An analysis of the oil of echinocystis fabacea seeds
Echinocystis fabaceae, commonly called “Man Root” because of the peculiar shape of the root, not unlike that of a man, finds abundant occurrence in the central valleys of California. This plant, a member of the wild cucumber family, is of particular interest because it is an oilseed plant. The variety agrestis is especially common around Stockton. Other varieties are found throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys and in the Coast Range Mountains. Oils have played an important part throughout history and are continuing to do so in our present economy. An investigation of the oils of Echinocystis fabaceae seeds proved to be of considerable interest. An extensive search of the literature revealed that only a slight amount of work has been done on these oils. M. R. Daughters made a very brief study of them in 1918. This paper will discuss several of the analytical methods employed in the analysis of fats and oils and evaluate them in terms of their applicability to the oils of wild cucumber seeds.
Echinocystis fabacea, Chemistry, Physical Sciences and Mathematics
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