Composition and antioxidative activities of supercritical CO2-extracted oils from seeds and soft parts of northern berries

The present study investigated the composition and the antioxidative activities of oils from the seeds and the soft parts of a range of northern berries extracted by supercritical CO₂. The seed oils of the species of Rubus, Vaccinium, Empetrum, Fragaria and Hippophaë were rich in linoleic (18:2n-6, 34-55% of total fatty acids) and ??-linolenic (18:3n-3, 29-45% of total) acids with n-6:n-3 ratios of 1:1-1:2. The seed oils of the species Ribes contained, in addition to linoleic and ??-linolenic acids, ??-linolenic (18:3n-6) and stearidonic (18:3n-4) acids. In seed oils from European rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and snowball berry (Viburnum opulus L.), linoleic and oleic (18:1n-9) acids together exceeded 90% of the total fatty acids. The sea buckthorn (SB) pulp oil had palmitoleic (16:1n-7), palmitic (16:0) and oleic acids as the major fatty acids. The SB pulp oil and snowball berry seed oil were rich in ??-tocopherol (120 and 110 mg/100 g oil, respectively), whereas raspberry seed oil contained a high level of ??-tocopherol (320 mg/100 g oil). Seed oils of cranberry (180 mg/100 g oil), Arctic cranberry (190 mg/100 g oil) and lingonberry (120 mg/100 g oil) are rich sources of ??-tocotrienol. The berry seed oils and the SB pulp oil showed varying peroxyl radical scavenging efficacies (300-2300 ??mol ??-tocopherol equivalent per 100 g oil) and inhibitory effects on perioxidation of microsomal lipids (250-1200 ??mol trolox equivalent per 100 g oil) in vitro. The peroxyl radical scavenging activity positively correlated with the total content of tocopherols and tocotrienols of the oils (r = 0.875, P = 0.001). The SB seed oil and pulp oil were active in scavenging superoxide anions produced by xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and inhibited Cu²⁺-induced LDL oxidation in vitro. The SB oils also protected purified DNA and rat liver homogenate from UV-induced DNA oxidation in vitro. The current research suggests potential of supercritical CO₂-extracted oils from northern berries as nutraceuticals and ingredients of functional foods.     

Effects of drying method on the extraction yields and quality of oils from quebec sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) seeds and pulp

The effects of air-drying and freeze-drying on the extraction yields and quality of oils from Quebec sea buckthorn (cv. Indian-summer) seeds and pulp were studied. Oil extractions were carried out using hexane. Air-dried (ADS) and freeze-dried (FDS) seeds, gave a similar extraction yields (∼12% w/w), whereas those of air-dried (ADP) and freeze-dried (FDP) pulps were significantly different (35.9 ± 0.8 vs. 17.1 ± 0.6% w/w). Fatty acid analysis revealed that α-linolenic (37.2–39.6%), linoleic (32.4–34.2%) and oleic (13.1%) acids were the main fatty acids in seed oils, while pulp oils were rich in palmitoleic (39.9%), palmitic (35.4%) and linoleic (10.6%) acids. Lipid fractionation of crude oils, obtained by solid phase extraction (SPE), yielded mainly neutral lipids (93.9–95.8%). The peroxide values of seed and pulp oils were ca. 1.8 meq/kg and between 3.0 and 5.4 meq/kg, respectively. The melting behavior of seed and pulp oils showed multiple endothermic transitions, as observed normally in vegetable oils.     

Impact of lemon oil composition on formation and stability of model food and beverage emulsions

