Abstract

The physicochemical properties of the seed oil of Annona muricata L.V.N 95 grown in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria were analyzed to determine the possible use of the oil in foods or as raw material for industrial purposes. The extraction of the seed oil was carried out using Soxhlet apparatus. The extracted oil was analyzed for saponification value, percentage free fatty acid and acid value using AOAC official methods. Fatty acid composition was determined by first converting the fatty acids to fatty acid methyl esters before detection in the GC/MS. The oil content of the oil was 23.04%. Saponification value, percentage free fatty acid and acid value were 216.29, 2.74% (as % oleic acid) and 5.45 respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters identified by the GCMS were: 9- Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (Z)-, (1.34%); Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (20.61%); 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, methyl ester (21.74%); 9- Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (E)-, (39.47%); n- Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (7.90%); Eicosanoic acid, methyl ester (1.19%). Hexadecanoic acid (2.63%) and 9- Octadecenoic acid (2.44%) were also identified by the GC/MS along with the fatty acid methyl esters. The fatty acid profile of the oil indicated that the oil contains important fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 9. It has high saponification value which guarantees the use of the oil in cosmetics. The low acid value and percentage free fatty acids proved that the oil is stable and fit for human consumption.

Key words: Annona muricata, Essential fatty acids, Saponification, Physicochemical