Extraction And Characterisation Of Oil From Seeds Of Treculia Africana And Telfairia Occidentalis

ABSRACT

 This work was based on the extraction and characterization of oil from telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) and treculia africana (African breadfruit). The treculia africana used for this work was obtained from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Forest Reserve, while the treculia occidentallis was obtained from Ndoru market in lkwuano L.G.A, of Ahia State. The oils were analyzed for iodine, peroxide, acid & saponification values as well as moisture content, thermal stability, and specific gravity. From the results obtained, telfairia occidentalis has higher oil yield than lrecu/ia africana. Saponification values (184.4 & 152.9) suggest their usefulness in soap industry. The low iodine value of telfairia occidentalis (27.1) and treculia africana (25.2) specifies that they are not susceptible to oxidative rancidity. The specific gravity varied between 0.943- 0.938 which is within acceptable range for vegetable oil.