Edition: BP 2025 (Ph. Eur. 11.6 update)
DEFINITION
Fatty oil obtained from the ripe seeds of Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. dulcis or Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. amara (DC.) Buchheim or a mixture of both varieties by cold expression. It is then refined. A suitable antioxidant may be added.
CHARACTERS
Appearance
Pale yellow, clear liquid.
Solubility
Slightly soluble in ethanol (96 per cent), miscible with light petroleum.
Relative density
About 0.916.
It solidifies at about -18 °C.
IDENTIFICATION
A. Identification of fatty oils by thin-layer chromatography (2.3.2).
Results The chromatogram obtained is similar to the corresponding chromatogram shown in Figure 2.3.2.-1.
B. Composition of fatty acids (see Tests).
TESTS
Specific absorbance (2.2.25)
0.2 to 6.0, determined at the absorption maximum at 270 nm.
To 0.100 g add cyclohexane R and dilute to 10.0 mL with the same solvent. Adapt the concentration of the solution so that the absorbance lies between 0.5 and 1.5, measured in a 1 cm cell.
Acid value (2.5.1)
Maximum 0.5, determined on 5.0 g.
Peroxide value (2.5.5, Method A) Maximum 5.0.
Unsaponifiable matter (2.5.7)
Maximum 0.9 per cent, determined on 5.0 g.
Composition of fatty acids (2.4.22, Method A)
Use the mixture of calibrating substances in Table 2.4.22.-3.
Composition of the fatty-acid fraction of the oil:
— saturated fatty acids of chain length less than C16: maximum 0.1 per cent;
— palmitic acid: 4.0 per cent to 9.0 per cent;
— palmitoleic acid: maximum 0.8 per cent;
— margaric acid: maximum 0.2 per cent;
— stearic acid: maximum 3.0 per cent;
— oleic acid: 62.0 per cent to 86.0 per cent;
— linoleic acid: 20.0 per cent to 30.0 per cent;
— linolenic acid: maximum 0.4 per cent;
— arachidic acid: maximum 0.2 per cent;
— eicosenoic acid: maximum 0.3 per cent;
— behenic acid: maximum 0.2 per cent;
— erucic acid: maximum 0.1 per cent.
Sterols (2.4.23)
Composition of the sterol fraction of the oil:
— cholesterol: maximum 0.7 per cent;
— campesterol: maximum 5.0 per cent;
— stigmasterol: maximum 4.0 per cent;
— β-sitosterol: 73.0 per cent to 87.0 per cent;
— Δ5-avenasterol: minimum 5.0 per cent;
— Δ7-stigmastenol: maximum 3.0 per cent;
— Δ7-avenasterol: maximum 3.0 per cent;
— brassicasterol: maximum 0.3 per cent.
Water (2.5.32)
Maximum 0.1 per cent, determined on 1.00 g.
STORAGE
In a well-filled container, protected from light. Ph Eur
