High-yield methods for purification of α-linolenic acid from Perilla frutescens var. japonica oil

This study was conducted to investigate the purification methods for high-yield of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from Perilla frutescens var. japonica oil (PO). PO was treated with 2 g of urea, cooled for 24 h, and 81.75 % of ALA was obtained after gas chromatography-flame ionization detector analysis. Urea complexation at low temperature (refrigeration) is a prospective method for the extraction of unsaturated fatty acids in high yields. Our results suggest that urea treatment with cooling at 10 degrees C could be used for purification of ALA from PO. It will be enhanced for the development of nutritional, medical, and cosmetic value.