Tocopherols, fatty acids and sterols in seeds of four Sardinian wild Euphorbia species

Sardinian wild Euphorbia pithyusa, E. semiperfoliata, E. dendroides and E. characias seed oils were analyzed for their fatty acids, unsaponifiable and tocopherol content. Total tocopherol content showed a wide variability, ranging from 939 mgykg in E. semiperfoliata seeds to its absence in E. characias. The results on tocopherol content were statistically correlated with both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and the b-carotene bleaching antioxidant test. All seeds were rich in linolenic acid, while no uncommon fatty acids were detected.