erucic acid

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erucic acid A mono‐unsaturated fatty acid, (C22 : 1 ω9) found in rape seed (Brassica napus) and mustard seed (B. junca and B. nigra) oils; it may constitute 30–50% of the oil in some varieties. It causes fatty infiltration of heart muscle in experimental animals. Low erucic acid varieties of rape seed (canola) have been developed for food use.