Physicochemical characterization of aduwa (Balanites aegyptiaca) seed oil extracted using soxhlet and wet extraction methods

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca is a dicotyledonous flowering plant species found commonly in sub Saharan region of Africa, Asia and Arab nations. It is recognized as a tree of the desert with severe tolerance of harsh weather conditions and dwell in moderate climatic zones; in countries such as Nigeria. This research article aimed at extracting oil from Aduwa (Balanites aegyptiaca) seeds using two selected extraction methods; soxhlet and wet extraction methods. The physical and chemical properties of the extracted oil samples were analyzed. The samples were taken in triplicate measurement are analyzed statistically for mean ± standard
deviation using sample T-test’ and the mean significant difference were accepted at (P<0.05). The physicochemical, phytochemical, antioxidant, vitamins content of the oil were determined. The results of physiochemical properties obtained showed that Refractive index had a mean value ranging from 1.35 to 1.40, peroxide value 0.35 to 0.43 meq/kg and iodine value 28.4 to 29.4 g/100g. Phenolic content ranged from 0.21 to 2.33 μgGAE/ml and flavonoid had a mean value of 2.05 to 2.08 μg/ml. Antioxidants content determined includes; FRAP with a mean value of 33.63 to 65.54 μmolTE/g and DPPH IC50 0.612 to 97.571 μg/ml. The Aduwa oil is found to be a good source of retinol with a mean value of 613.35 to 856.76 μg/dl and carotenoid 9693.1 to 12188 μg/dl. Results obtained revealed that both method used for the extraction yield similar results although, samples extracted using wet extraction method are more efficient and palatable with high antioxidants and mineral content compared with the soxhlet method. Samples obtained from both methods possess a characteristic bitter taste and there is reduction in oil yield in wet
extraction method due to informal processing procedures.