Assessment of <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> and <i>Sesamum indicum</i> Artisanal Oils Quality and Vitamin Contents

Abstract

In Senegal, artisanal vegetable oils trade is developing and <i>Balanites aegyptiaca </i>(desert date) as well as <i>Sesamum indicum </i>(sesame) are popular vegetal species. Present study focused on oils obtained from these two plants seeds. These oils have various applications such as for dietary and cosmetic purposes. Sampling carried out in Dakar region allowed collection of five oil samples for each specie, mainly in different districts shops or craft fairs. Their peroxide, acid, iodine and saponification values as well as volatile matter, tocopherols and vitamin A contents have been determined through reference methods described by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or French Standardization Association (AFNOR). Obtained experimental data were compared with <i>Codex Alimentarius</i> standard and/or literature, since some parameters are not subject to specific regulation. <i>Balanites aegyptiaca </i>and <i>Sesamum indicum </i>oil samples showed an orange-yellow or pale yellow coloration. Only one desert date oil sample had an adequate peroxide value while two from sesame were not compliant. Iodine values for <i>B. aegyptiaca</i> samples were closed to a result previously described by peer researchers for an oil produced from seeds harvested in Senegal but out of <i>Codex</i> specification range for sesame oils. All ten samples had a suitable acidity, widely below maximum value of 4.0 mg KOH/g. Two sesame oil samples had correct saponification value. Among ten oil samples collected, eight showed a volatile matter content exceeding standard. Vitamin A had not been detected in any sample. Desert date oils tocopherols content were comprised between 975.38 and 1141.36 mg/kg and <i>S. indicum</i> samples met the standard indicating a tocopherols level in the range [330 - 1010 mg/kg]. Present study results are not all conclusive and reinforce reservations about commercially available artisanal oils quality. However, literature review allows to state that oils physico-chemical properties and nutrient content vary greatly.