What if the oil from a discarded seed held one of the purest profiles of linoleic acid, vitamin E, and functional sterols?
A study published in the Journal of Materials and Environmental Science has revealed that the oil extracted from the seeds of Opuntia dillenii (TINTO FIG®), harvested in Morocco, has an extraordinarily healthy fat content: up to 79.8% linoleic acid (omega-6) , low levels of saturated fats, and a phytochemical fraction rich in β-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol (vitamin E) .
What was investigated?
The authors compared the seeds of two species:
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Opuntia dillenii (OD)
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Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI)
Both were collected in the same region (Oujda, Morocco). The oil was extracted with hexane and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Three key components were studied:
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Fatty acids (lipid profile)
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Sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, etc.)
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Vitamin E (γ-tocopherol)
Fatty acid composition
| Fatty acid | TINTO FIG® (OD) | OFI |
|---|---|---|
| Linoleic acid (C18:2) | 79.83% | 58.79% |
| Palmitic acid (C16:0) | 13.52% | 11.18% |
| Stearic acid (C18:0) | 2.75% | 1.50% |
| Saturated fats (SFA) | 16.27% | 12.68% |
| PUFA/SFA ratio | 4.91 | 4.63 |
A profile like this is very rare in conventional vegetable oils. FIGO TINTO® oil is a concentrated source of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) , essential for cardiovascular health, the immune system, and skin. .
Why does linoleic acid matter?
Linoleic acid (omega-6) is essential for:
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Regulate cholesterol
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Promote brain function
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Being a precursor of anti-inflammatory molecules (prostaglandins, eicosanoids)
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Maintaining the skin's barrier function
Furthermore, it has been shown to improve conditions such as acne, skin aging, and oxidative cellular damage. .
Sterols with functional effect
The sterol analysis of FIG TINTO® oil revealed:
| Compound | TINTO FIG® (%) | OFI (%) |
|---|---|---|
| β-sitosterol | 2.80 | 21.93 |
| Campesterol | 0.51 | 3.75 |
| Fucosterol | 0.27 | ND |
| Stigmasterol | ND | 1.64 |
| Total sterols | 3.58 | 27.32 |
Although the total concentration of sterols is lower in OD, β-sitosterol represents 78.21% of the total , giving it high purity. This compound is scientifically proven to reduce LDL cholesterol and modulate the immune system.
Today, sterols are added to functional oils and healthy margarines to lower blood cholesterol. .
Vitamin E: protection against oxidation
The analysis confirmed the presence of γ-tocopherol , an active form of vitamin E:
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OFI: 1.23% of total lipids
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OD (FIGO TINTO®): 0.29%
Although present in lower concentrations than in other species, this vitamin increases the oil's stability against rancidity and reinforces its antioxidant value as a cosmetic or food ingredient.
Potential applications
The profile of FIGOTINTO® oil makes it an excellent candidate for:
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Functional foods (dressing, capsules, emulsions)
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Natural cosmetics (dry oils, anti-aging products, sensitive skin)
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Nutraceuticals for cholesterol regulation, immune support, or dry skin care
Its composition is so favorable that it could compete with oils such as grape seed or argan oil, but with a higher linoleic content and purity of sterols.
Conclusion
The seed oil of FIGOTINTO® (Opuntia dillenii) is:
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An exceptional plant-based source of linoleic acid (omega-6)
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Rich in β-sitosterol , with a functional effect on cholesterol
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Naturally protected by vitamin E , ideal for formulas sensitive to oxidation
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Low in saturated fats, with an excellent PUFA/SFA ratio
A seed once discarded, now valued by science as an ingredient of the future.
Reference
Ghazi et al. (2013)
Fatty Acids, Sterols and Vitamin E Composition of Seed Oil of Opuntia Ficus Indica and Opuntia Dillenii from Morocco
Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, Vol. 4(6): 967–972
