The oil from the seeds ofCroton sparsiflorus has been examined for its composition. Apart from palmeitic, stearic, oleic and linolenic acids, the glyceride contains an unusual isomeric form of the common α-linoleic acid. Complete analysis of the oil has been effected by using Bertram’s oxidation method and Kaufmann’s thiocyanometric method. Fully saturated glycerides are absent and the oil contains β-linoleo-di-α-linolenin.

The sterol in the unsaponifiable matter is essentially sitosterol.