Yellow and oriental mustard seed lecithin content and composition

Much of the commercially available lecithin is produced as a byproduct of soybean oil extraction. However, there is a strong need for alternative lecithin feedstock due to the presence of allergens in soy lecithin. The objective of the present study was to determine if oilseeds from Brassicaceae family such as Brassica juncea, Sinapis alba, and Brassica napus represent viable source of lecithin. Total yields of lecithin from seed meals was quantified. Composition of extracted lecithin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Total extractable lecithin from B. juncea, S. alba, B. napus averaged 4.27, 4.26, and 4.12 % by weight, respectively. B. napus seed contained more phosphatidylcholine (4.40 mg g(-1)) than both B. juncea (2.94 mg g(-1)) and S. alba seed (2.44 mg g(-1)). Total phosphatidylinositol concentrations in extracted lecithin were 1.51, 0.98, and 1.09 mg g(-1) seed for B. napus, B. juncea, and S. alba, respectively. No significant difference in the ratios of specific phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol species was found among the three studied seed meals. Based on the data obtained, we have demonstrated that mustard seeds are a viable source of non-allergen phospholipids, including lecithin with potentially novel emulsifying characteristics.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that oilseeds from the Brassicaceae family can serve as a viable source of lecithin with high concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol, as well as potentially novel emulsifying characteristics. The total yields and compositions of lecithin extracted from seeds of Brassica juncea, Sinapis alba, and Brassica napus were quantified and analyzed. The data obtained indicates that mustard seeds can provide non-allergen phospholipids for various applications.