Biologically active components and health benefits of nettle seed oil

The biologically active components of nettle seed oil and important lipid indices, which are criteria for the health benefits of the oil, have been examined. Linoleic acid predominates in triacylglycerols (77.7%), followed by oleic (16.2%). Sterols in the lipids are present at 1.1% and beta-sitosterol is the main component (90.1%). The oil contains 711 mg/kg tocopherols and gamma-tocopherol predominates (36.1%), followed by alpha-tocopherol (28.9%) and delta-tocopherol (26.9%). Atherogenicity and thrombogenicity index values are significantly low, which determine the best anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic properties of the oil. The cholesterolemic index and the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids are considerably higher than 1.0 and reveal good hypocholesterolemic potential and nutritional value. The content of biologically active components of nettle seed oil indicates that it is a rich source of essential fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols and this oil can be used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.