Flax Seed Oil
[8001-26-1].
[8001-26-1].DEFINITION
Flax Seed Oil is derived from flaxseed or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). The oil is extracted from the hard, tiny seeds by cold pressing and then refined. No solvents or external heat are employed in the extraction process. It contains no added substances.
IDENTIFICATION
• A.
It meets the requirements in Specific Tests for Fats and Fixed Oils 
401
, Fatty Acid Composition.
401, Fatty Acid Composition.
IMPURITIES
• Fats and Fixed Oils, Trace Metals 401:
Meets the requirements for arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium
401:
Meets the requirements for arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium
SPECIFIC TESTS
• Fats and Fixed Oils, Acid Value 401:
NMT 2.0
401:
NMT 2.0
• Fats and Fixed Oils, Peroxide Value 401:
NMT 2.0
401:
NMT 2.0
• Fats and Fixed Oils, Iodine Value 401:
150–165
401:
150–165
• Fats and Fixed Oils, Fatty Acid Composition 401:
Flax Seed Oil exhibits the composition profile of fatty acids in Table 1.
401:
Flax Seed Oil exhibits the composition profile of fatty acids in Table 1.
Table 1
| Fatty Acid |
Shorthand Notation |
Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Palmitic acid | 16:0 | 2.0–7.5 |
| Stearic acid | 18:0 | 1.0–6.0 |
| Oleic acid | 18:1 | 12.0–24.0 |
| Linoleic acid | 18:2 | 11.0–23.0 |
| Alpha linolenic acid | 18:3 | 50.0–65.0 |
• Refractive Index 831:
1.460–1.490 at 20
831:
1.460–1.490 at 20
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Packaging and Storage:
Preserve in well-closed, tight, light-resistant containers.
Auxiliary Information—
Please check for your question in the FAQs before contacting USP.
| Topic/Question | Contact | Expert Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Monograph | Huy T. Dinh, M.S.
Senior Scientific Liaison (301) 816-8594 |
(DS2010) Monographs - Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines |
USP38–NF33 Page 6028
Pharmacopeial Forum: Volume No. 40(6)