AN ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF THE CHICORY PLANTS (CICHORIUM INTYBUS L.) BY GC-MS

Abstract

In this paper, chemical composition and fatty acid composition of the Cichorium intybus L. plants were investigated. For this aim, Cichorium intybus L. plant was powdered and analyzed. Soxhelet extraction method was applied and fatty acid composition of Cichorium intybus L. plants powder was determined by GC-MS. Lignin, cellulose, moisture, ash, fat and extractives content of the plant were determined as 14.9 %, 30.0 %, 5.4 %, 10.7 %, 2.5 % and % 6.8 respectively. Linoleic acid was determined as major fatty acid of the plant (31.8 %). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the plant (58.9 %) was higher than saturated fatty acid content (41.2). The monounsaturated fatty acid was not determined in the samples. This study suggested that Cichorium intybus L. plants could be considered as a healthy fat source due to high polyunsaturated content