol-extracted seeds, ambrette TAG oil may be a candidate for edible use. The process of selective recovery of the expensive fragrant oily concentrate in higher yield in a first step and of an edible fatty oil in a second step makes it an attractive economic proposal.