Physiochemical properties of Saudi <i>Nigella sativa</i> L. (‘Black cumin’) seed oil

The seeds of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cumin and Habat Al-barkah in Saudi Arabia, are used extensively for flavouring medicinal purposes. This work reported the study physiochemical properties seed oil (BCSO). results hexane extraction showed that rich (43.7%). All samples show high saponification values low unsaponification values. High iodine (122.7 mg/100 g) degree unsaturation (86%) BCSO with about 60% dominant linoleic acid (C 18:2 ). volatile compounds presence were extracted using steam distillation method analyzed gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). such p -cymene (31.50 ± 0.51%) thymoquinone (25.35 0.37%) dominantly BCSO. Other 3,5-dimethyl cyclohexanol, α-thujene, carvacrol, paeonol longifolene also present. Vitamin E was performance liquid (HPLC)-fluorescence method. total concentrations vitamin 451 ppm. content (59.8%). HPLC major triacylglycerols (TAGs) 1-oleoyl-2,3-dilinoleoylglycerol (OLL; 37.7 0.4%) 1,2,3-trilinoleylglycerol (LLL; 35.9 0.3%). On other hand, minor TAGs present 1-palmitoyl-2,3-dilinoleylglycerol (PLL; 6.7 0.9%), 1,2,3-trioleylglycerol (OOO; 6.4 0.5%) 1,2-dioleyl-3-linoleylglycerol (OOL; 5.7 1.1%). exhibited specific physicochemical might be applications.