Evaluation of the emulsifying property of solid phase purified <i>Garcinia kola</i> seed oil

Abstract

Background:Crude seed oils consist essentially of naturally occurring mixtures of triacylglycerols (˃95%). They are purified to improve their overall quality. Oil purification facilitates elimination of impurities and toxicants.
Objective: The objective of the study is to purify Garcinia kola seeds crude oil and to evaluate the purified oil for its emulsifying character.
Materials and Methods:Crude seed oil of G. kola, obtained from the dried, powdered seed, was purified by passing the crude oil in n-hexane through silica gel and charcoal arranged in tandem. The crude and refined oils were evaluated by thin layer chromatography and infra-red spectroscopy. Emulsions of the refined oil at 30% and 20% concentrations were prepared and evaluated.
Results: With the purification process, there was removal of dissolved polar solutes and pigments in the crude oil relative to the purified oil as revealed by the thin layer chromatographic profile and infra-red spectra. At 20% concentration of the refined oil, a lotion with viscosity of 25.67 ± 1.20 cP was formed while a creamy emulsion was produced with the refined oil at 30% concentration with viscosity of 46.00 ± 1.16 cP. This suggests the suitability of the purified oil as a base in the formulation of lotions and creams.
Conclusion: The purified oil of G. kola possesses emulsifying property and could find applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Garcinia cola, seed oil, solid phase purification, emulsifying property