Abstract
Physicochemical characteristics of seeds of some pinus species (Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus pinea L., Pinus pinaster and Pinus canariensis) grown in North Algeria were determined. The results showed that the seeds consist of 19.8–36.7% oil, 14.25–26.62% protein, 7.8–8.6% moisture. Phosphorus, potassium and magnesium were the predominant elements present in seeds. Pinus seed’s oil physicochemical properties show acid values (4.9–68.9), iodine values (93.3–160.4) and saponification values (65.9–117.9). Oil analysis showed that the major unsaturated fatty acids for the four species were linoleic acid (30–59%) and oleic acid (17.4–34.6%), while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (5–29%). Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry analysis of P. halepensis Mill., P. pinaster and P. canariensis volatile oils indicated that the major volatile compound was the limonene with relative percentage of 3.1, 7.5 and 10.8, respectively.