Sisymbrium OIl - Sisymbrium ir
Latin Name: Sisymbrium irio
Family: Cruciferae
The Plant and its environment: This is a herbaceous plant found in certain regions of Asia.
The Oil: The oil is a clean yellow-green- colour with a distinctive odour and taste.
Methods of extraction: Sisymbrium oil is obtained from the seeds of the plant by cold pressing.
Principal Constituents
Type | Based On | Content - % |
Monounsaturated fatty acids | ||
C16:0 | palmitic acid | 5.9 |
C18:0 | stearic acid | 1.9 |
C20:0 | arachidic acid | 1.7 |
C22:0 | behenic acid | 9.5 |
C24:0 | lignoceric acid | 0.9 |
Typical saturated fatty acid content | 20 | |
C16:1 | palmitoleic acid | 0.2 |
C18:1 | oleic acid | 12.1 |
C20:1 | ecosenoic acid | 9.2 |
C22:1 | erucic acid | 0.2 |
Typical monounsaturated fatty acid content | 22 | |
Polyunsaturated fatty acids | ||
C18:2 | linoleic acid | 16.6 |
C18:3 omega 6 | alpha linoleic acid | 0.6 |
C18:3 omega 3 | gamma linoleic acid | 36.8 |
C22 others | 0.9 | |
Typical polyunsaturated fatty content | 55 |
The almost negligible level of erucic acid (C22:1) ia atypical, considering that Sisymbrium belongs to the family Cruciferae.
Physical Properties
Specific gravity at 20% | 0.913 |
Refractive index | 1.465-1.470 |
Saponification value | 160-180 |
Iodine value | 96-103 |
Folk-lore and traditional plant remedies
As early as Roman times sisymbrium oil was used as a massage oil for the body. Today, in certain regions of India, sisymbrium seeds are brewed to treat skin ailments. It is interesting to note that around the regions of Hyderabad and Lahore, not from Kashmir, the seeds of Sisymbrium irio are applied to the face for between 15 and 20 minutes. This is reputed to give excellent results in improving the texture and appearane of the skin
Cosmetic Use
An oil with good cosmetic properties
Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy and Massage: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price