The effect of different solvent types and extraction methods on oil yields and fatty acid composition of safflower seed

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction solvents (petroleum benzene, hexane, diethyl ether and acetone) and extraction methods (hot and cold) on oil yield of safflower seeds and its fatty acid compositions. Oil contents of safflower seeds extracted by hot extraction system were changed between 37.40% (acetone) and 39.53% (petroleum benzene), while that of cold extraction was varied between 39.96% (petroleum benzene) and 39.40% (diethyl ether). Regarding the extraction solvents, the highest oil yield (39.53%) was obtained with petroleum benzene, while the minimum value (37.40%) was found with acetone under hot extraction condition. The main fatty acids observed in all extracted oil samples were linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. Oleic acid contents of safflower oils extracted by hot extraction system was ranged between 41.20% (acetone) and 42.54% (hexane), its content in oils obtained by cold extraction method was varied between 40.58% (acetone) and 42.10% (hexane and diethyl ether). Linoleic content of safflower oil extracted by hot extraction system was found between 48.23% (acetone) and 49.62% (hexane), while that oil extracted by cold method range from 48.07 (hexane) to 49.09% (acetone). The fatty acid composition of safflower seeds oil showed significant (p < 0.05) differences depending on solvent type and extraction method. The results of this study provide relevant information that can be used to improve organic solvent extraction processes of vegetable oil.