Chemical evaluation of Geoffroea decorticans seeds as source of oil and protein

Proximate, fatty acid and sterol compositions of the oil were determined to ascertain the general characteristics of the seed and seed oil of Geoffroe a decorticans (Leguminosae) originating from central area of Argentina. Pro teins represented 21.6% (w/w) of the seed. Seed oil was extracted with n-he xane, yielding 47.2% (w/w). The saponification and iodine values indicated that the oil could be classified among the peanut group of oils. These fact s were supported by the detailed far, acid composition determined by capill ary gas chromatography. The ratio of total unsaturated to total saturated f atty acids in the oil was 5.94, with oleic acid being the dominant fatty ac id (53.7%). The sterol composition showed higher percentages of beta -sitos terol and stigmasterol. The results obtained indicated that, with their att ractive properties, G. decorticans is a good candidate for further studies to evaluate their future commercial prospect.