Characterization of pumpkin seeds oil extracted with supercritical CO2

Abstract

Considering that the supercritical CO2 extraction is a new alternative technology which has many advantages, it was studied the CO2 extraction of Cucurbita pepo seeds. The analyzed pumpkin seeds had high lipids content - 47.3%, making pumpkin seeds a potential source of vegetable oil. The results showed that the sum of unsaturated fatty acids is 81.8%. The beneficial effects of unsaturated fats on blood lipids and the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are to prevent the cardiovascular deaths, arthritis and asthma. Because pumpkin seeds oil is rich in both oleic and linoleic acids, it can be used as edible oil for cooking and salads or sauces.