Prunus avium kernel oil characterization: a comparative study of four varieties from Sefrou, Morocco

Abstract

Four varieties of Prunus avium (Burlat, Napoleon, Coeur de pigeon, Van) kernel oils were extracted using a soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane as solvent. These oils composition was compared amongst them, with fatty acids, phytosterols and tocopherols identification and physicochemical characterization of said oils. Several differences, such as in oil yield were observed, “Coeur de pigeon” variety being the highest with a 23.5% yield. Twelve fatty acids were identified in all the varieties with linoleic and oleic fatty acids being the most abundant. β-sitosterol, Campesterol and Δ5-Avenasterol were the major compounds in the sterols assay performed. Also, total tocopherols ranged from 352.22 mg/kg (Var. Coeur de pigeon) to 2072.55 mg/kg (Var. Napoleon), with γ-tocopherol being the dominant one. These results suggest that these oils have numerous active compounds that can be further exploited.