Lemon oil is a complex organic compound isolated from citrus peel, which is commonly used as a flavouring agent in beverages, foods, cosmetics, and household products. We have studied the influence of lemon oil fold (1×, 3×, 5× and 10×) on the formation and properties of oil-in-water emulsions. Initially, the composition, molecular characteristics, and physicochemical properties of the four lemon oils were established. The main constituents in single-fold lemon oil were monoterpenes (>90%), whereas the major constituents in 10-fold lemon oil were monoterpenes (≈35%), sesquiterpenes (≈14%) and oxygenates (≈33%). The density, interfacial tension, viscosity, and refractive index of the lemon oils increased as the oil fold increased (i.e., 1× < 3× < 5× < 10×). The stability of oil-in-water emulsions produced by high pressure homogenisation was strongly influenced by lemon oil fold. The lower fold oils were highly unstable to droplet growth during storage (1×, 3×, and 5×) with the growth rate increasing with increasing storage temperature and decreasing oil fold. Droplet growth was attributed to Ostwald ripening, i.e., diffusion of lemon oil molecules from small to large droplets. The highest fold oil (10×) was stable to droplet growth, which was attributed to the presence of an appreciable fraction of constituents with very low water-solubility that inhibited droplet growth through a compositional ripening effect. This study provides important information about the relationship between lemon oil composition and its performance in emulsions suitable for use in food and beverage products.     

Influence of filtering of cold pressed berry seed oils on their antioxidant profile and quality characteristics

The quality, composition and colour of 11 oils from six different berries were evaluated before and after filtering of the cold-pressed oils. The filtering did not lead to significant compositional or quality differences, except a minor reduction in oxidative stability. Due to their high degree of unsaturation, the peroxide and p-anisidine values were high for all oils. However, the high level of tocopherols and tocotrienols appears to protect the oils during the oil stability test (significant correlation; r = 0.803; p = 0.003). Tocopherol contents between 138 mg/kg (kiwi seed oil, filtered) and 1639 mg/kg (blackberry seed oil, non-filtered) were found. Phenolic compounds, identified and quantified by HPLC, ranged from 90 mg/kg (blackberry seed oil, filtered) to 15,810 mg/kg (strawberry seed oil, filtered). No correlation was found between the quantified phenolic compounds and the oxidative stability of the oils, suggesting that in these oils the tocopherols were the main antioxidants protecting the lipids during storage.     

Physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of selected seed oils

The physicochemical properties and chemical composition of oil extracted from five varieties of plant seeds (bittermelon, Kalahari melon, kenaf, pumpkin and roselle seeds) were examined by established methods. The thermal properties of extracted oils by differential scanning calorimetry were also evaluated. Sensorial profiles of these seed oils were defined through the CieLab (L*, a*, b*) colour. Most of the quality indices and fatty acid compositions showed significant (P < 0.05) variations among the extracted oils. Physicochemical properties of the oils extracted were iodine value, 86.0-125.0 g I₂/100 g oil; saponification value, 171.0-190.7 mg of KOH/g of oil; acid value, 1.1-12.9 mg of KOH/g of oil, free fatty acid, 0.6-6.5 g/100 g of oil, and peroxide value 1.5-6.5 meq of O₂/kg of oil. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids in all of the extracted seed oils except for bittermelon, where eleostearic acid was the major fatty acid. Gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids were identified in the extracted plant oils. Among these, vanillic acid was predominant in all extracted oils. The oils were rich in tocopherols with γ-tocopherol as the major components in all oil samples. Among the phytosterols, sitosterol was the major phytosterol extracted from the five plant seed oils. The seeds of these plants contain a great number of valuable minor compounds, which have a potential high value as food and for production of non-food products.     

Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction of Hibiscus cannabinus L. seed oil: A potential solvent-free and high antioxidative edible oil

The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) trends and antioxidant activities of Hibiscus cannabinus seed oils were studied. SFE results indicate that extraction pressure is the major factor determining the oil yield. In comparison, classic Soxhlet extraction (SOX/L) yielded higher oil content than SFE (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in oil content were observed in SFE at 600 bars/80 °C, rapid Soxhlet extraction (SOX/S) and conventional ultra-sonic assisted solvent extraction (SONIC) (P > 0.05). Antioxidant activities of H. cannabinus seed oils were compared with 7 types of commercial edible oils. DPPH scavenging activity test indicated that H. cannabinus seed oil extracted by SFE at 200 bars/80 °C possessed the highest antiradical activity whereas beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay revealed that all H. cannabinus seed oils (except for SFE at 400 bars/80 °C and 600 bars/80 °C) exhibited higher antioxidant activity than all commercial edible oils (P < 0.05). Thus, SFE – H. cannabinus seed oil may serve as an excellent source of solvent-free edible oil with high antioxidant properties.     

