Chapter 27 - Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Oil

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae), known as “desert date,” is spiny shrub or tree up to l0 m tall, widely distributed in dry land areas of Africa and South Asia. The B. aegyptiaca was extracted and its chemical, morphology, and physical properties were characterized. B. aegyptiaca (L.) is an important tree in the semiarid ecosystem with beneficial attributes. It is traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments, such as jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, asthma, and fever. The B. aegyptiaca contain a biological active component that can use in its nutraceutical applications. The seeds of this plant contain 30%–60% oil, which is edible and used as cooking oil. The seed kernel consists of the rich oil, protein, minerals, and edible as snacks after eating. Chemically, the plant contains the protein, lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, and organic acid.