Fatty Acid Composition Of Cassiatora, Cassia Occidentalis And Cassia Senna (Leguminosae Subfamily Caesalpinoideae) Seed Oils.

Abstract

The fatty acid composition of Cassiatora, Cassia occidentalis and Cassia senna species of cassia (Leguminosae subfamily Caesalpinodeae) was analyzed using gas chromatography after conversion to their methyl esters. The distribution of the fattyacids in individual species was calculated from their observed retention times. The major fatty acids present were palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic while myristic was in trace in Cassia tora and Cassia occidentalis such that these fatty acid composition can be used to identify the diversity in their germplasm collection.

Key words: Fatty acid, leguminosae, Caesalpinoideae, Cassiatora, occidentallis, senna seed oil.

Nigerian Food Journal Vol.22 2004: 29-32