Extraction and Characterization of Baobab (Tebaldi) and Balanites (Laloub) Seeds oil in Sudan

The objectives of this study were to obtain oils from Baobab and Balanites seeds, then converted the resulting oil into soaps. It is important to note that seeds are normally considered as waste, thrown away without being used despite its great benefit. The extraction was conducted using n-hexane as solvent. Oil and solvent were separated using rotary evaporator. The obtained physicochemical analysis results indicate excellent properties of extracted oils for use in nutrition, cosmetics and medicinal products, the extraction was carried out at room temperature. The physical state of oils extracted are non-volatile, liquids, reddish yellow color of Baobab oil and light-yellow color of Balanites oil with characteristic pleasant smells. Oils density was (0.760 and 0.781 g/m3), refractive index (1.451 and 1.460), and viscosity (62.79 and 56.34 mm2/sec) for Baobab and Balanites oil, respectively. The physicochemical properties were also determined, oil content were found to be (13.26 and 33.85 %), crude protein CP (13.475 and 8.23g/100g) saponification value SV (338.4925 g and 148.665 mgKOH/kg), acid value AV (3.927 and 4.488 mgKOH/g), free fatty acid FFA (1.9635 and 4.488 mgKOH/g), peroxide value PV (1.42 and 0.86 mg/kg), and iodine value IV (96.95 and 62.20g I2/100 g) for Baobab and Balanites oil respectively. The resulting oils have a good saponification number, especially in Baobab seed. Oils have been used to produce soaps, it suitable to insert in soap making. This reveals that the oil extracted from Baobab and Balanites can be used both domestically and industrially. It is therefore recommended that more and advanced studies should be conducted for these abundant sources of natural nutritious oil.

Keywords: Baobab Oil; Balanites Oil; Physicochemical; Saponification Value