Fatty and amino acid compositions of <em>Vernicia fordii</em>: a source of α-eleostearic acid and methionine

Abstract

Tung seed [<em>Verniciafordii</em> (Hemsl.) Airy Shaw, Fam. Euphorbiaceae] was analysed for α-eleostearic acid content along with seed meal amino acid composition to determine its industrial applications. Tung seed contains high contents of oil and protein with 54.4 and 18.55%, respectively. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids accounted for 4.98, 6.50 and 88.51%, respectively. α-Eleostearic acid was the major fatty acid with 81.02%, along with substantial amounts of oleic (6.50%) and linoleic (7.49%) acids. Similarly, tung defatted seed meal was found rich in sulphur containing amino acid i.e., methionine (614.59 mg/100 g), and arginine (244.64 mg/100 g). The higher concentration of α-eleostearic acid makes tung seed oil suitable for use as drying ingredient in paints, varnishes and coatings. The extracted amino acids/proteins or detoxified tung seed meal can be used as nutritional additive in feedstuffs. Further, the determined cetane index, iodine value and saponification number were not in accordance with the European Standard Organization. However, these biodiesel production related properties can be improved after mixing with other oils.