CONJUGATED FATTY ACIDS IN SOME CUCURBITACEAE SEED OILS

Abstract

Punicic acid was identified as a component of the seed oils of Cyclanthera explodens (26%) and Cayaponia africana (38%). α-Eleostearic acid was identified in Momordica dioica (55%) and its occurrence in Telfairia occidentalis (7 and 12%) was confirmed. Evidence of conjugated acids was noted in Fevillea peruviana and Bryonia alba. The oils of four other species of Cucurbitaceae had no conjugated acids. The distribution pattern of fatty acids in this family is discussed.