Calendula oficinalis

Fatty acids with conjugated unsaturation frequently are desired as chemical intermediates for industrial products. Tung oil is a source of conjugated unsaturation, which also is obtained by alkali isomerization of soybean and linseed fatty acids. Plant oils that have been reviewed as potential new sources of conjugated unsaturation include Valeriana officinalis with 40 percent of its oil in 9, 11, 13 unsaturation Calendula oficinalis oil with 55 percent 8, 10, 12 unsaturation Centranthus macrosiphon oil with 65 percent 9, 11, 13 unsaturation and Impatiens edgeworthii oil... 

Calendula oficinalis seed oil properties are similar to that of tung oil with high viscosity and refractive index and an excellent air-drying tendency, which make these oils excellent feedstock for binders in paints and coatings (Muuse et ah, 1992). Although these crops have been around for a long time further research is needed to exploit their full potential for bioproduct development. 

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