Analyze the nutritional and therapeutic properties of plant oils, some of them in danger of extinction

Researchers from the University of Almeria (UAL) have analyzed the properties of the oils of various restricted distribution plants across Europe - from Spain to Russia - to establish their nutritional potential and therapeutic.

Specifically, the team of experts has found two species in Andalusia, the Anchusa puechii and the Glandora n tida, with high levels of omega-3 and omega- 6, fatty acids beneficial to health. To reach these conclusions, the researchers have focused on the study of various species of the Boraginaceae family, since the oils that come from the seeds of these plants are used both in the treatment and in the prevention of pathology Such as cancer, hypertension, multiple sclerosis or cardiovascular disease.

In the article 'Restricted-Range boraginaceae species constitute potential sources of valuable fatty acids', published in the American journal 'Journal of the American Oil Chemists', the research team describes the composition of the oils of different endemic plants present in Europe, highlighting the medicinal properties discovered in two Andalusian species that develop between Cádiz and Jaén .

“The 'Anchusa puechii' and the 'Glandora crisp' produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with levels very similar to those of other oils already marketed, as is the case, for example, with borage oil . We have also warned that they are the most vulnerable, that is, in danger of extinction, those that produce oils with better nutritional and therapeutic properties, ”explained the Professor of Food Technology at the University of Almeria, José Luis Guil Guerrero.

In order to develop this research, the work team focused, first, on undertaking a bibliographic search and subsequently deciding what species to look for, when and where to do it. “We spend more than four years traveling to different European locations to locate these endemic species. Seed collection was carried out with appropriate precautionary measures in order not to damage any plant. In fact, few units were taken, in some cases only four or five, since we performed a type of analysis that only required a minimum amount of sample, ”said the researcher.

The work points, according to the researchers, the need to promote environmental awareness and protect natural habitats where there are species that produce compounds useful for humans. “The oils obtained from the seeds of the Boraginaceae family are used and marketed for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. In this case, since they are species of restricted distribution that inhabit environments that are very vulnerable to human action, if they disappear, they would lose their potential utility forever, ”added Guil.

The study has also allowed the research team to open other lines of work to know if there are new therapeutic actions that may be associated with some of these oils. “This research presents a marked social component through the sustainable development of economically depressed regions. In addition, we intend to look for more wild species with similar or better oils than those produced by other cultivated crops, adaptable to cultivation in less demanding lands and capable of constituting, therefore, interesting agricultural options in wastelands or of low profitability, ”as noted . EP

Analyze the nutritional and therapeutic properties of plant oils, some of them in danger of extinction