Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Phoenix Tree Seed and its Oil

Abstract

Various components of Phoenix tree (Firmiana simplex) seed were determined. Oil, protein, moisture, ash, and fiber accounted for 27.8 ± 0.3, 19.7 ± 0.4, 7.5 ± 0.2, 4.4 ± 0.3, and 31.23 ± 0.93 % (w/w) of the seed, respectively. The acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter content of Phoenix tree seed oil extracted using the Soxhlet method were 3.73 ± 0.02 mg KOH/g, 1.97 ± 0.21 mmol/kg, 183.74 ± 2.37 mg KOH/g, and 0.90 ± 0.05 g/100 g, respectively. The total tocopherol content was 54.5 ± 0.5 mg/100 g oil, which consisted mainly of δ‐tocopherol (29.5 ± 0.6 mg/100 g oil) and γ‐tocopherol (13.8 ± 0.8 mg/100 g oil). Linoleic acid (L, 30.2 %), oleic acid (O, 22.2 %), and sterculic acid (S, 23.2 %) were the main unsaturated fatty acids of Phoenix tree seed oil. The saturated fatty acids included palmitic acid (17.4 %) and stearic acid (St, 2.9 %). The work shows the first report of sterculic acid in seeds of this species. This oil can be used as a raw material to produce sterculic acid.

Enzymatic production of sterculic acid from the novel Phoenix tree seed oil: Optimization and kinetic study

“…Sterculic acid also can inhibit mammary carcinoma growth in rats (Khoo et al, 1991). In our previous work (Sun and Li, 2016), we found that Phoenix tree seed oil is rich in sterculic acid (S, 23.2%). The Phoenix tree, also named Chinese parasol or Firmiana simplex, is a tall, deciduous tree which has been used as an ornamental plant grown on both sides of roads and courtyards in many provinces of China, for example, Hebei, Shanxi, Fujian, and Taiwan.…”

A novel and rapid method for fatty acid preparation by the lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of Phoenix tree seeds

“…The seed of the Phoenix tree has been used as a traditional Chinese herb for promoting digestion and treating stomachaches (Woo et al 2016). In our previous work (Sun and Li 2016), some active ingredients of Phoenix tree seeds, such as oil, protein, moisture, ash and fiber, were found, accounting for 27.8, 19.7, 7.5, 4.4 and 31.2% (w/w) of the seed, respectively. It is a new undeveloped woody oil seed that contains 10 types of fatty acids.…”

“…It is a new undeveloped woody oil seed that contains 10 types of fatty acids. The major fatty acids (FAs) were sterculic acid (S, 23.22 ± 1.57%), oleic acid (O, 22.23 ± 1.85%) and linoleic acid (L, 30.16 ± 1.92%) (Sun and Li 2016). These FAs are valuable molecules that can be used as precursors for the production of fuels, oleochemicals and special health care products (Khoo et al 1991;Lennen et al 2010;Liu et al 2010;Nickolau et al 2008).…”

Three New Lignan Glycosides from the <i>Firmiana simplex</i>

“…8,9) Further investigations yielded three new lignan glycosides, designated as firmiside A-C (1-3) ( Fig. 1) and six known lignan glycosides (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) from EtOAc and BuOH fractions of F. simplex, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Tables 1 and 2) were very similar to those of paulownin, which was isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa.…”

“…Some compounds and extracts of F. simplex have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities. [4][5][6][7] A preliminary investigation of F. simplex led to the isolation and structural elucidation of cytotoxic triterpenoids and anti-inflammatory lignans. 8,9) Further investigations yielded three new lignan glycosides, designated as firmiside A-C (1-3) ( Fig.…”