Linseed Oil From Germinated Seeds Revealed Enhanced Nutritional Quality, Oxidative Stability and Bioactivity

Research focused on sustainable and health-conscious diets has led to innovative approaches enhancing the nutritional content of edible oils. The germination process of linseeds has been explored to increase bioactive compounds, potentially offering health benefits. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive study with two primary objectives: (1) fully characterizing linseed oil from germinated seeds by analyzing polyphenol profiles, antioxidant capacities, and physicochemical parameters to elucidate its potential contribution to a balanced diet, and (2) feeding mice the germinated oil to reveal its impact on oxylipin profiles related to inflammation and oxidative stress in liver and adipose tissues.

Linseed oil extracted from germinated seeds exhibited a similar fatty acid profile compared to conventional linseed oils, as determined by GC-FID. Notably, there was a substantial 37.4-fold increase in polyphenol content, reaching 575.4 ± 14.8 mg/kg. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis identified 13 novel phenolic compounds. Antioxidant capacities were markedly improved, as evidenced by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Increased levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and tocopherols indicated enhanced nutritional quality. Germinated linseed oil demonstrated superior oxidative stability, resulting in fewer lipid oxidation products. This was supported by a 3.8-fold longer shelf-life, determined by Rancimat, and GC-MS results revealing 60-70% lower levels of hexanal and nonanal.

NMR analysis unveiled a 3.1-fold increase in diacylglycerol (DAG) content, measuring 5.33 ± 0.11 mg/g, supporting potential health benefits. Additionally, a study involving mice supplemented with germinated linseed oil was conducted to explore its effects on oxylipin pathways. LC-MS analysis of oxylipins in liver, WAT and BAT provided insights into potential health benefits, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects and higher levels of EPA and DHA.

Summarized, our findings underscore the potential of germinated linseed oils, highlighting elevated polyphenol profiles, extended shelf-life, and enhanced nutritional quality. Incorporating these oils into diets could promote health by supplementing bioactive substances and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.