Determination of tocopherols and physicochemical properties of faveleira (Cnidoscolus quercifolius) seed oil extracted using different methods

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties and tocopherol content in faveleira seed oil extracted using three methods (Bligh-Dyer, Soxhlet extractor, and cold-pressing). Each of the methods generated different yield percentages, with cold-pressing producing the least amount of oil. However, the cold-pressing method produced better quality oil with more desirable properties, including low acidity (1.56 ± 0.01% oleic acid) and low peroxide value (0.45 ± 0.09 mEq/1000 g). Cold-pressing resulted in higher quantities of tocopherols: 0.59 ± 0.12 mg/100 g of alpha-tocopherol and 20.97 ± 1.15 mg/100 g of beta + gamma-tocopherol. Faveleira seed oil, when extracted by cold-pressing, maintains better physicochemical quality, with the highest beta + gamma-tocopherol content.