Physico-chemical, Fatty Acid Profile and Amino Acid Composition of the Fruit Pulp and Seeds of Ximeniaamericana L. (Tallow Plum) Obtained in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The analysis of physicochemical, fatty and amino acids of Ximeniaamericana were carried out. The Physicochemical characteristics of oil extracts provide a baseline for suitability of oils. The results of physicochemical properties of the oil extracts revealed the acid value (0.29±0.15, 0.56±0.15)mgKOH/g, saponification value (178.12±0.02, 179.94±1.69)mgKOH/g, peroxide value (27.80±0.11, 30.06±0.12)mEq O2/kg, iodine value (43.17±0.25, 40.61±0.10)g I2/100g, free fatty acids (0.15±0.10, 0.29±0.15)%, refractive index (1.4330±00, 1.4130±00), specific gravity (0.8980±00, 0.9493±00) viscosity (46.99±0.15, 48.00±0.01)gcm3/s-1 and colour (light brown) for pulp and seeds respectively. The fatty acid composition of the extracted oil from X. americana seed and pulp were also carried out. The major saturated acids found in pulp oil were 2-methyloctadecane, decane and Eicosane with the corresponding values of 29.51%, 17.25% and 16.25% oil respectively, while the major unsaturated fatty acids were n-hexadecanoic acid and 1,3-propanediol accounting for 67.20% and 32.80% respectively. Similarly, the major saturated fatty acids in seed oil were E-2-octadecadecen-1-ol with 15.80% and 10-undecenal with 44.59% respectively, while that of unsaturated fatty acids were 10-undecenoic acid with a corresponding value of 24.05% and 75.95% respectively. The total non-essential amino acid values were 30.57g/100g and 51.115g/100g representing 63.00% and 65.00% for pulp and seed respectively while total essential amino acids contents were 17.88g/100g and 27.48g/100g representing 34.97% and 36.90% for pulp and seed respectively. The presence of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in this both fruit pulp and seed could be advantageous as they may complement the functions of one another.