Extraction and Determination of Fatty Acid Compositions of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.)

Primary metabolitessuch as carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, chlorophylls and etc. were found in all plants. Unlike primary compounds, secondary metabolites are present in some plants only. Secondary metabolites are not directly involved in thenormal growth, development or reproduction of an organism [1]. Fatty acids, especially unsaturated fatty acids, are important as nutritional substances and metabolites in living organisms. Many kinds of fatty acids play an important role in the regulation of a variety of physiological and biological functions There is currently scientist interest in studying polyunsaturated fatty acid sources due to correlation between these fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-9) and the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels among other benefits [2]. Zizyphus spina-christi L. (Rhamnaceae) is a plant that grows into a tree with thorny branches and is used as a hedge to form defensive fences for cattle. The fruit have a sweet edible pulp, the leaves are applied locally to sores, and the roots are used to cure and prevent skin diseases [3]. In this study, The plant material was collected from Fars province, Iran, in April 2016. The seeds were separated from the fruit. The seeds was split and core removed and the extract was obtained by n-hexane as solvent, using a Soxhlet apparatus for 12h. The lipids were esterified with 2% methanolic NaOH - 25% BF3/methanol reagent. The fatty acid methyl esters were extracted with hexane/saturated NaCl and analyzed by Gas chromatography–Mass spectroscopy (GC- MS). 19 fatty acids were detected in fruit seed.