Chemical characterization and oxidative stability of castor oil grown in Morocco

Seed oil of Castor bean (Ricinus communis L) grown in Morocco were analyzed for their main chemical composition and for their oxidative stability. Gas chromatography revealed that the major fatty acids were ricinoleic, linoleic, and oleic acids (75.0%, 9.7%, and 7. 7% respectively). Seed oil was also found to be rich in sterols (2210 mg/kg) with a predominance of β-sitosterol (1041 mg/kg). The tocopherols marker δ-tocopherol accounted for 43.1 mg/kg. Oxidative stability of castor oil was measured at 110 °C at the air flow rate of 20 L/hw, castor oil was more stable than many other oils with 35.5 h. The results achieved suggest that the castor bean might be an important source of vegetable oil for industrial uses