Planta Med 2012; 78 - PI115
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320802

Extraction and characterization of the fixed oil of seeds of Buchholzia corieacea Engl (Capparaceae)

UE Odoh 1, CP Ohaotu 1, TC Okoye 2, FN Mbaoji 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy and Enviromental Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • 2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The Buchholzia coriacea seed oil was extracted using light petroleum ether (60–80 0C) by soxhlet apparatus. The physiocochemical properties and fatty acid composition of the B. corieacea seed oil were determined. Preliminary phytochemcial analysis of the seed meal was also carried out. The seed consist of 6.48% yield (dry %) oil. The physiocochemical properties shows acid value (1.18mg KOH/g oil), iodine value (249.57mg iodine/g oil), saponificaiton value (168.30mg KOH/g oil), ester value (167.10mg KOH/g oil), peroxide value (0.00mg/g oil), Hydroxyl value (0.70mg KOH/g oil), Acetyl value (0.70mg KOH/g oil), unsaponificaiton value (4%), thiocyanide (73.50mg KOH/g oil) etc. Fatty acid composition analysis of the oil showed presence of palmitic acid (32.60%), stearic acid (10.56%), oleic acid (39.65%), Linoleic acid (38.20%), linolenic acid (2.10%), myristic acid (2.95%). Preliminary phytochemcial analysis of the powdered seed revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, oils, alkaloid, glycoside, saponins, resins, acids etc. The result of the investigation is an indication of good quality that can be modified so as to useful in food industry as additives in food as well as in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The present study was aimed at extraction and characterization of the seed oil of Buccholzia coriacea for the purpose of searching for oils from non conventional sources, because of increasing needs for oil both for human consumption and industrial applications.

Keywords: Buchholzia coriacea, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition.