Saponification Value Research Articles

African Breadfruit Seed Oil as Lipid Phase of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improved Gastrointestinal Fluid Solubility of Ibuprofen: Design and Evaluation

Introduction: Rain forest vegetations all over the world produce large quantity of economically important seed oils which, in most developing countries are utilized only as food condiments but hardly employed in pharmaceutical formulations.
 Objectives: The purpose of this work was to formulate ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system for the enhancement of the gastrointestinal fluid solubility of this poorly water soluble drug.
 Methods: The breadfruit seed oil was extracted by the soxhlet extraction technique and characterized for various physicochemical properties including acid, iodine, peroxide, saponification values and organoleptic properties. The super saturation solubility process, water titration studies and pseudo ternary phase diagrams were used to select and quantify the components of the emulsion systems. The liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems were converted to solid forms by adsorption onto a blend of miceocrystalline cellulose and Aerosil-200 powders. The resulting wet mass was dried and processed for encapsulation.
 Results: The percentage yield of the oil from the extraction process was 20.68 % while the acid, iodine, and saponification values were, 4.12 ± 1.24, 21.91 ± 0.88, and 302.45 ± 1.22 respectively. The ibuprofen exhibited higher solubility in the hydrolysed oil than in the crude form. Fourier transform infrared analysis did not reveal existence of component incompatibility. The optimized liquid and solid emulsions exhibited standard characteristics that were compatible to previous literature reports. The formulations also exhibited superior drug release properties over two control samples.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that Breadfruit seed oil has the potential to function as the lipid component of ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system formulated to enhance the aqueous solubility of the drug.

AN IN VITRO SCREENING TO COMPARE THE ANTI HEAD LICE ACTIVITY OF KSHEERAVIDARYADI TAILA PREPARED WITH NARIKELA TAILA AND KARANJA TAILA

Pediculosis capitis, or head louse infestation, is a longstanding global concern, particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite not posing a primary health threat, it remains a significant social problem, af-fecting millions worldwide. Existing treatments, including Permethrin, Malathion, and Lindane, often result in side effects such as irritation and swelling. While Ayurvedic texts mention references to head lice and their management, studies have yet to explore these aspects. This study investigates the efficacy of Ksheeravidaryadi Taila, a Taila yoga formulation, for treating head louse infestations. Two formulations, Sample-A (Narikela taila base) and Sample-B (Karanja taila base) were subjected to in-vitro screening, evaluating their effects on head lice movements, irritability, and vital signs over time. Methods: In-vitro screening involved the application of Sample-A and Sample-B on head lice, with comparative assessments against plain Narikela taila, Karanja taila, and distilled water. Observations were made on movements, irritability, and vital signs of the lice. Microscopic studies were conducted to analyze the effects further. Results: Sample B demonstrated a quicker and more po-tent action, inducing irritability and cessation of vital signs in head lice within 45 minutes. Sample A exhibited similar effects, albeit with milder intensity and a prolonged duration. Microscopic studies revealed no crucial signs in either sample, with bleeding observed in Sample B. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential efficacy of Ksheeravidaryadi Taila, particularly Sample B with Karanja taila base, which might be helpful for the treatment of head louse infestations. The formulation's alignment with Ayurvedic principles, including Tikta rasa and Krimihara attributes, coupled with faster drug action and higher saponification values, suggests its effective-ness.

Synthesis and Characterization of Alkyd Resin Immersed in Silver-Nanoparticle Derived from Cottonseed Oil

Alkyd resin prepared from Gossypium hirsutum (cotton seed) seed oil and immersed in silver nanoparticles has been characterized and evaluated using standard analytical methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) was used to determine the fatty acid profile of the seed oil extract which was physicochemically characterized using AOAC standard method. The results obtained are as follows: Iodine value; 102.36g I2/100g, Acid value; 3.19 mgKOH/g, Saponification value; 202.32 mg/KOH/g, Refractive index; 1.46, Specific gravity; 0.91 and Moisture content; 1.20. The alkyd resin was prepared using alcoholysis-polyesterification reaction. The prepared resin was then immersed in silver benzoate to give Gossypium hirsutum immersed silver nanoparticle alkyd resin (GHSOR-AgNps) and the formulated resin was analyzed using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV-visible spectroscopy was used to analyze the silver benzoate salt. The performance of the formulated resin was assessed and revealed thus: soluble in both polar and non-polar organic solvents used in the study, dried through after 24 hours, showed chemical resistance to 0.1M NaOH with total removal, and its acid value was below 10 mgKOH/g. Therefore, Gossypium hirsutum seed oil (GHSO) has been shown to be a cost-effective, renewable and sustainable feedstock for alkyd resin production in the coating industry.

