Chemical Composition of Kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed Oil.

Abstract

Lipid componentswere examined for the seed oils from three varieties, for four items of kenaf. No significant differences in the properties were observed among the varieties. The fat content was about 20% and found to be a semi-drying oil. The fatty acid composition resembled that of cottonseed oil, with palmitic acid 19.1%, oleic acid 28.0%, linoleic acid 44.9%, and a-linolenic acid 0.5%. The sterol and tocopherol compositions also resembled those of cottonseed oil. When the yield of seeds and fatty acid composition could be improved, then the use as edible oil is promising, as its fat content is relatively high.