# Extraction of Seed Oil from Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer and Investigation of Its Composition, Qualitative and Nutraceutical Properties

## TL;DR

Researchers extracted oil from Heracleum persicum seeds and found it has a favorable composition for use as a new vegetable oil source.

## Contribution

This study reports the first detailed analysis of oil extracted from Heracleum persicum seeds, highlighting its unique fatty acid and nutrient profile.

## Key findings

- The oil has a high oleic acid content (61.11%) and moderate linoleic acid (25.84%).
- It contains significant amounts of beta-sitosterol (65.6%) and alpha-tocopherol (1610.9 ppm).
- The oil's nutritional indices suggest it has low atherogenic and thrombogenic risks.

## Abstract

Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer, a species of the Apiaceae family, is endemic to Iran and has been historically utilized as a spice, condiment, and medicinal plant. The plant produces seeds that represent a potential new source of vegetable oil. In this study, the oil from these seeds was extracted using a solvent, and its physical, chemical, and nutritional properties were investigated. The oil extraction yield was determined to be 12.62%. Oleic acid (61.11%) and linoleic acid (25.84%) were identified as the predominant fatty acids in the extracted oil. Among its phytosterols, beta-sitosterol (65.6%) and stigmasterol (14.0%) were the most abundant. Furthermore, this oil exclusively contained alpha-tocopherol at a relatively high concentration (1610.9 ppm). The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of the extracted oil were 28.34 mg/kg and 4.95 mg/kg, respectively. Regarding its nutritional indices, the atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic ratio were 0.13, 0.24, and 9.77, respectively. In conclusion, considering its unique oil composition and qualitative characteristics, this oil holds promise as a novel source of vegetable oil and a valuable byproduct of Heracleum persicum.