Antioxidant activity, volatile compounds and fatty acid compositions of Cephalaria syriaca seeds obtained from different regions in Turkey

Abstract

Crude oil yield, fatty acid composition, volatile compounds, antioxidant activity and some characteristics of Cephalaria syriaca seeds collected from different locations in Turkey were studied. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DDPH and ABTS tests and the results were in the range of 18.8-67.3% and 0.0-41.8 mmol Trolox eq g-1 DW, respectively; while total phenolic contents were between 4339-11907 mg GAE kg-1. The average α-tocopherol content was found to be in the range of 54-467 mg kg-1. Oil yield was between 11.2-24.0%. Oleic and linoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids. A total of 30 different volatile compounds were identified in the samples, mostly consisting of alcohols and aldehydes. The results of this study showed that Cephalaria syriaca seeds can be considered as alternative raw material in the production of edible oil, and can be used as a source of natural antioxidants and food additives.