Characterization of Lipids in Rhynchophorus pheonicis Larval Oil

Abstract

Rhynchophorus phe onicis larval oil was extracted, and characterized by physical and chemical methods. The lipid content of the larva was 25.30 ± 0.20% (wet weight) . The oil was golden-yellow, odourless and fluid at room temperature (26 ± 2 °C). Lipid analysis revealed that the larval oil comprised of 88.40 ± 0.35% neutral lipid,  8.20 ±

0.1 1 % phospholipid and 2.60 ± 0.10% glycolipids. The unsaturated fatty acids accounted for 61 . 10 % of the total fatty acids whereas, the saturated fatty acids constituted 38.90% of the fatty acids. Further analysis revealed refractive i ndex of 1 .30 ± 0.05, specific gravity of 0.89 ± 0.0 I , solidification val ue of 12-14 °C, total lipid phosphorus of 31.00 ± 0.25 (µg/g l i pid), acid value of 3.50 ± 0.06, iodine value of 123.60 ± 0.24, saponification val ue of 198.90 ± 0.25, and unsaponifiable matter of 8.60 ± 0.1 8. These values when compared with that observed in oils which have been consid­ ered to be of high q uality, and of much use in the pharmaceutical i ndustries , suggested that R . ph eonicis larval oil may have pharmaceutical potential.