Correlations between tocopherol and fatty acid components in germplasm collections of Brassica oilseeds

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jan 9;61(1):34-40. doi: 10.1021/jf3042837. Epub 2012 Dec 17.

Abstract

To date, little is known about the correlations among the tocopherol (T) and fatty acid (FA) components in rapeseed oils. In the current study, a germplasm collection of landraces from the species Brassica juncea , Brassica rapa , and Brassica napus and a collection of low erucic acid (EA) breeding lines from B. napus were analyzed for FA and T contents. In the groups comprising landraces, the most notable correlation was the significantly positive one between α-T and the sum of C18:1 and C18:2, whereas neither positive correlations were found between α-T and C18:3 nor were positive correlations observed between α-T and very long chain FAs (VLCFA). Hardly any association between γ-T and FA components was observed, indicating the possible function of α-T beyond its antioxidant property. The complexity of correlation between T and FA components in Brassica oils may arise from the role of α-T in the FA metabolism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica / embryology*
  • Fatty Acids / analysis*
  • Seeds / chemistry*
  • Tocopherols / analysis*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Tocopherols