LIPIDS OF THE FRUIT OF PHYTOLACCA AMERICANA L. COMMON IN GEORGIA

      The content of lipids and associated biologically active compounds in fruits of young pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) commonly growing in West Georgia was analyzed. The sum of neutral and polar lipids (9% and 15%) was obtained from the object of study. Their main classes, and some physico-chemical characteristics were determined; saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were identified qualitatively and quantitatively by the gas chromatography, and high percentages of some of them were identified: 9,12-octadecadiene: 30.99%, 9,12,15-octadecatriene: 31.56%, and hexadecane: 15.56%. Phospholipids were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in the polar sum with a total content of 0.1%. The content of carotenoids in the product above is 33.0 mg%. The presence of amino acids in the fruits has been proved. Vegetable oil obtained from the fruits of Phytolacca americana L. is rich in biologically active compounds, what, in the future gives an opportunity to produce inexpensive and efficient therapeutic and preventive agents using local raw materials, which may find practical use in pharmacy, medicine and cosmetology.