Physicochemical Characterization and Fatty Acid Profile of seed oil of Cucumis metuliferus

Onuabuchi Nnenna Ani, Cosmas Ezekaibeya Achikanu and Kingsley Kelechi Asogwa
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Onuabuchi Nnenna Ani: Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria.
Cosmas Ezekaibeya Achikanu: Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria.
Kingsley Kelechi Asogwa: Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2023, vol. 8, issue 12, 31-37

Abstract: Cucumis metuliferus also called horned melon is a plant in the family of Cucurbitacea and is believed to have therapeutic uses. The seed oil of Cucumis metuliferus was analyzed for its physico-chemical properties using standard biochemical methods and fatty acid profile was analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. From the result, the oil has a light yellow colour, specific gravity of 0.81 ± 0.02, refractive index of 1.27 ± 0.10, acid value of 24.08 ± 2.38mgKOH/g, saponification value of 100.95 ± 3.91mgKOH/g, ester value of 76.87 ± 1.53mgKOH/g, iodine value of 29.29 ± 1.00 gI2/100g, peroxide value of 46.00 ± 2.83 mEg/kg and free fatty acid (as oleic%) of 4.73 ± 0.14. The fatty acid composition indicated high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (67.12%) with linoleic acid as the highest in composition (31.84%). The saturated fatty acid content was 32.88% with stearic acid as the highest in composition (18.78%). The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acid indicates that the seed oil of Cucumis metuliferus may be nutritionally valuable in prevention of cardiovascular diseases but the high acid value and peroxide value make it unsuitable for consumption. The results of the physicochemical properties indicate that the oil could be a good raw material for industries in cosmetics and soap production

Date: 2023
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