Chemical variability of Vicia L. seed oils: incidence on phylogenetic relationships

Abstract

Legume seeds are known to be a source of protein, vitamins, essential organic minerals and fatty acids. Their high protein content makes them a valuable natural and inexpensive alternative to the soybean. Seeds fatty acids of genotypes belonging to nine Vicia L. taxa collected in Algeria were extracted by Soxhlet and their composition was determined by Gas Chromatography coupled with FIame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). In order to assess phylogenetic relationships between taxa on intra and interspecific levels, fatty acids profiles were used as a chemotaxonomic marker. Oil yields were between 0.67 and 2.40%. A total of 27 fatty acids were identified, varying from 9 to 20 compounds. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids varies from 70.67 to 91.749% where the linloleic acid is predominant. While the saturated fatty acids content is between 8.60 and 29.33% with the predominance of palmitic acid. Our results demonstrate the quality of the genotypes, which contain fatty acids of great nutritional interests. Indeed, Omega 3- fatty acids, which rate can reach 12.187% in our taxa, are Poly UnSaturated Fatty Acids associated with many health benefits, such us cardiovascular ones. Indeed, the results demonstrate the nutritional quality of obtained oils and opens up perspectives to explore other compounds. Finally, the hierarchical classification revealed two major clusters where the taxonomic boundaries of the genus are well defined at subgeneric and sectional levels. It is also an important step to suggest the species as a new industrial crop for the animal feed and production of proteins and oils widely used in food industries