Seed Parameters, Oil Yield and Fatty Acid Profile of Garcinia gummi-gutta from Central Western Ghats, India

The study conducted on G. gummi-gutta seeds collected from nine distinct locations across the Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, a region situated within the central Western Ghats. The study employed the Soxhlet extraction method to determine the percentage of oil yield and utilized GC-MS analysis to assess the fatty acid composition. There were minimal statistical differences in seed characteristics and fatty acid profiles among the nine sites. The differences in oil yield across these sites did not demonstrate statistical significance. The study revealed highest of 46.64 percent oil yield from individual tree with an average of 39.32 percent overall. The seed oil extracted exhibited characteristics of being solid at room temperature and had an unpleasant flavour and fragrance, colours ranging from brown to creamy tones. GC-MS analysis identified the eight distinct fatty acids in the oil samples. Predominantly, oleic acid and stearic acid were found in all samples. Oleic acid ranged between 54.56 to 59.79 percent while stearic acid varied from 33.57 to 40.33 percent. The collective proportions of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were at 60.15 percent and 39.85 percent, respectively.