Physico-chemical characteristics of seed oils of some Litsea species found in North-East India

Seeds of six species of genus Litsea Lam. (FamilyLauraceae), viz. L. angustifolia Hook. f., L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. syn. L. citrata Blume, L. confertiflora (Meissn.) Kost., L. glutinosa (Lour.) C.B. Robins., L. laeta Benth. & Hook. f. and L. lanuginosa Nees were collected from 7-10 years old trees and investigated for their oil content and physicochemical properties. Fatty oil content of these species ranged between 19.1 to 58.6% (w/w). Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil indicated that lauric acid is dominant fatty acid; highest in L. laeta (92.0%) and lowest in L. confertifolia (53.0%). Besides lauric acid, seed oil also contain trace amount of myristic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. Oleic acid (22.7%) was obtained in L. confertifolia. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid which is considered responsible for many of its health benefits. Hence, the content of lauric acid in these species explores possibility to use these oils as an important source material for nutritional and health aspects.