FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF THE OIL OF WINGED BEANS, PSOPHOCARPUS-TETRAGONOLOBUS (L) DC

The fatty acid composition of the oils of five varieties of winged beans, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC, was determined and found to be similar to peanut oil. The total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 53.8% to 68.5% (mean, 62.0%). Oleic acid and linoleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids. The major saturated fatty acids were behenic, palmitic and stearic acids. Parinaric acid, a toxic fatty acid, previously reported to occur in winged beans, was not present in the oil of the winged beans analyzed. © 1979 The American Oil Chemists' Society.