Chemical composition of tobacco seeds (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Chemical characterization of tobacco seeds is supposed to be an interesting tool in order to extend the knowledge on alternative products of this crop which is of great economic interest. This paper describes chemical composition of meals, fat, ash, protein, fiber and nitrogen-free-extract; furthermore, particular emphasis is given to the composition of lipid fraction, with a complete characterization of triglycerides, fatty acids, and unsaponifiable matter. Trilinolein and palmitodilinolein are the main triglycerides, while linoleic is the main fatty acid. Cholesterol, as in other Solanaceae, is present in the sterol fraction. Cycloartenol is the main component of the triterpenic alcohols fraction. Amino acids and glucides composition is also reported.