Studies of the compositions of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ligustrum sinense Lour seeds and oils

Abstract

The fruits of Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Ligustrum sinense Lour were harvested in Olavarria (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentine). The seeds and extracted oils were analysed for characteristics and composition. The seed contained 8,7-10 and 10,7 % (dry basis), respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the crude oils were: refractive index 1,4647 and 1,4640 (at 25ºC), iodine value 93,7 and 88,8, saponification index 167 and 154, unsaponifiable matter 11 and 18 %, and free fatty acid content of 4,8 and 9,2 (mg KOH/g), respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis of the oils revealed high levels of oleic acid (57,8 and 51,10%), about 25,1 and 29,6 % of saturated acids, respectively, most of them consisting of palmitic acid, but they have a significant content of acid of more than 18 atoms of carbon. The residual seed meals contained low level of crude protein and of available lysine (2.45, 3.65, g/16g N, respectively). Total and phytic acid phosphorous, calcium, ash, crude fiber, and polysaccharides (non presence of starch) contents are reported.