Characterization and lipid profile of malunggay (Moringa oleifera Lamk) seed oil

Date

2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Florinia E. Merca

Committee Member

Laura J. Pham, Jose Rene L. Micor

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Abstract

The characterization gives a qualitative and identification of the oil product which is essential in the utilization for commercial use of oil products. The goal of this study was to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the Moringa seed oil and identify the lipid species it contains. The proximate analysis of the Moringa seeds showed significant amounts of fat (19.12 ± 0.03), protein (25.19 ± 0.27), fiber (16.64± 0.02), moisture (3.01± 0.05) and ash (4.03± 0.02). By solvent extraction using hexane at room temperature, light yellow colored oil was obtained, which gave a 20.55% yield on a dry basis. Another method of extraction was used to quantitatively determine the amount of oil present in the seeds. The Soxhlet apparatus was used and the oil yield was 24.12%. The obtained seed oil was characterized by determining its physical and chemical properties. The physico-chemical properties of the seed oil were found to be as follows: density (25/25C) – 0.892 mg/ml; viscosity – 51.13 mPa s; acid value – 0.386; peroxide value – 11.39; unsaponifiable matter – 66.5 mg; saponification value – 174.13; estimated molecular weight – 965D. Fatty acid analysis of the Moringa oil was carried out by gas chromatography. The analysis showed that the major fatty acid present was oleic acid (75.69%), followed by palmitic acid (6.24%), arachidonic acid (5.23%), arachidic acid (4.88%), linoleic acid (3.99%). The other fatty acids detected in trace amounts were capric acid, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, linolenic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid. Using thin layer chromatography, the glyceride profile of the seed oil was determined. The major components were triglycerides while mono- and diglycerides were also detected. The identities of unsaponifiable matter present were also determined using TLC, tocopherols were present as well as sterols. In this study, the Moringa seed oil from the Philippines showed comparable properties to other varieties of Moringa from other countries. Since it has high oleic acid content, it is comparable for use in the food or manufacturing industry.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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