Degradative Quality and Emission Implications of Repeatedly Heated Cooking Oil in Indoor Environment

The study examined the effects of heating the same batch of oil for multiple frying cycles on the pollutants that are released into the air and the degradation of the oil’s quality. Principal component analysis under the physicochemical metrics framework was used to study singular and interaction effects of three oil brands, frying duration and temperature. Physicochemical parameters showed that peanut oil has high unsaponifiable matters, the refractive index and kinetic viscosity prior to frying. Specific gravity and acid value were significantly lower for soya bean oil after frying with values 0.42 ± 0.02 and 0.20 ± 0.01 in order. The values of 4.09 ± 0.04 meqO2/kg and 114.96 ± 0.23 mgKOH/g obtained for peroxide value and saponification value respectively were significant for olive oil during post frying analysis. The emission values were in the ranges 98.17 ± 0.15 (x103)-573.20 ± 0.20 (x103),11.0 mg/m3 at 60 °C-34.0 mg/m3 at 140 °C, 0.051 mg/m3 at 60 °C-0.088 mg/m3 release at 140 °C, 59.0 μg/m3 at 80 °C-72.0 μg/m3 at 120 °C, and 0.057 mg/m3 at 60 °C-0.078 mg/m3 at 140 °C respectively for PAH, CO, NO2, SPM, SO2. Temperature had a significant impact on the rates of emissions when combined with time. The inherent patterns and trends within the data matrix suggest that oil brand quality was the most significant factor influencing the clustering of observations. Therefore, heating cooking oils to moderate temperatures and using a large volume of the oil could result in minimal rates of evaporation and pollutants emission

Less privileged edible oil source Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del. morphotypes and physicochemical properties

To feed up the world's growing population and adapt to the global pandemic it is necessary to explore more sites of food including the unconventional sources of food and food ingredients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of oil from three morphotypes of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit obtained from the Maradi local market, Niger. These samples were used for the extraction of the oil by using two extraction methods namely mechanical and solvent (n-hexane). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for each of the variables to carry out a statistical analysis of the results obtained. The parameters such as iodine index, peroxide index, acid value, saponification value, and fatty acid profile were determined using standard methods described in the literature. Relative density and moisture content were also quantified. The results revealed that the iodine index ranged between 85.78±1.12 to 98.90±1.61 gI2/100 g oil which falls within the standard of edible oil. Moreover, the data from the peroxide index, water content, and fatty acid composition confirmed the quality of B. aegyptiaca oil, and it is said to have similarities with argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil. The results obtained for the relative density ranged between 0.84 to 0.97 and the saponification index values ​​of the samples are in the range of 170.29±17.81 to 195.47±9.02 mg KOH/g. It can be concluded that this oil conforms to the standard of edible vegetable oil and can be recommended for general consumption.

Physicochemical Characterization of ‘Moroccan Picholine’ Olive (Olea europaea L.) Oil Produced in Southern Morocco Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

This study focuses on evaluating the characteristics of olive oil produced in the Taroudant province (southern Morocco), making this the first comprehensive study focusing on olive oil from the ‘Moroccan Picholine’ cultivar. Our objective was to elucidate the distinctive qualities of olive oil from this region, providing valuable insights into its potential contributions to the country’s olive oil sector. For this purpose, several quality criteria (free fatty acids, moisture content, saponification value, and iodine value), oxidation indices (peroxide value, specific UV extinction coefficients, and oxidizability value), and purity indices (fatty acids and sterol composition) were evaluated. Our results reveal minor-to-significant variations (p < 0.05) in the quality and oxidation parameters. Specifically, our results indicate diverse ranges for free fatty acids (0.33–3.62 g/100 g), peroxide values (0.85–4.01 mEq O2/kg oil), K232 (1.68 to 2.73), and K270 (0.09–0.34). Furthermore, consistently high levels of oleic acid (55.8 to 73.1%) and β-sitosterol (94.2 to 97%) were observed in the studied samples. These outcomes were confirmed through the use principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Likewise, important correlations were outlined among the studied parameters. Multidimensional analyses not only highlight inherent variations, but also facilitate the classification of the analyzed olive oils into distinct categories. The results suggest that the Taroudant province exhibits favorable conditions for producing high-quality olive oil.

