Phytochemical and GC-MS analysis of Saudi Arabian Ajwa variety of date seed oil and extracts obtained by the slow pyrolysis method

Abstract

The date seeds oil is a mixture of different types of major and minor organic components with potential positive health benefits. Thus, the study was designed to conversion of Ajwa verity of Saudi Arabian date seeds into pyrolysis liquid char oil by slow pyrolysis reactor and its phytoconstituents were determined by GC–MS. The date seed in particle form was pyrolysed in an externally heated pan sand bath. The sand bath was heated upto 500–600 °C by means of a burner for pyrolysis and this temperature is measured by means of a mercury thermometer. During pyrolysis, the tar and oil are released from the seeds and collected in a container. The liquid char oil was dissolved in 100 ml methanol and fractionated with 100 ml n-hexane by using separating funnel. Small portion (1 g) of both fraction was subjected to GC-MS analysis. GC-MS analysis results indicated the presence of 40 and 27 different phyto-compounds from n-hexane and methanol fraction. The presence of these bioactive compounds confirms the application of the Ajwa variety of date seeds for various medicinal activities in future drug discovery system and can be analyzed for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular, anticancer and immunosuppressant activities.