Differences in lipids and antibacterial activities among three chemotypes of Cinnamomum camphora seeds

Medium-chain triacylglycerols confer health benefits to humans by virtue of their medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). To promote the utilization of different chemotypes of Cinnamomum camphora seed lipids in food industry, we investigated the seed morphologies, lipid content, fatty acid compositions of three main chemotypes and antibacterial activities of the lipid extracts. Among camphor (Cam), linalool (Lin) and eucalyptol (Eul) chemotypes, Cam seeds showed large size and great mass, followed by Lin and then Eul seeds. Seeds of the three chemotypes contained storage lipids rich in MCFAs (mainly capric and lauric acids). Among the three chemotypes, Cam seeds contained high levels of MCFAs and capric acid. Lin and Eul seed lipid extracts exhibited strong antibacterial activities, which is likely attributable to their high lauric acid content. Therefore, the MCFA compositions of different C. camphora chemotype seed lipids suggest their potential utility in functional foods and additives, with possible antibacterial benefits.