ABSTRACT

Oils were extracted from three seeds (Telfairia occidentalis, Treclia africana and Colocynthis citrullus) and their physical and chemical properties were determined using standard methods. Also determined were the moisture contents of the respective seeds. The highest oil yield was obtained from Colocynthis citrullus (53.1%) followed by Telfairia occidentalis (50.3%) and the Treculia africana (23.0%). These values qualify them as oilseeds. The relative densities varied between 0.913 in Colocynthis citrullus oil and 0.905 in Treculia africana oil, and the heavier oils showed smaller refractive indices. The smoke point in °c of: Colocynthis citrullus oil was 174, 166 and 153 were observed for Telfairia occideritalis and Treculia africana oils respectively. From the chemical parameters assayed, the saponification value was highest for Tefairia occidentaUs oil (197.8) fcflowed by that of Colocynthis citrullus oil (157.1) and then Treculia africana oil (152.9). The values were high, suggesting usefulness of the oils in soap industry. The high iodine value observed in Telfairia occidentalis (162.4) and Treculia africana (191.6) is indicative of usefulness in the paint industry while the low value obtained for Colocynthis citrullus (86.3) specifies that it is not susceptible to oxidative rancidity. The low peroxide values of between 9.2 and 9.1 obtained showed that the extent of advancement of rancidity was still within the acceptable range (below loMeg/Kg.)