Abstract
The desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is an important tree found in some African countries. In this study the phytochemical composition of the desert date kernel and some physical and chemical properties of its oil were analyzed using standard procedures. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and glycosides. While the results for the physical analysis of the kernel oil revealed the following: Color, pale yellow; density, 0.910 g/cm3; specific gravity, 0.907; refractive index, 1.458; and viscosity, 19.68. And on the other hand, the results for the chemical analysis of the kernel oil revealed the following: Acid value, 3.06 mgKOH/g; free fatty acid, 1.27; peroxide value, 3.71 mEq/Kg; saponification value, 198 mg/KOH/g; and iodine value, 98.73 100/g. All the results were compared and found to be within the FAO/WHO standards.
Highlights
Desert date (Balanite aegyptiaca Linn.) is an important multipurpose tree found in most African countries (Clement et al, 2011)
The aim of this study is to determine the phytochemical constituents of desert date kernel Balanites aegyptiaca, and to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of the desert date kernel oil
The results for the phytochemical constituent of the desert date kernel are presented in Table 1, while the physical and chemical characteristics of the desert date kernel oil are presented in Tables 2 and 3 respectively
Summary
Desert date (Balanite aegyptiaca Linn.) is an important multipurpose tree found in most African countries (Clement et al, 2011). The tree is valued more for its fruits and seeds: The fruits and kernel are widely used in many ways in different countries including Nigeria especially during the dry season and drought periods (Lockett et al, 2000). The kernel of this plant is traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments such as jaundice, intestinal worm infection, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery, constipation, haemorroid among others (Daya and Vaghasiya, 2011). The plant may be grown for its fiber, oil and/or for medicinal values It is used in treatment of several diseases and disorders since ages
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