New patent for Borignaceae oil extraction

The United States Patent Office has awarded a new patent to Croda International of the UK for a composition comprising an oil extracted from the seeds of Borignaceae. The compositions are particularly suited for oral or topical administration and are for dietary, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and healthcare use.

This oil has particular advantages over oils extracted from other seeds, the patent states. For instance, it comprises approximately 5-20% stearidonic acid triglyceride and 80-95% other fatty acid triglycerides.

Stearidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-3 family and is an essential fatty acid. Stearidonic acid is found in marine oils, some plant oils and in lipids isolated from micro-organisms.

The activity of the enzyme desaturase is known to be lower following certain illnesses and in old age. Its activity can also be lowered by poor diet and certain lifestyles. This is significant because if the activity of desaturase is lowered, then the body's capacity to make stearidonic acid is also lowered. One way to remedy this problem is to take a dietary supplement containing stearidonic acid.