Lecithin extraction and characterization from melon seeds obtained from Nigeria

Abstract

Melon seed oils from different agricultural zones of Nigeria were sampled. Oils were extracted using soxhlet extraction techniques, characterized and lecithin extracted using standard biochemical methods. The percentage oil yield was higher when n-hexane solvent system was used than when  chloroform/methanol solvent system was used. Physico-chemical characteristics of the oils indicated that they were all yellow coloured, and had varied viscosity and specific gravities. The percentage yield of lecithin extract was low in all the melon samples when compared to soya bean.