Corchorus Olitorius Linn: A Rich Source of Ω3-Fatty Acids

Abstract

Fatty acids composition of Corchorus olitorius Linn were identified as their methyl esters using accurate mass gas chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GCQTOF) in chemical ionization (CI) and electron ionization (EI) modes. The leaves which are the edible part of the plant were found to be very rich in ω3-octadecatriene fatty acid reaching up to more than 49 % of the total fatty acids contents. This is the first report to unequivocally detect ω-3 fatty acid in Corchorus olitorius Linn with a much higher concentration than any other reported vegetable and further investigation into its health effects are clearly warranted.

Keywords: Chemical ionization; Electron ionization; FAMES; Fatty acids methyl esters; GCQTOF; Molokhia.

Figure 1

TIC of GCQTOF analysis of fatty acids methyl esters of Corchorus olitorius. Peaks that are not highlighted are nonfatty acids and are mostly hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols and terpenoides.

Figure 2

Mass spectra of ω-3 C18:3 fatty acid, EI left and CI right.

Figure 3

Mass spectra of ω-3 C18:3 (left) and ω-6 C18:3 (right) fatty acids.