Abstract
Seeds of Taxus baccata are fairly good in kernel percentage and the oil content is quite high (69.93%). This species, therefore, holds tremendous scope for commercial exploitation and to increase the production of oil from tree borne oilseeds. The oil is found to be quite rich in oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Linoleic and linolenic acids are nutritionally essential fatty acids. Therefore, the oil may be a potential source for edible uses, provided toxicological investigations also support it. However, detailed pharmacological investigations are desirable.
The species is well known all the world for its ‘taxol’ contents which is used for the cure of cancer. However, the seeds of this species are not being used at the present for any specific purpose and hence hold good future prospects for multipurpose utilization.
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