Selenium content in seed, oil and oil cake of Se hyperaccumulated Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) cultivated in a seleniferous region of India

Selenium (Se) hyperaccumulated Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivated in a seleniferous region of India was collected and quantified for Se levels using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The seeds were subjected to oil extraction using a conventional screw extractor and Se content was estimated in seed, oil and oil cake. High uptake of selenium by the mustard seeds occurred, which was predominantly found to be retained and concentrated in the oil cake (143 ± 5.18 mg kg−1) when compared to seed before extraction (110 ± 3.04 mg kg−1) or oil (3.50 ± 0.66 mg L−1) after extraction. In conclusion, the study envisages application of Se-rich mustard oil or cake as sources of chemotherapeutic isoselenocyanates and exploitation of their bioactivity.