Comparative study of chemical characteristics, phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of polar and non-polar solvent extracted flaxseed oil

Abstract

This study investigated the chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of flax seed oil extracted by polar (isopropanol) and non-polar (hexane) solvent. The fatty acid profiles of the extracted oils were determined by Gas Chromatography. Flax seed oil was found to contain high level of linolenic acid around (57%), followed by oleic acid (18%) and linoleic acid (19%), while the saturated acids were palmit-ic acid (6%) and stearic acid (4%). Analytical values such as acid value, peroxide value, iodine number, saponification value were determined and total phenolic and flavonoid content were performed. The antioxidant activity of flax seed oil extracted by polar and non-polar solvent, based on the determination of DPPH Free radical scavenging activity, FRAP assay, ABTS assay was evaluated.