Periodic variation in kernel oil content and fatty acid profiles of Calophyllum inophyllum L. : a medicinal plant in northern Australia

Variation in oil contents and fatty acid profiles of a native Australian medicinal species Calophyllum inophyllum were studied in two different fruiting periods (winter 2008 and autumn 2009) and in three different northern Queensland provenances (Cardwell, Townsville, Yeppoon). Kernel oil was extracted by standard n-hexane double extraction and fatty acid profiles were determined by ISO 5508 and 5509 methods using gas chromatography. C. inophyllum provenances have demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) periodic variation in oil contents and fatty acid profiles, and as a result may alter wound healing properties of Calophyllum oil.