A re-investigation of physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of Sclerocarya birrea (Homeid)‎ kernel oil

Abstract EN

Two Marula, Sclerocarya birrea seed samples originating from Western Sudan, were analyzed, and the characteristics and constituents of the kernel oils were determined, including physico-chemical properties, specific gravity, oil colour, refractive index, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, acid value, free fatty acids, and phosphorus content.

Total fatty acid compostion was determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC), using two fatty acid methylating reagents, (trimethyl sulfonium hydroxide TMSH and sodium methylate).

The stability of the oil was determined by induction period (IP) using (Rancimat test).

Sclerocarya birrea kernel oil could serve as a source of edible stable oil, and of fatty acids of technical grade, mainly conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as an antioxidant, anticarcino-genic and antiatherogenic.