Oil was obtained from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) seeds in percentage yield of 20.5+/-1.0. Physicochemical characterization showed it to be an unsaturated semi-drying oil, with a high saponification value and acidic. It thus would require purification before use as edible oil. The fatty acid composition showed a high content of polyunsaturated acids. The oil might be used for making soap, hair shampoo, alkyd resin and shoe polish. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.