Bioactive lipids, fatty acids and radical scavenging activity of Indian Celastrus paniculatus oil

Data concerning the exact composition of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil is scarce. In the present study lipid profile of Indian Celastrus paniculatus seed oil were determined. Celastrus paniculatus seeds are a rich source of oil (46\%). The amounts of neutral lipids were the highest, followed by glycolipids and phospholipids, respectively. Oleic followed by palmitic and linoleic were the major fatty acids in Celastrus paniculatus oil and its' lipid classes. Celastrus paniculatus seed oil being characterized by a relatively high amount of phytosterols, wherein the sterol marker was beta-sitosterol followed by campesterol and stigmasterol. gamma-Tocopherol was the main tocopherol isomer whilst the rest being alpha-tocopherol. When Celastrus paniculatus oil and extra virgin olive oil were compared upon their radical scavenging activity (RSA) toward the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical Celastrus paniculatus oil exhibited stronger RSA. In consideration of potential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition of Celastrus paniculatus oil is of major importance. The diversity of applications to which Celastrus paniculatus oil can be put gives this substance great industrial importance.