Physicochemical property, chemical composition and free radical scavenging capacity of cold pressed kernel oils obtained from different Eucommia ulmoides Oliver cultivars

In this study, chemical profiles of six cultivars of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernels, and physicochemical properties, chemical compositions, and free radical scavenging capacities of the prepared cold pressed Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernel oils were investigated and compared. Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernels contained high contents of protein (26.50 ± 0.78–28.38 ± 1.01%) and oil (38.17 ± 1.31–39.54 ± 0.77%), thus demonstrating that these underutilized crops can be identified as potential protein and oil resources with huge economic value. Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernel oils were abundant in essential fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid (60.06 ± 2.12–61.19 ± 2.02%) and linoleic acid (13.21 ± 1.20–14.45 ± 1.14%). Further, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernel oils contained high amounts of tocopherol/tocotrienol, phytosterol, and polyphenol, thus resulting in their excellent free radical scavenging capacities. The results observed in the present work illustrated that the Eucommia ulmoides Oliver kernels and kernel oils can be regarded as high-quality sources and ingredients for dietary food and health care product industries.