Preparation of herbal hair oil exploring the therapeutic benefits of herbs and its evaluation

Background: Herbal cosmetics, particularly herbal hair oils, have gained popularity due to their perceived efficacy and minimal adverse effects. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal hair oils for promoting hair growth. Methodology: Various herbal extracts, including Coconut, Curry leaves, Amla, Fenugreek, and Onion, were prepared and incorporated into virgin Coconut oil. Phytochemical screening, total flavonoid content, organoleptic evaluation, chemical analysis (acid value, saponification value, specific gravity), stability studies, antioxidant assay (DPPH), antimicrobial assay, sensitivity studies, and in-vivo hair growth activity were conducted. Results: Organoleptic evaluation revealed characteristic odors and colors across formulations. Chemical analysis showed acceptable values for acid value (0.68 - 1.86 mg KOH/g), saponification value (117.87 - 224.27 mg KOH/g), and specific gravity (0.865 - 0.933 g/cm^3). Stability studies over 45 days demonstrated consistent physicochemical properties. The DPPH assay indicated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with inhibition ranging from 13.8% to 66.5%. Antimicrobial assay showed inhibition zones ranging from 6 mm to 20 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Sensitivity studies exhibited no adverse reactions. In-vivo hair growth activity demonstrated significant improvements compared to controls. Discussion: The formulated herbal hair oils exhibited promising physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial efficacy, safety, and hair growth promotion in animal models. These findings suggest their potential as natural remedies for hair care. Conclusion: Herbal hair oils formulated in this study show significant potential for promoting hair growth and addressing hair-related concerns. Whereas, formulation F3 shown significant efficacy across multiple parameters among the formulations. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety for human use.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Edible Dung Beetle Larvae (Scarabaeus satyrus) Flours and Oils and their Significance in Human Nutrition

The potential of edible insects in alleviating the nutritional challenges facing humans has led to an increased interest in their utilization. Edible insects contain substantial amounts of protein and fats, which are very important macronutrients that confer useful functional and physicochemical properties to foods. However, the functional properties of these nutrients have not been given sufficient attention, limiting their use as ingredients in diets and food products. Processing of insects converts them into an ingredient that can be added to various foods, improving their acceptability in terms of flavor, taste, and nutritional content. Popular processing methods for edible insects include frying, boiling, oven drying, roasting, smoking, and toasting. These thermal treatments reduce the insect water content, enabling them to be milled into powders. This study set out to investigate the fatty acid profile, protein digestibility, and physicochemical and functional properties of powders and oils of edible dung beetle (Scarabaeus satyrus). The dung larvae were collected from three counties in Western Kenya. They were cleaned and subjected to drying and milling, then analyzed. Results indicated that protein digestibility ranged between 64.27-70.03%. The dominant unsaturated fatty acid was Oleic (45.71±2.45%), while the main saturated fatty acid was Lauric (45.43 ±0.8%). The saponification value of the oils ranged between 127.94 -130.17 mgKOH/g oil, Acid value (41.96-44.11 mg KOH/g oil), peroxide value (4.23-3.8 Meq.thio / kg sample), refractive index (1.41-1.44/25ºC) and Iodine value (77.89-88.02 g I/100g). Functional properties of the powders showed high lipophilic (332.45±19.73%) and moderate (1.11±0.14 ml/g) hygroscopic tendencies in toasted samples from Bungoma and Siaya Counties, respectively. Emulsifying capacity varied between 80.85%-82.53%, while emulsifying stability ranged from 80.85%-81.33%. These findings show that the edible Scarabaeus satyrus can provide unsaturated fatty acids and can be a good ingredient in foods as an alternative to conventional cuisines

