Variation in oil content, fatty acid and phytosterols profile of <i>Onopordum acanthium</i> L. during seed development

<div><p>This study has determined oil, fatty acid (FA) and phytosterols content during the ripening of the Tunisian <i>Onopordum acanthium</i> L. seeds. In total, nine FAs and six phytosterols were identified. The main FAs were linoleic acid (0.18–8.06 mg/g of seed) followed by oleic acid (0.051–2.45 mg/g of seed), palmitic acid and stearic acid. Pentadecanoic acid was detected, for the first time, in unripe fruits and the two last stages of development were characterised by a relative abundance of erucic acid. Overall, β-sitosterol (34.5–77.79% of total sterols) was the major 4-desmethylsterols during maturation. The first episodes of growth were characterised by the best amounts of stigmasterol and campesterol, while stigmastanol and Δ7 sitosterol had quoted the semi-ripe and fully ripe fruits; however, cholesterol was absent. These findings are useful in understanding a potential new source of important natural compounds (Phytosterols and USFA) found in this fruit and when harvest should be undertaken to optimise desired FA and phytosterols content.</p>