Physicochemical Analysis and Potential Uses of Oil Extracted from Terminalia catappa Seeds 

Terminalia catappa is a widely planted ornamental tree in the Samaru campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Although its seeds are known to be edible, there is limited research on their potential uses in the food and industrial sectors. This study aimed to extract oil from Terminalia catappa seeds using n-Hexane, Petroleum ether, and Ethanol solvents and analyze its physicochemical properties. The extraction was carried out using the Soxhlet apparatus, and the physicochemical properties determination was done using standard methods of analysis. The percentage oil yields were 51.80 %, 49.77 %, and 43.08 % for n-Hexane, Petroleum ether, and Ethanol extracts, respectively. The acid values (mg KOH/g), saponification values (mg KOH/g), iodine values (gI₂/100g), and peroxide values (meq/kg) were determined to be 4.488, 3.366, and 15.147; 211.78, 166.898, and 123.42; 6.091, 6.345, and 6.345; and 8.75, 9.00, and 10.00 for n-Hexane, Petroleum ether, and Ethanol extracts, respectively. The highest oil yield was achieved using n-Hexane, and petroleum ether extract was most suitable for edible purposes. All three extracts could be used for soap making, but the n-Hexane extract was the most suitable. However, the three extracts were considered non-drying oil based on iodine values and not suitable for ink and paint production. Based on peroxide values, they were stable to oxidative rancidity.

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