Abstract

The physical and chemical indices of African breadfruit (Treculia Africana) seed oil extracted with polar (isopropanol, Hexane and butanol) and non polar (Acetone) solvents were investigated. The oil (19.85%) and energy contents 452.35 (Kcal) suggest that African breadfruit seeds are a high-energy food. The yields were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different with hexane extracted (non-polar solvent) oil having 19.85% whilst oil extracted with polar solvents ranged from 15.58 -19.30%. Melting points were 34, 27, 26, 21 ^ͦC for oil extracted with hexane, isopropanol, butanol and acetone respectively. Smoke points were within the limits of 170 – 255  ^ͦC for the four oil samples. Iodine values ranged from 14.50 (hexane extracted) t0 25.17 (acetone extracted). Saponification values ranged from 125.89-267.85 while peroxide values were 3.20 mg/kg (hexane) and 3.60-3.83 mg/kg for polar solvents. Free fatty (oleic) acid of oil extracted with hexane was 1.71% and polar solvent extraction ranged from 1.65-1.78%. Hexane had the least peroxide value (8.74 mg/kg) compared to higher values for oil extracted with the polar solvents (9.10 - 9.83 mg/kg).

Keywords: African breadfruit, Treculia Africana, oil extraction, saponification, fatty acids, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid.