Rapid Determination of Volatile Constituents from the Buds and Flowers of Prunus Persica (L.) Batsch. f. duplex Rehd
The head-space (HS) volatile compounds of the buds and flowers of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. f. duplex Rehd were analysed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Typical compounds detected in P. persica (L.) Batsch. f. duplex Rehd buds and flowers were alkanes. Tetradecane (4.07%), 4,8- dimethyl undecane (4.56%), pentadecane (11.3%) and hexadecane (4.62%) were identified as the main compounds in the buds, and tricosane (20.03%) , hexadecane (3.34%) were detected in the flowers as the main alkanes. On the other hand, (Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid (20.94%) was found in the buds as the main compounds.
Lipase-catalyzed incorporation of oleic acid into melon seed oil
The ability of lipase PS30 (Pseudomonas sp.) to modify the fatty acid profile of melon seed oil by incorporation of oleic acid (18:1n-9) was investigated. The transesterification was carried out in hexane in an orbital shaking water bath at 55°C for 24 h with methyl oleate (70% pure) as acyl donor. Oleic acid content increased from 13.5% to 53%, and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) content decreased from 65% to 33%. The incorporation of oleic acid into melon seed oil by Pseudomonas sp. lipase helped balance the fatty acid profile of the oil in terms of monounsaturated (18:1n-9) and essential fatty acids (18:2n-6).
Chemical Characterization and Edibility of the Oil Extracted from Citrullus colocynthis Seeds
The characteristics and composition of the crude oil extracted from Citrullus colocynthis seeds were examined. Data obtained for the iodine value, saponification number, Reichert-Meissl and others compare well with other edible oils. Thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed over 75% degree of unsaturation major among which were linoleic, 50.6% and oleic acids, 25%. Upon storage, the oil showed relatively low peroxide values that were within the acceptable limits set for other vegetable oils. Animal experimentation trials on the oil using chicks as the experimental animals did not show any toxicity effects. Based on these results, Citrullus colocynthis oil might be of some potential use for animal feed and/or human consumption.