Characterization of MoringaoleiferaSeed Oil Variety ‘’Periyakulam 1’’

The present work reports the characterization and comparison of Moringa concanensis seed oil from Tharparkar (a drought hit area), Pakistan. The hexane-extracted oil content of M. concanensis seeds ranged from 37.56 to 40.06% (average 38.82%). Protein, fiber, moisture and ash contents were found to be 30.07, 6.00, 5.88 and 9.00%, respectively. The extracted oil exhibited an iodine value of 67.00; a refractive index (40°C) of 1.4648; its density (24°C) was 0.8660mgmL−1; the saponification value (mg of KOHg−1 of oil) was 179.00; unsaponifiable matter 0.78%; color (1 in. cell) 1.90R+19.00Y; and acidity (% as oleic acid) 0.34%. Tocopherols (α, γ, and δ) in the oil accounted for 72.11, 9.26 and 33.87mgkg−1, respectively. Specific extinctions at 232 and 270nm were 3.17 and 0.65, respectively. The peroxide and p-anisidine values of the oil were found to be 1.75 and 1.84meqkg−1, respectively. The induction periods (Rancimat, 20Lh−1, 120°C) of the crude oil was 10.81h and reduced to 8.90h after degumming. The M. concanensis oil was found to contain high levels of oleic acid (up to 68.00%) followed by palmitic, stearic, behenic, and arachidic acids up to levels of 11.04, 3.58, 3.44 and 7.09%, respectively. The results of the present analytical study, compared with those for other Moringa species and different vegetable oils, showed M. concanensis to be a potentially valuable non-conventional seed crop for high quality oil.