Solvent extraction of Triadica sebifera seed oil: Yield, lipid composition, and antioxidant properties

This research examines the impact of different solvents on the chemical composition of oil extracted from Triadica sebifera (a.k.a. Sapium sebiferum ) seed, a plant common in China and America. Eight solvents were used, including n-hexane, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, “Folch” solution (chloroform/methanol, v: v = 2: 1), isopropanol, and acetone. Petroleum ether provided the highest oil yield at 34.3%, while n-hexane extracted oil with the highest unsaturated fatty acids at 89.47%. Ethanol-extracted oil contained the most bioactive substances, including tocopherols (642.7 mg/kg), sterols (1043.7 mg/kg), and polyphenols (55.4 mg/kg), also exhibiting strong antioxidant capacity. Regression analysis showed positive correlations between antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds like polyphenols and certain sterols, while saturated fatty acids correlated negatively. Principal component analysis highlighted ethanol as a promising solvent. The findings suggest that Triadica sebifera seed oil, particularly when extracted using ethanol, offers valuable applications for integrating natural ingredients with health benefits into various products. • Petroleum ether yielded 34.3% oil, the highest among solvents. • N-hexane oil had 89.47% unsaturated fatty acids, the highest. • Ethanol-extracted oil had the most tocopherols (642.7 mg/kg). • Ethanol oil showed high levels of sterols and polyphenols. • Antioxidant capacity linked to polyphenols and sterols.