Fatty acid composition,oxidative stability,antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of selected cold-pressed grape seed oils and flours

Cold-pressed chardonnay, muscadine, ruby red, and concord grape seed oils and their defatted flours were studied for their fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The phenolic profiles of the seed flours were also measured. The most abundant fatty acid in the oils was linoleic acid, ranging from 66.0 g/100 g of total fatty acids in ruby red seed oil to 75.3 g/100 g of total fatty acids in concord seed oil. The oils were also high in oleic acid and low in saturated fat. Ruby red grape seed oil recorded the highest oxidative stability index of 40 h under the accelerated conditions. Total phenolic content (TPC) was up to 100 times lower in the oils than in the flours. Lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol levels were also measured. DPPH radical-scavenging capacity ranged from 0.07 to 2.22 mmol trolox equivalents (TE)/g of oil and 11.8 to 15.0 mmol TE/g of flour. Oxidative stability of menhaden fish oil containing extracts of the seed flours was extended by up to 137%. HPLC analysis was conducted to determine the levels of free soluble, soluble conjugated and insoluble bound phenolics in the seed flours. The phenolic compounds analyzed included catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, gallic acid, and procyanidins B1 and B2. Antiproliferative activity was tested against HT-29 colon cancer cells. All of the seed flours and muscadine seed oil registered significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of cancer cell growth. The results from this study demonstrate the potential of developing value-added uses for these seed oils and flours as dietary sources of natural antioxidants and antiproliferative agents for optimal health.     

Rheology and microstructure of myofibrillar protein-plant lipid composite gels: Effect of emulsion droplet size and membrane type

Composite gels were prepared from 2% myofibrillar protein (MP) with 10% imbedded pre-emulsified plant oils (olive and peanut) of various particle sizes at 0.6 M NaCl, pH 6.2. Dynamic rheological testing upon temperature sweeping (20-70 °C at 2 °C/min) showed substantial increases in G′ (elastic modulus) of MP sols/gels with the addition of emulsions, and the G′ increases were inversely related to the emulsion droplet size. Furthermore, gels containing emulsified olive oil had a greater (P < 0.05) hardness than those containing emulsified peanut oil. Regardless of oil types, MP-coated oil droplets exhibited stronger reinforcement of MP gels than Tween 80-stablized oil droplets; the latter composite gels had considerable syneresis. Light microscopy with paraffin sectioning revealed a stable gel structure when filled with protein-coated oil droplets, compared to gels with Tween 80-treated emulsions that showed coalesced oil droplets. These results suggest that rheological characteristics, hardness, texture, and water-holding capacity of MP gels were influenced by type of oils, the nature of the interfacial membrane, and the size of emulsion droplets.     

Tocols in caneberry seed oils

The compositional analysis of tocols in oils extracted from Korean caneberry seeds was compared with commercial soybean, corn, olive, canola, perilla, and grape seed oils. The oils from caneberry seeds of six different species were extracted using either a chloroform–methanol–water system or hot hexane. Tocols from all of the oils were analysed using isocratic HPLC. The contents of total tocopherols in the caneberry seed oils were about 75–290 mg/100 g oil, whereas tocotrienols were not detected. γ-Tocopherol was the most abundant tocopherol (31.8–239 mg/100 g oil) in the caneberry seed oils, followed by α-tocopherol (7.6–58.2 mg/100 g oil). The contents of total tocols in soybean, corn, olive, canola, perilla, and grape seed oils were 99.9, 61.1, 28, 27, 45.4, and 52.2 mg/100 g oil, respectively. Total tocol content was higher in most of the caneberry seed oils including the refined ones than in the commercial vegetable oils.     

