Physico-chemical, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis and Cold Saponification of Wild Grapes (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) Seed Oil

Aims: Physico-chemical, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Cold saponification was carried out on Lannea microcarpa (Wild grape) seed oil with the aim of identifying the quality and quantity of the oil and its suitability in soap production.

Study Design: Experimental and instrumental study was done to determine the physicochemical characteristics, fatty acids present in the seed oil and its suitability for soap production.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Biochemistry Laboratory, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria from May to June, 2014.

Methodology: The hexane extract of the sample was obtained by complete extraction using Soxhlet extractor, physicochemical analysis was carried out. A gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy detector (GC-MS) system was used for the qualitative fatty acid determination. Simple cold method saponification was used in producing the soap.

Results: The powdered seed (50 g) yielded 59.21±0.01% of the oil. Results from the physicochemical analysis showed the seed oil to be dark purple in colour and partially soluble in water with the acid, iodine, saponification and peroxide values at 16± 0.01 mgKOH/g, 121.6±0.1 gI2/100 g, 231.25±0.02 mgKOH/g, 3.02±0.01 meq H2O2respectively. The relative density and refractive index of the oil are at 0.5983±0.0001 (g/cm3) and 1.43±0.01 respectively. Qualitative GC-MS revealed the following fatty acids; Decanoic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Margaric acid, 1-octadecanoic acid, Oleic and Erucic acid. The soap produced from the seed oil has pH and Foam height, 10.18±0.01 and 105.1±0.1 (cm³) respectively.

Conclusion: The present study on seeds of wild grape revealed that the oil is a viable natural product that can be utilized in thefood and cosmetic industry.