Patterns of lipid biomarkers in the fruit of Bupleurum L. growing wild in Turkey

Four Bupleurum species, representing two sections, were collected from their natural habitats and the fatty acid and sterol compositions and α-tocopherol contents of their fruit oils examined. The major fatty acids were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids in all species (41.13–79.92%, 11.07–23.21% and 3.52–7.60%, respectively). Δ-5-Avenasterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, Δ-5,24-stigmastadienol and campesterol exhibited in significant concentrations in all species (9.63–48.79%, 15.42–33.44%, 16.11–25.35%, 12.67–22.97% and 3.10–4.86%, respectively). Higher α-tocopherol concentrations were quantified in both species from section Eubupleura (2.55–2.70 mg/100 g) than in section Perfoliata. Significant correlations were found among the fatty acid and phytosterol quantities observed in the Bupleurum accessions. The results indicated that these species have potential as alternative raw materials and nutraceutical sources through the selection of high yield cultivars and agricultural production.