Cold,gel-like whey protein emulsions by microfluidisation emulsification: Rheological properties and microstructures

Novel cold, gel-like whey protein concentrate (WPC) emulsions at various oil fractions (φ; 0.2–0.6) were formed through thermal pretreatment (at 70 °C for 30 min) and subsequent microfluidisation. The rheogical properties and microstructures, as well as emulsification mechanism of these emulsions were characterised. The rheological analyses indicated that the gel-like emulsions exhibited shear-thinning and predominantly elastic gel behaviours, and the apparent viscosities and the mechanical moduli of the emulsions remarkably and progressively increased with increasing the φ from 0.2 to 0.6. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses confirmed close relationships between rheological properties and gel network structures at various φ values. The formation of the gel-like network structure was closely related to the high emulsifying efficiency by microfluidisation. This kind of novel gel-like emulsion might exhibit great potential and be applicable in food formulations, e.g. as a kind of carrier for heat-labile and active ingredients.     

Emulsifying properties of sweet potato protein: Effect of protein concentration and oil volume fraction

The effect of protein concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/v) and oil volume fractions (5, 15, 25, 35 and 45% v/v) on properties of stabilized emulsions of sweet potato proteins (SPPs) were investigated by use of the emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsifying stability index (ESI), droplet size, rheological properties, interfacial properties and optical microscopy measurements at neutral pH. The protein concentration or oil volume fraction significantly affected droplet size, interfacial protein concentration, emulsion apparent viscosity, EAI and ESI. Increasing of protein concentration greatly decreased droplet size, EAI and apparent viscosity of SPP emulsions; however, there was a pronounced increase in ESI and interfacial protein concentration (P < 0.05). In contrast, increasing of oil volume fraction greatly increased droplet size, EAI and emulsion apparent viscosity of SPP emulsions, but decreased ESI and interfacial protein concentration significantly (P < 0.05). The rheological curve suggested that SPP emulsions were shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids. Optical microscopy clearly demonstrated that droplet aggregates were formed at a lower protein concentration of <0.5% (w/v) due to low interfacial protein concentration, while at higher oil volume fractions of >25% (v/v) there was obvious coalescence. In addition, the main components of adsorbed SPP at the oil–water interface were Sporamin A, Sporamin B and some high-molecular-weight aggregates formed by disulfide linkage.     

Evaluation and characterisation of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seed oil: Comparison with Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil

The physicochemical properties, fatty acid, tocopherol, thermal properties, ¹H NMR, FTIR and profiles of non-conventional oil extracted from Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seeds were evaluated and compared with conventional sunflower seed oil. In addition, the antioxidant properties of C. colocynthis seed oil were also evaluated. The oil content of the C. colocynthis seeds was 23.16%. The main fatty acids in the oil were linoleic acid (66.73%) followed by oleic acid (14.78%), palmitic acid (9.74%), and stearic acid (7.37%). The tocopherol content was 121.85 mg/100 g with γ-tocopherol as the major one (95.49%). The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the oil was thermally stable up to 286.57 °C, and then began to decompose in four stages namely at 377.4 °C, 408.4 °C, 434.9 °C and 559.2 °C. The present study showed that this non-conventional C. colocynthis seed oil can be used for food and non-food applications to supplement or replace some of the conventional oils.     

Impact of free fatty acid concentration and structure on lipid oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions

Free fatty acids are strong prooxidants in both bulk and emulsified oils. Addition of oleic acid to an oil-in-water emulsions increased lipid hydroperoxide and hexanal formation at free fatty acid concentrations as low as 0.1% of the lipid. The prooxidant effect of free fatty acids was dependent on fatty acid type with lipid oxidation rates being in the order of linolenic < linoleic < oleic. There were no significant differences in lipid oxidation rates when free fatty acid isomers with cis or trans double bonds were compared. The prooxidant activity of the free fatty acids was postulated to be due to their ability to attract prooxidant metals as well as co-oxidise the triacylglycerol in the oil. Overall, these results show that the oxidative stability of oil-in-water emulsions is strongly linked to both the concentration and type of free fatty acids present.     

