Phytochemical composition of desert date kernel (Balanites aegyptiaca) and the physical and chemical characteristics of its oil

Abstract

The desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is an important tree found in some African countries. In this study the phytochemical composition of the desert date kernel and some physical and chemical properties of its oil were analyzed using standard procedures. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and glycosides. While the results for the physical analysis of the kernel oil revealed the following: Color, pale yellow; density, 0.910 g/cm 3 ; specific gravity, 0.907; refractive index, 1.458; and viscosity, 19.68. And on the other hand, the results for the chemical analysis of the kernel oil revealed the following: Acid value, 3.06 mgKOH/g; free fatty acid, 1.27; peroxide value, 3.71 mEq/Kg; saponification value, 198 mg/KOH/g; and iodine value, 98.73 100/g. All the results were compared and found to be within the FAO/WHO standards.