Physico and Phyto-chemical Evaluation of Seeds and their Extracted Crude Oil’s Characteristic of a Nutritionally important plant Daucus carota Linn

Carrot seed oil and carrot seed essential oil are distinctively different from one another. Carrot seed oil is pressed from wild carrot seeds, while carrot seed essential oil is steam-distilled and may come from either the seeds or the carrot itself. It has a unique aroma, but carrot seed oil may be found in many formulas dealing with skin conditions ranging from revitalizing and toning to eczema and can also be directly on the skin as another way to take advantage of its many benefits e. g. analgesic, androgenic, anti-Alzheimer, anorexic, anti-arcane, anti-aging anti-asthmatic activity. The present study has been taken up to establish the physical and phytochemical properties of carrot (Daucus carota L.) seeds and their oil which was extracted in the laboratory with the help of Soxhlet apparatus. The seeds were evaluated for successive extractive values, moisture content, crude protein, crude fiber, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, total carbohydrate, essential oil, mineral contents, and weight of 1000 seeds. Also, relative density, refractive index, free fatty acids, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification number, and unsaponifiable matter were determined in the seed oil. Other parameters studied, arefluorescence behaviour, qualitative and quantitative analysis of inorganic and phytoconstituents etc. Besides, thin layer chromatography of different solvent extracts of seeds and their oil was also reported in the present study. The fatty acids identified by gas chromatography were oleic (5.21%), linoleic (11.5%), palmitic (13.50%), and stearic (3.50%) acids. The yield of essential and crude oil from carrot seeds was established as 0.83% and 6.50% respectively.

Novel Electromagnetic Heat Hydrodistillation for Extraction of Essential Oil from Tangerine Peel.

A novel electromagnetic heat method is presented for green extraction of natural compounds from peel residue. In the processing cavity obtained through 3D printing, a core made of amorphous alloy was applied to strengthen the magnetic flux. During the process, an induced electric field was produced in the extract medium owing to an oscillating magnetic field at 50 kHz rather than a pair of electrodes; thus, electrochemical reactions could be avoided. A thermal effect and temperature rise were observed under the field, and essential oil was obtained via this electromagnetic heat hydrodistillation. In addition, the numerical relationships between magnetic field, induced electric field (IEF), induced current density, and temperature profile were elaborated; they were positively correlated with the extraction yield of essential oils. It was found that the waveforms of the magnetic field, induced electric field, and excitation voltage were not consistent. Using a higher magnetic field resulted in high current densities and terminal temperatures in the extracts, as well as higher essential oil yields. When the magnetic field strength was 1.39 T and the extraction time was 60 min, the maximum yield of essential oil reached 1.88%. Meanwhile, conventional hydrodistillation and ohmic heating hydrodistillation were conducted for the comparison; all treatments had no significant impact on the densities. In addition, the essential oil extracted by electromagnetic heat had the lowest acid value and highest saponification value. The proportion of monoterpenoids and oxygen-containing compounds of essential oil extracted by this proposed method was higher than the other two methods. In the end, the development of this electromagnetic heat originating from magnetic energy has the potential to recover high-value compounds from biomass waste.

Activated Charcoal Modified with Chromium Oxide as Catalyst for Groundnut Oil <i>Transesterification</i>

A gradual shift to biofuels development was considered advantageous in reducing the pollution and other challenges associated with fossil fuels. Specifically, biodiesel production is one of those options prioritized in the literature. Herein, we demonstrated how a modified activated charcoal sample and chromium oxide can catalyze the upgrading of groundnut oil into fuel-grade biodiesel at the laboratory scale via trans-esterification with methanol. The charcoal-based catalyst was characterized mainly at mole ratio: 3:1 (methanol: oil) reaction time of 1hr and reaction temperature at 60°C. The yield of biodiesel produced were found 71.50% for activated modified charcoal, 59.30% for chromium oxide and 49.45% for charcoal only, which is a little lower than that obtained by some researchers, and the density was found to be 0.56/cm<sup>3</sup> for active modified charcoal, 0.43g/cm<sup>3</sup> for chromium oxide and 0.33g/cm<sup>3</sup> for charcoal only which is within the ASTM approved limits. The viscocity was found to be 3.39mm<sup>2</sup>/s, 2.52 mm<sup>2</sup>/s and 1.85 mm<sup>2</sup>/s for modified activated charcoal chromium oxide and charcoal respectively at 40°C. The free fatty acid was found to be 0.01%, 0.04% and 0.02% for modified activated charcoal, chromium oxide and charcoal respectively and the values are within the range approved by ASTM. The saponification values obtained were 0.56mgKOH/g, 0.84mgKOH/g and 1.12mgKOH/g for modified activated charcoal, chromium oxide and charcoal respectively. Trans-esterification method is found to be good in producing by biodiesel from groundnut oil as corroborated by several investigations.