Effect of lyophilized water extracts of Melissa officinalis on the stability of algae and linseed oil-in-water emulsion to be used as a functional ingredient in meat products

Previous work pointed out the possibility to enhance the nutritional value of meat products using long chain ω − 3 PUFA enriched emulsions. Oil-in-water emulsions elaborated with a mixture of algae and linseed oils (15:10) in order to be used as functional ingredient were stabilized with BHA (butylhydroxyanisol) or with a lyophilized water extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm). The lipid profile of the oil mixture showed a high amount of DHA (31.7%), oleic (25.4%) and α-linolenic acid (12.7%) resulting in a very low ω − 6/ω − 3 ratio (0.12). The lyophilized extract of M. officinalis showed a high antioxidant activity (being 62 ppm of the lyophilized water extract of Melissa equivalent to 200 ppm of BHA, using the DPPH assay as reference), and high total phenolic content. Studying the oxidation process in the emulsions during 15 days at room temperature, it could be concluded that this extract was as efficient as BHA in order to control the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation.     

Influence of interfacial composition on oxidative stability of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by biopolymer emulsifiers

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of storage pH (3 and 7) and biopolymer emulsifier type (Whey protein isolate (WPI), Modified starch (MS) and Gum arabic (GA)) on the physical and oxidative stability of rice bran oil-in-water emulsions. All three emulsifiers formed small emulsion droplets (d₃₂ < 0.5 μm) when used at sufficiently high levels: 0.45%, 1% and 10% for WPI, MS and GA, respectively. The droplets were relatively stable to droplet growth throughout storage (d₃₂ < 0.6 μm after 20 days), although there was some evidence of droplet aggregation particularly in the MS-stabilized emulsions. The electrical charge on the biopolymer-coated lipid droplets depended on pH and biopolymer type: −13 and −27 mV at pH 3 and 7 for GA; −2 and −3 mV at pH 3 and 7 for MS; +37 and −38 mV at pH 3 and 7 for WPI. The oxidative stability of the emulsions was monitored by measuring peroxide (primary products) and hexanal (secondary products) formation during storage at 37 °C, for up to 20 days, in the presence of a pro-oxidant (iron/EDTA). Rice bran oil emulsions containing MS- and WPI-coated lipid droplets were relatively stable to lipid oxidation, but those containing GA-coated droplets were highly unstable to oxidation at both pH 3 and 7. The results are interpreted in terms of the impact of the electrical characteristics of the biopolymers on the ability of cationic iron ions to interact with emulsified lipids. These results have important implications for utilizing rice bran oil, and other oxidatively unstable oils, in commercial food and beverage products.     

Influence of green banana pulp on the rheological behaviour and chemical characteristics of emulsions (mayonnaises)

The influence of green banana pulp (GBP) on rheological behaviour and chemical characteristics of emulsions (mayonnaises) was investigated in this work. Five formulations were developed, using an experimental design for constrained surfaces and mixtures, with the following proportions (water/soybean oil/GBP): F1 (0.10/0.20/0.70), F2 (0.20/0.20/0.60), F3 (0.10/0.25/0.65), F4 (0.20/0.25/0.55) and F5 (0.15/0.225/0.625). Rheological properties of the emulsions were obtained with a rotational Haake Rheostress 600 rheometer and a cone and plate geometry sensor (60 mm diameter, 2° cone angle), with a gap distance of 1 mm. The samples presented high values for mineral salts and low calories. The emulsions showed pseudoplastic behaviour at 10 and 25 °C and rheological data were well described by the Herschel-Bulkley model. Formulations with high GBP content (F1 and F3) presented higher yield stress and apparent viscosity values. The results obtained with the response surface methodology, which were adjusted by the quadratic model, showed that GBP had a significant influence on the increase of yield stress and apparent viscosity. The consistency coefficient increased with an increase in soybean oil concentration and water contributed to high values of flow behaviour index in all emulsions samples.     

Chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil

The chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil have been investigated in order to determine the possibility of using them for human and/or animal consumption. Proximate analysis showed that the seeds had high amount of carbohydrate and were rich in oil (21.68 ± 6.18%) but have a low protein content. The physical properties of the oil extracts showed the state to be liquid at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and the colour of the oil golden-orange. The specific gravity of the oil was 0.98 ± 0.01. Among the chemical properties of the oil extracts, acid value, saponification number, iodine value, percent free fatty acid and peroxide value compared well with those of conventional edible oils. The seed flour was found to be a good source of minerals. It contained considerable amounts of potassium (7071 mg/kg), magnesium (865 mg/kg) and calcium (454 mg/kg). Fatty acid composition of the seed oil indicated that the oil contained one essential fatty acids small proportions: linoleic acid (1.30%). The most prevalent fatty acids were palmitic acid (49.5%) and oleic acid (34.0%). Weanling albino rats appeared to suffer no toxicological effects when fed with G. mangostana seed oil in their diet for 8 weeks. Weekly monitoring of the rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight increase. Histological examination of sections of the heart, liver, kidney, spleen and lung revealed that the kidney of some of the rats had some degrees of pathology which included diffuse glomerular and tubular degeneration. No lesion was found in the heart and liver of the rats. The seed oil could be useful as an edible oil and for industrial applications.     

Characteristics and composition of different seed oils and flours

The nutritional quality and functional properties of paprika seed flour and seed kernel flours of pumpkin and watermelon, and also the characteristics and structure of their seed oils, were studied. Paprika seed and seed kernels of pumpkin and watermelon were rich in oil and protein. All flour samples contained considerable amounts of P, K, Mg, Mn and Ca. Paprika seed flour was superior to watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours in contents of lysine and total essential amino acids. Antinutritional compounds, such as stachyose, raffinose, verbascose, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannins, were detected in all flours. Pumpkin seed kernel flour had higher values of chemical score, essential amino acid index and in-vitro protein digestibility than the other flours examined. The first limiting amino acid was lysine, for both watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours, but it was leucine in paprika seed flour. Functional properties were excellent in watermelon and pumpkin seed kernel flours and fairly good in paprika seed flour. Flour samples could be potentially added to food systems such as bakery products and ground meat formulations, not only as a nutrient supplement, but also as a functional agent in these formulations. Oil samples had high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic and oleic acids as the major acids. All oil samples could be fractionated into seven classes including triglycerides as a major lipid class. Data obtained for the oils characteristics compare well with those of other edible oils.     

Quality characteristics of sesame seeds and by-products

The chemical composition, of raw sesame seed (RS); Sesame coats 1 (SC1) and sesame coats 2 (SC2) obtained as a by-product respectively after dehulling and roasting processes during preparation of sesame paste (tehineh) for the manufacturing of Halaweh (sweetened tehineh), was determined along with the physicochemical characteristics of the oil fraction. Compared to RS, SC1 and SC2 showed higher amounts of dietary fibre, ash and polyphenol and lower amounts of oil and protein. Oil from SC1 and SC2, had a higher content of free fatty acids, chlorophylls, polyphenols and sesamol than RS oil. SC2 oil showed more intense colour, more absorbance in UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges and a significant higher viscosity (P < 0.05). No differences (P > 0.05) were observed for refractive index, iodine value and fatty acids composition. This latter was essentially dominated by oleic and linoleic acids. Oxidative stability of oil was investigated using a Rancimat system and in an oven test at 65 °C over 60 days. RS oil was more resistant to the thermal treatment during a long period than SC1 and SC2 oils.     

Variation of sesamin,sesamolin and tocopherols in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds and oil products in Thailand

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed and oil contain abundant lignans, including sesamin, sesamolin and lignan glycosides. The aim of the present study was to determine sesamin, sesamolin and tocopherol contents in sesame seed and oil available in Thailand. The results showed that there was a large variation of sesamin and sesamolin contents in products. The distribution plot of sesamin and sesamolin contents in seeds showed that the mean values of sesamin and sesamolin were 1.55 mg/g (SD = 1.63; range n.d.–7.23 mg/g) and 0.62 mg/g (SD = 0.48; range n.d.–2.25 mg/g), respectively. The range of total tocopherols of these sesame lines was 50.9–211 μg/g seed. In commercial sesame oils, the ranges of sesamin and sesamolin were 0.93–2.89 mg/g oil and 0.30–0.74 mg/g oil, respectively, and tocopherol contents were 304–647 μg/g oil. The study reveals the extensive variability in sesamin, sesamolin and tocopherol contents among sesame products.