Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. trivernolin, 1,3-divernolin and vernolic (Epoxyoleic) acid from the seed oil

The epoxy fatty acid components isolated from the seed oil ofV. anthelmintica, Indian ironweed, where the seed had been allowed to undergo lipolysis after grinding, were trivernolin, 1,3-divernolin, and vernolic acid. By inactivation of the hydrolytic enzyme system present in the seed, oil containing more than 50% trivernolin may be obtained. This species has potentialities as a replacement crop for those now in surplus; its seed contains 20 to 26% of an oil rich in epoxyoleic (vernolic) acid combined as glycerides amounting to 70 to 75%.