PHARMACEUTICO- ANALYTICAL STUDY OF KSHEERAVIDARYADI TAILA PREPARED WITH NARIKELA TAILA AND KARANJA TAILA

Sneha Kalpana refers to the pharmaceutical process of preparing oleaginous medicaments from substances like Kalka(paste), Kwatha(decoction), and Drava dravyas(liquids) in specific proportions. This involves subjecting them to a unique heating pattern and duration to meet specific pharmaceutical parameters tailored to therapeutic needs. "Ksheeravidaryadi Taila" is one such preparation mentioned in the "Anagatabhada Pratisheda Adhyaya" from Sushruta Samhita. It treats diseases through daily regimes like Shiro Abhyanga, particularly for addressing head lice infestations. The oil was meticulously prepared using the bases of Narikela Taila (Sample-A) and Karanja Taila (Sample-B). Both samples were then studied analytically. Analytical values for Sample A fell within permissible limits. However, Sample B exhibited elevated acid and peroxide values (38.99) and peroxide values (20.75), surpassing normal limits and indicating potential issues with oxidative deterioration and shelf life. Sample B's saponification value was higher than Sample A's, suggesting a faster absorption rate. The oil ingredients, characterized by Tikta and Katu rasas, Ushna veerya, and anti-parasitic properties, suggest potential effectiveness against head lice. Karanja Taila, with its specific properties like Krimigna, Kandugna, Ushna, and Teekshna, traditionally used in skin disorders, may enhance the oil's efficacy in treating head lice.

Protective effects of unsaponifiable matter of rice bran and γ-oryzanol on 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in PC12 cells

Protective effects of unsaponifiable matter of rice bran and γ-oryzanol on 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in PC12 cells

Tranesterification and Comparative Analysis of Bio Diesel Production Using Blighia Sapida (Ackee Seed) as Substrate

This research presents the production of biodiesel from nonedible, renewable ackee apple seed oil and its characterization. The study was carried out on trans-esterification of oil with methanol and sodium hydroxide as catalyst for the production of biodiesel. The harvested ackeed seed was sundried crushed manually and oven dried at a temperature of 105 for 24 hours 250g each of milled ackee seeds were respectively placed in the thimble of a Soxhlet extractor with the use of about 800ml of n-hexane., the flask was heated at 60 with the use of an electric mantle. As the solvent was heated in the boiler, the pure vapor rose through a by-pass and into the top part of the container where the sample to extract was contained. In the condenser, the vapors condensed and drip into the sample-containing thimble.The process parameters such as catalyst concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature were optimized for the production of ackee seed oil biodiesel. The biodiesel yield of 18.30 % was noticed at optimal process parameters. The physicochemical characteristics of the oil such as pour point, cloud point, pH value, specific gravity, viscosity, acid value, saponification value, iodine value,were determined. Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) was also used to determine the elemental composition of the oil extracted. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced were found to be close to that of diesel fuel and also meet the specifications of ASTM standards.Keywords: Transesterification; Ackee seed; Biodiesel; Characterization; Optimal process, Fuel properties.

