Comparative Analysis of Seed Oils of Momordica charantia, Citrullus colocynthis and Adenopus breviflorus for food and Industrial Applications

Abstract

This study investigated the physico-chemical properties and fatty acids composition of Momordica charantia, Citrullus colocynthis and Adenopus breviflorus oils with the aim to increase utilisation. The relative viscosity, specific gravity, pH, acid value, iodine value and saponification values of the seed oils were determined using standard methods. The seed oils were analyzed for fatty acid composition using Gas chromatograph based on Flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the oil could fin application in the industry especially for the manufacture of products such as paints, liquid soaps, shampoos, cosmetics etc. and may be edible. Predominant fatty acids in all the three plants were in the order: palmitic acid (C16:0) < stearic acid (C18:0) < Oleic acid (C18:1) < Linoleic acid C18:2. It is thus concluded that the plants are good sources of unsaturated fatty acids. Hence, these plants could be explored for consumption industrial applications