Pate 1996). α-Tocopherol is primarily secreted into blood plasma, while
γ-tocopherol is located in the intestine. Biologically, α-tocopherol is preferable
than γ-tocopherol due to its better biological activity. However, this does not mean
that α-tocopherol is a better antioxidant than γ-tocopherol. The inhibitory action of
γ-tocopherol against the formation of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide is more
profound at low peroxynitrite concentrations than that of α-tocopherol (Leizer et al.
2000). On the other hand, in fedora strain, α-tocopherol was found to be in traces,
while the quantity of γ-tocopherol was found to be 468 mg/L (Leizer et al. 2000).
However, both of them have their respective health benefits and roles as
antioxidants.
15.3.6 Minerals
The total ash (inorganic matter) content of hempseed was found to be 5.6 g/100 g
which depicts that it is highly rich in minerals. The composition of some important
minerals in hempseed is depicted in Table 15.5 with phosphorus and potassium
being the major ones (Callaway 2004).
15.3.7 Other Natural Compounds
Hempseed oil is a natural and abundant source of various classes of natural compounds mainly cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, myrcene, β-sitosterol, α/γ-tocopherol
and methyl salicylate which have numerous health benefits.
Table 15.5 Composition of
minerals in hempseed
Mineral
Quantity (mg/100 g)
Calcium
145
Iron
14
Magnesium
483
Phosphorous
1160
Potassium
859
Sodium
12
Zinc
7
Copper
2
Manganese
7
Selenium
<0.02
Adapted from Callaway (2004)
15 Hempseed (Cannabis sativa)
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