Analysis and Characterization of Four Selected Sri Lankan Seed Oils for the Potential Applications in Cosmetics and Dietary Supplements

As a tropical country, Sri Lanka has a wide variety of oil-bearing seeds explicitly used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine. Plant seed oils offer an exciting avenue for the use in cosmetic and dietary supplements due to their fatty acid composition and other non-polar constituents specially found in unsaponifiable fraction. This study aimed to characterize plant seed oils by determining Fatty Acids (FA) composition, constituents in unsaponifiable matter, and other physical properties. Mesua ferrea L. (Na), Crotalaria juncea L. (Hana), Ricinus communis L. (Thel edaru), and Bauhinia acuminata L. (Koboleela) seeds having some medicinal values were selected. The oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction method with Hexane. Moisture and ash content, Acid Value (AV), Iodine value (IV), and Smoke Point were also determined. Prepared Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) and unsaponifiable matter were analyzed using GC-MS. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed to access the thermal stability. M. ferrea obtained the highest oil yield of 63.87% while others lay within the range of 28.59-29.94%. Smoke point values of these oils varied from 179.0±10.5oC to 241.5±6.2o C. AVs lay between 4.62±1.18-49.64±2.92 mgKOH/g range. IVs ranged from 6.82±0.89 to 16.82±0.45 gI2/100g. Ash content values varied from 1.42±0.33% to 3.69±0.29% while the moisture content ranged from 0.69±0.09% to 4.46±0.51%. The yield of unsaponifable matter of these four seed oils ranged from 0.7024±0.0001% to 1.5864±0.0001%. All except M. ferrea oil exhibited higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. In contrary M. ferrea contained almost equal amounts of UFAs and SFAs. The most abundant FA constituents of all the oils were long-chain FAs like Oleic, Linoleic, and α-Linolenic Acid. γ- Sitosterol was the most dominant compound in unsaponifiable fraction in most of the seed oils which indicate their potential use in dietary supplements. The high level of Squalene found in R. communis shows its applicability in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizing agent. This analysis found that all 4 oils have the potential to use in dietary supplements and cosmetics. 
 Keywords: Seed oils, Unsaponifiable matter, Fatty acids, Cosmetics and dietary supplements

Physicochemical Properties of Oil Extracted from Pumpkin (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i>) Seeds

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and its fruit parts are edible. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of extracted oil from the seed of pumpkin. The results revealed a percentage yield of 41.08 ± 2.33, refractive index of 1.47 ± 0.18, relative density of 0.09 ± 0.02 g/cm3; saponification value of 184.60 ±1.67 mg/KOH/g, Acid value of 2.64 ±1.31 mgKOH/g, iodine value of 80.27±2.09 g of I2/100 g, and peroxide value of 11.0 ±1.0 mEq/Kg. The result shows that pumpkin seed oil may find application either in food industry as food addictive as it may pose a good quality shelf life or energy generation as biofuels.

Amelioration of obesity induction by a high-fat diet and related inflammation by Phasa fish (Setipinna phasa) oil in BALB/c mice.

We have extracted and characterized Phasa fish (Setipinna phasa) oil for the first time to evaluate the anti-obesity and related anti-inflammatory effects on obese mice. Inbred male albino BALB/c mice were segregated into three categories: control (C), Obese control group (OC), and Phasa fish oil treated group (TX). To establish the potentiality of Setipinna phasa oil for its anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties, it was extracted and characterized using GC-MS method. To evaluate the anti-obesity effect, different parameters were considered, such as body weight, lipid composition, obesity, and obesity associated inflammation. The physicochemical characteristics of Phasa fish oil revealed that the oil quality was good because acid value, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, Totox value, refractive index, and saponification value were within the standard value range. The GC-MS study explored the presence of fatty acids beneficial to health such as Hexadec-9-enoic acid; Octadec-11-enoic acid; EPA, DHA, Methyl Linolenate, etc. The application of Setipinna phasa oil on the treated mice group acutely lowered body weight and serum lipid profile compared to the obese group. In connection with this, leptin, FAS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α genes expression were downregulated in the treated group compared to the obese group. The Phasa oil treated group had an elevated expression of PPAR-α, adiponectin, LPL gene, and anti-inflammatory markers IL-10 and IL-1Ra compared to the obese group. This study suggests that Phasa fish oil, enriched with essential fatty acid, might be used as an anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory supplement.

