Characterisation and proximate analysis of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> seed oil cultivated in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Moringaoleifera (drumstick) tree is employed for various uses in nutrition and medicine. The roots, stem, leaves and seeds of the plant are processed in different ways and are believed to be a source of vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, fibre and phytochemicals.

Objective: Proximate analysis and characterization were conducted on the oil extracted from the seeds of Moringa oleifera cultivated in Kano.

Methods: Mature Moringa oleifera seeds were obtained from Kawon Maigari market in Nassarawa local government area in Kano state. The seeds were cleaned and crushed to coarse matter using pestle and mortar. The seed oil was extracted using a soxhlet extractor. The oil was subsequently analysed for proximate content, iodine, peroxide, saponification, potassium hydroxide and free fatty acids values using standard methods.

Result: The Moringaoleifera seed had a high oil yield (31.22 ± 0.71), its content of carbohydrates, crude protein and crude fibre were 28.88±0.74g/100g, 32.1±0.42g/100g and 2.98±0.48g/100g, respectively. The moisture content of the seed was 1.26±0.04g/100g, free fatty acid (FFA) 2.5±0.31mg/g and acid value (AV) (5.00± 0.63g/100g). The saponification value (SV), peroxide value (PV) and iodine value of the seed oil were 181 ± 0.71mg/KOH, 6.38±0.01mgO2/g and 61.00±0.35mgI2/g, respectively.

Conclusion: Moringaoleifera seed had low moisture and peroxide values, and can be stored for a long time without deterioration or oxidation. The high saponification value of the oil suggested its potentiality in the production of soaps and detergents.

Keywords: Moringaoleifera, proximate, physicochemical properties.