Fatty acids and triacylglycerols composition from Tunisian Acacia species seed oil

Abstract Recently, plant seeds that have not been enough explored and exploited are cheap sources of a lot of natural molecules for industrial applications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the composition of fatty acids and triacylglycerols (TAG) of mature unexploited seeds of some Acacia species ( Acacia cyclops , Acacia ligulata and Acacia salicina ) harvested in Tunisia in order to reveal their potential for human consumption. Results showed that, Acacia seed oils were mainly unsaturated (more than 71%). The polyunsaturated fatty acids were the major fractions (52–68%) with the linoleic acid as the major fatty acid (more than 52%), followed by oleic acid (15–27%) as monounsaturated fatty acid. The TAG composition was significantly different among the three Acacia species. PLL, PLO, LnLO, OLL, OOL, and OOO were the major forms. Acacia seed oil could be used as potential source of oil with high industrial value; nevertheless in vivo tests are essential to confirm its safety before use.