- An alternative source of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) oil has been found.
C. oxycantha (wild safflower) has similar physico-chemical properties and
fatty acid composition and may be a good source of edible oil.
- Cuphea species have been domesticated and acclimatized in the Institute.
Of these, C. lanceolata and C. procumbens were found to be rich sources
of capric acid. With a capric acid content up to 90% C. lanceolata
and C. procumbens may be used in the production of lubricants and
plasticizers.
- Specialty/tailor-made fats were prepared from Madhuca butyracea and Helianthus
annus, M. butyracea and Carthamus tinctorius, Mangifera
indica and H. annuus and M. indica and C.
tinctorius. The products may find use in confectionery industry, as vanaspati ghee
and PUFA rich oils for edible oil sector. Further fat blends were prepared using
M.indica, M.butyracea, ricebran & groundnut. The fat blends had SFA:MUFA:PUFA
ratio of 1:1.5:1.
- A large number of fruits, vegetables and pulses have been analyzed for commonly
used pesticides viz. dichlorvos, dimethoate, carbofuran, carbendazim, DDT and HCH.
- Recently DDT metabolites, HCH isomers, chloropyriphos, quinalphos, malathion, dichlorvos,
dimethoate etc are being analysed in the edible oils throughout the country.
- Developed a black herbal dye formulation for colouring hair. A PCT patent has already
been filed. Further, various other shades of dyes viz. light brown, dark brown
and burgunday have been developed.
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