Extraction of y-Linolenic Acid

A further successful example is the extraction of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, like y-linolenic add, which can be viably extracted with CO2. The o)-6,9-double bonds, y-linolenic acid, and Cig 3 (6c, 9c, 12c) are the important physiological active compounds of this oil and therefore of particular interest. 

CO2 extracted oils are of high grade, clear, light yellow, and with nearly the same fatty acid distribution as solvent extracts, but have the advantage that the phospholipids are hardly extracted. 

Due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, high extraction pressures do not show advantages and pressures of about 500 bar are sufEdent like evening primrose, many other raw materials are very interesting for the production of y-linolenic acid. 

Residues of plant protective agents can remain in cereals and have to be avoided or removed as most of them are considered to have a negative effed on human organism. Such harmful substances fall in most countries under legal regulations and have to be controlled. 

grown mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and tropical countries, is one of the basic foods all over the world and the production in necessary quantities is difficult without the use of pesticides. 

---

Figure 9.6-12. Effect of alcohol-entrainer content on the extraction curves Extraction of y-linolenic acid...

---