Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF INDIAN SANDAL WOOD (SANTALUM ALBUM L., ) SEEDS FOR SEED OIL PRODUCTION AND FATTY ACID METHYL ESTERS

Vasundhara M*, Thara B.S., Radhika.B, Ashwini Jayaram and Priyanka.R

Abstract

Sandalwood is one of the most valuable plant species belonging to the family Santalaceae and the genus Santalum. It is highly rated for its sweet, fragrant, persistent aroma and the fixative property which is highly in demand by the perfume industry and thus is identified as one of the most sought after aromatic tree in the world. Plant seeds are important source of oil of nutritional, industrial and pharmaceutical importance. Also considered as a valuable secondary income generating product. Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album.L) seeds have not been exploited for their therapeutic properties. Thus, the study is aimed to assess to assess the quality of fatty acid extracted from the seeds of S. album by solvent extraction. The fatty acid separation and identification was performed by a Gas-Liquid chromatography. The results have shown have prominent fatty acid content and the presence of Xymemnic acid an unusual acetylenic fatty acid with many reported therapeutic values.

Keywords: Santalum album. L, Seed oil, Fatty acids.