Extraction of oil from thevetia peruviana(pers.k.schum) ripe fruits and evaluation of its properties.

Abstract

The project was mainly focused on the extraction of oil from Thevetia peruviana ripe fruits and evaluate its properties. The evaluation of properties involved the determination of parameters such as iodine value, acid value and saponification value. The method which was used in the extraction of the oil was Soxhlet extraction method, in this method, hexane was used as the extracting solvent due to its low boiling point (68.70c, high solubility, stability, and easy to recycle. The percentage yield was determined and was found to be 14.58%implying a low yield of the oil extracted. The three parameters which were determined are important characteristics of fats and oils. The saponification value, acid value and iodine value were found to be 194.2587, 26.20974mg KOH/g and 63.46g I2/100g respectively.

Of the three parameters determined, the acid value was found to be high (according to FAO/WHO) making the oil from Thevetia peruviana ripe fruits not good therefore it is clear the oil does not meet the recommended standards for use on the body due to the high acid value.

The findings of this study highlight the importance of thorough testing and analysis of oils before they are deemed safe for use on the body. It also underscores the need for stricter quality control measures in the production and distribution of oils.