Page 10 - Technical Saw Palmetto Booklet

MTC Industries, Inc.
Herbsine Bioengineering Co., Ltd.

6. Iodine Value and Unsaponifiable Matter

The iodine value represents the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids in the oil. The
greater the degree of unsaturation, the higher the iodine value.
Unsaponifiable matter in fats and oil include sterols, high molecular fatty alcohols,
hydrocarbons, tocopherols, pigments, waxes, and fat-soluble vitamins. In general, the
higher the unsaponifiable matter content, the worse the quality of the oil.

Common vegetable oil Iodine Value
Soybean oil 124-139
Peanut oil 86-107
Olive oil 75-88
Palm oil 44-58
Coconut oil 7.5-10.5
Flaxseed oil 175-185
Pumpkin seed oil 100-133
Table 4-1 Iodine value of common vegetable oils

USP-37: Iodine value of saw palmetto oil 40-50; Unsaponifiable matter
content1.8-3.5%. USP-39 Nounsaponifiable matter specified.
EP-9.0: Iodine value of saw palmetto oils 30-60; No unsaponifiable matter
contentspecified.

SN-180401 UV-171023 EE-1800628 USP40 EP9.0
Iodine Value 46 43 46 40-50 30-60
Unsaponifiable Matter 1.9% 2.1% 1.6% 1.8-3.5% N/A
Table 4-2 Iodine value and Unsaponifiable matter of various saw palmetto oils

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