Fatty acids and sterols in the seeds of Cassia auriculata and Cassia siamea

The comparative study on the composition of fatty acids and sterols in the seed oil of Cassia auriculata Linn. and Cassia siamea Lam. was carried out. The total oil content in the seeds was found 3.25% in Cassia auriculata and 2.99% in Cassia siamea. Sterols and fatty acids have been isolated and characterized on the basis of chemical and GC analysis. Three sterols (cholesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol) and four fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid) were found from the seed oil of both the plants. All compounds were identified by comparison with authentic samples. Linoleic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol were identified as major constituents of the oil.