Comparative investigation of the fatty acid composition in milk thistle (Silybum) seed oil, sunflower (Helianthus) seed oil, and sea buckthorn (Hippophae) seed oil
Introduction. The paper considers the identification of milk thistle (Silybum) seed oil, sunflower (Helianthus) seed oil, and sea buckthorn (Hippophae) seed oil in terms of their characteristic fatty acid profile. Objective: to investigate the fatty acid composition of milk thistle seed oil and sea buckthorn seed oil as compared to that of sunflower seed oil. Material and methods. The objects of the investigation were the fatty oil of Saint-Mary-thistle (Silybum marianum), the medicinal product «Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil», and the pharmaceutical substance «Sunflower Seed Oil». The fatty-acid composition of the oils was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric detection according to the GOST 31665-2012 method. Results. 15, 14, and 13 fatty acids were identified in the oils of milk thistle, sunflower, and buckthorn seeds, respectively There was a preponderance of unsaturated fatty acids in all examined samples and linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids in the sea buckthorn seed oil. Unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic ones, and saturated acids, such as stearic, palmitic, arachidic, and begenic ones, create the main profile of milk thistle seed oil on a chromatogram. The oils of Saint-Mary-thistle and sunflower seeds differ qualitatively in fatty acid composition and content. Conclusion. The qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids were established in the test oils; their distinctive features were revealed. The findings can be used to confirm the identity of the oils.