Proximate Analysis, Extraction, and Characterization of Oil from Terminalia catappa Fruit in Anambra State, Nigeria

Context: Terminalia catappa, also known as tropical almond, is a well-known plant recognized for its edible parts, including fruit, bark, leaves, and roots. It is also noted for its medicinal usefulness and numerous pharmacological actions.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the proximate composition of the seeds of tropical almonds, extract and characterize the oil from Terminalia catappa seeds and mesocarp. The goal is to assess the nutritional value of Terminalia catappa and to evaluate the oil's physicochemical properties.

Materials and Methods: Standard methods were used to assess physicochemical parameters such as saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine, and specific gravity. The seed's proximate composition was also analyzed, revealing moisture, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.

Results: The results indicate that the saponification value (mg KOH/g), acid value (mg KOH/g), iodine value (mg iodine/mg), peroxide value (mg/peroxide/kg), and specific gravity of the oil are 162, 1.68, 89, 1.40, and 0.95 respectively. The proximate composition reveals that the seed contains 23.24% moisture, 5.50% ash, 12.30% crude fiber, 16.51% fat, 21.22% protein, and 39.99% carbohydrate. These findings suggest that tropical almond seed is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and oil and contains minerals that can contribute valuable amounts of essential nutrients to the human diet. The low acid value suggests that the oil is edible, while the high saponification value indicates its potential in industrial applications such as cosmetics. The low iodine value reveals that it is a non-drying oil unsuitable for the paint industry. Additionally, the low peroxide value of the oil indicates low susceptibility to oxidative rancidity and deterioration, confirming the presence of antioxidants in the seed oil.

Conclusion: Terminalia catappa seeds exhibit a high level of most chemical components, making them a promising raw material for various industries. Their high protein value and low level of anti-nutrients indicate their potential usefulness in animal and poultry feed supplements. They also serve as beneficial dietary supplements and should be encouraged in diets.