FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF NIGELLA SATIVA L. SEED OIL INTRODUCED IN DAGESTAN

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. is an annual herbaceous plant grown not only as an ornamental plant, but also has been used in folk medicine. N. sativa seeds are a source of biologically active substances. This paper provides an analysis of the quantitative content of fatty acids in samples of various ecological and geographical origin. It is shown that seeds grown in Dagestan are characterized by a relatively high content of fatty oil. The characteristics of the qualitative and quantitative composition of fatty acids, depending on their origin, are given. The highest content of linoleic and stearic fatty acids was found in the sample from Egypt. Palmitic acid was the highest in the sample from Saudi Arabia, and oleic acid was the highest in the sample from Azerbaijan. The revealed differences in the fat content are of great importance, since samples for breeding purposes can be selected on their basis. In particular, the sample from Azerbaijan showed relatively high levels of oleic acid, which generally contributes to the increase in the antioxidant activity of vegetable oil and lengthens of the keeping period.