Impact of deep-fat frying cycles on the physicochemical characteristics of two edible vegetable oils marketed in Algeria

Background: Vegetable oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acids are prone to oxidation when exposed to high-temperature frying processes. Aims: This study aims to follow the changes that occur in frying oil when used to fry potatoes. Material and Methods: The impact of the ratio of potatoes (g) to oil (g) as well as the number of frying cycles on the quality of two commonly marketed oils in Algeria: 100% soybean oil (oil A) and a blend of 60% soybean, 20% sunflower, and 20% corn oil (oil B) was assessed. The quality of these oils throughout repeated frying cycles was monitored by analyzing pH, density, color, moisture, acidity, peroxide value, saponification value, and acid index. Results: The results of the present study revealed that both oils experienced deterioration as the frying cycles were repeated, with more significant degradation observed with the 1/5 ratio of fries to oil compared to the 1/8 ratio. Remarkably, the 100% soybean oil deteriorated more rapidly than the oil blend. Conclusion: Based on the observed changes in physicochemical parameters and chemical indices, the use of frying oils beyond the third cycle significantly compromises their quality and safety. This not only impacts the consumer’s health but also the organoleptic properties of fried foods. Therefore, it is highly recommended to refrain from exceeding this limit to ensure optimal frying practices and protect consumer health. Keywords: Vegetable oils, deep-fat frying, ratio of fries/volume of oil, physical quality, chemical indices.

Natural Solutions for Dandruff and Hair Fall: Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Oil

Herbal hair oils have been widely used for nourishment and protection of hair and also to treat a variety of hair-related problems to promote healthy hair. The use of chemical medicine may not always bring the desired results as it has negative side effects. Using herbal products, the photochemical and bioactive ingredients work together to achieve the desired results. An unique herbal hair oil formulation is presented in this study that is enhanced with natural extracts such coconut oil, sesame seeds, black seeds, hibiscus flowers, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and onion. The objective of this research is to maximize the combined benefits of these botanical elements in order to hydrate the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and enhance the general appearance of hair. Since the coconut oil serves as a carrier base, the active ingredients are more easily absorbed into the scalp. Extracts from black and sesame seeds are used because they are rich in important fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are believed to promote hair growth and lessen hair loss. Hibiscus helps to revitalize the hair, add luster, and delay the onset of premature greying thanks to its natural antioxidants and amino acids. The present work was aimed to formulate herbal hair oil that seeks to address a variety of hair problems such as thinning hair, dryness, dandruff, and dullness. The formulated herbal hair oil was evaluated at various parameters such as organoleptic properties, viscosity, saponification value, pH were determined. For people looking to improve their hair health and maintain shiny, strong, and lovely hair, this research may offer a natural and secure response.

Proximate and Physicochemical Analysis of Castor, Neem, and Waste Cooking Oils, and their Waste Seed-Cakes Post Oil Extraction as Potential Raw Materials for Biodiesel Production

In this study, proximate and physicochemical analysis of castor oil (CO), neem oil (NO), and waste cooking oil (WCO) is being investigated. The castor and neem seed oil were extracted using soxhlet extraction method with n-hexane as solvent with yields of 40.43% and 41.10% respectively. The results of the study indicated low moisture contents of 2.95% and 2.58% for castor and neem seed-cake/shell composite biomasses respectively. The castor seed-cake/shell composite biomass contained volatile matter (54.83%), ash content (7.85%), and fixed carbon (34.37%), while the neem seed-cake/shell composite biomass contained volatile matter (52.45%), ash content (12.74%), and fixed carbon (31.25%) respectively. The order of the proximate parameters in percentage for both castor and neem seed cake/shell composite biomasses is: Volatile Matter > Fixed Carbon > Ash Content > Moisture. Acid value is highest in the NO sample (14.95 mg KOH/g) than in the other two samples (CO (3.96 mg KOH/g) and WCO (3.93 mg KOH/g)). The NO sample had highest saponification value (198.17 mg KOH/g) and a low density (0.938 g/cm3) than the CO (181.48 mg KOH/g, 0.984 g/cm3) and WCO (184.29 mg KOH/g, 0.961 g/cm3) samples. The WCO (122.14 gI2/100g) sample had higher amount of unsaturated fatty acid compounds than NO (82.49 gI2/100g) and CO (80.39 gI2/100g) samples based on the iodine values obtained. The low moisture contents and significant amount of carbon contents in the two composite biomasses indicates that activated or carbonized carbon can be prepared using these composite biomass samples.