FATTY ACID PROFILE OF OIL EXTRACTED FROM AFRICAN PEAR (Dacryodes edulis) SEED AND AFRICAN STAR APPLE (Chrysophyllum albidum) SEED

Authors

  • E.L. AMOREN Department of Chemical Engineering, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Edo State
  • O. IYEKOWA Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City
  • A.P. OVIAWE Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City

Keywords:

Chrysophyllum albidum, Dacryodes edulis, fatty acids, oil, phytochemicals.

Abstract

The environmental menace posed by waste and poor management, use and reuse of most agricultural materials
considered as waste in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa cannot be overstressed. The study was carried out to
determine the fatty acid profile of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) and African pear (Dacryodes
edulis) seeds which many consumers considered as waste materials. The seeds of both fruits were respectively
removed, air-dried, pulverized and extracted with hexane. Phytochemical screening was performed on both crude
extracts according to standard methods. The oil was isolated using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) method
and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Glycosides, saponins, steroids and
terpenoids were present for both seed extract. Fatty acids including oleic acid (28.34%), linoleic acid (39.56%)
and palmitic acid (8.03%) were detected as the principal fatty acids in Dacryodes edulis seed oil while oleic acid
(39.86%), linoleic acid (25.18%) and palmitic acid (13.39%) were detected for Chrysophyllum albidum. The
results show high percentages of long chain unsaturated acids in both oils which makes them suitable to be used
as additives in food.

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Published

2022-06-15

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Articles