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Multipurpose oil‐bearing plants tolerant of arid or semiarid environments
Author(s) -
Carr M. E.,
Phillips B. S.,
Bagby M. O.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of the american oil chemists' society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1558-9331
pISSN - 0003-021X
DOI - 10.1007/bf02545959
Subject(s) - unsaponifiable , polyphenol , botany , chemistry , food science , biology , organic chemistry , antioxidant
Ninety‐six plant species from Arizona were examined for their multipurpose oil‐producing potential. Whole‐plant samples, excluding roots, were analyzed for “oil,” “polyphenol,” “hydrocarbon” and apparent protein contents as well as for botanical features. Oil fractions of species that yielded at least 3.0% oil (dry, ash‐free plant basis) were analyzed for classes of lipid constituents. After saponification of these oils, contents of free fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter were determined. Rubber from species that yielded at least 0.4% hydrocarbon was analyzed for average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Mortonia scabrella yielded the most oil (6.6%) and a substantial amount of polyphenol (16.0%). Lepidium oblongum gave 5.8% oil and 27.1% protein. Apodanthera undulata gave 5.8% oil and 22.4% protein. Ligustrum japonicum yielded 5.3% oil and 27.4% polyphenol. Olea europaea yielded the most polyphenol (29.4%), and Sisymbrium irio contained the most protein (35.0%). Several other species yielded substantial amounts of oil (up to 5.4%) and/or polyphenol (up to 28.7%). Maximum yield of hydrocarbon was 0.9% for Euphorbia albomarginata . Analytical data and a preliminary examination of botanical characteristics suggest that at least 10 of the 96 species should be studied further for their industrial potential. Data are discussed with respect to species previously analyzed at this Center.