Characterization of fatty acids and nutrient composition of SAU Perilla-1 [(Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] seeds grown with agro climatic conditions in Bangladesh

SAU Perilla-1 (Golden perilla BD) is a newly edible oil seed crop variety introduced by Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh. Its seed oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acid (91%), of which more than 50% is α-linolenic acid (type of omega-3 fatty acid). The estimated ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was found 1: 2.26: 8.95. Moreover, the α-linolenic acid was detected (50.52%) as the most dominating polyunsaturated fatty acid, which was 4-four times higher than monounsaturated fatty acids in the oil of the crop variety. Fatty acid analysis of oil revealed a ratio (1:2.22) of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids, which lies within a healthy range as documented by the global scientific community. Compared to other plant seed oils, SAU Perilla-1 oil consists of Linoleic acid (Omega 6 fatty acid, 22.71%) – a component associated with obesity, which is far below the regular oils from soybean, sunflower and corn. Therefore, our findings indicated that SAU Perilla-1 seed is one of the best edible sources of plant oils rich in essential fatty acids conducive to human health.