Fatty acids methyl esters (FAMES) were synthesised utilizing the iupac standard, 1979 method 2.301 and their significance on the basis of nutritional research purpose. The earthworms were microwave extracted, then analysed for fatty acids composition according to aoac method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy used to identify the distinctive peaks of the fatty acid spectrum, whereas gas-chromatography combined with mass spectroscopy was used to evaluate the fatty acid composition of earthworm (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg). The current investigation identified two unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 and C19:3) and eleven saturated fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, C23:0, C24:0, and C25:0). Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) varied from 26.38 to 29.14%, with oleic acid (C18:1) dominating at 16.88%, 17.75%, and 17.52%, respectively. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) ranged from 70.86 to 73.61%, with stearic acid (C18:0) dominating at 13.24 to 13.99%. Thirteen fatty acids, were identified from Lampito mauritii, Kinberg Sindh Pakistan origin, using Agilent 6890 N gas chromatographic device with Agilent autosampler 7683-B injector and Agilent MS-5975 inert XL mass selective detector (Agilent Technologies, Little Fall, NY, USA)reported by us in the literature for the first time. Based on the results the earthworm (L. mauritii, Kinberg) contains significant fatty acids that have potential pharmaceutical values.
Nighat Sultana, Zakia Khatoon, Dhani Bux Mashori, Adel Zia Siddiqui
Kiran Rafiq, Aftab Ahmed Kandhro