Heike Winter

Characterization of γ-linolenic acid inRibes seed

The total lipid content of fruit seeds of theRibes family ranges by weight from 18.3% in gooseberries (Ribes uva Crispa) to 30.5% in black currants (Ribes nigrum). Isolation procedures and analytical methods (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, high performance thin layer chromatography and stereospecific analysis) demonstrate that the oils fromRibes seeds contain up to 19% by weight of γ-linolenic acid (γ-LA, C18∶3, n−6) in black currant oil. This lastRibes species thus constitutes one of the richest natural sources in γ-LA yet described. These oils appear promising for critically ill patients who seem unable to convert linoleic acid into subsequent EFA fractions.