Extraction and Characterization of Underutilized Seed Oils Sampled in South-western Nigeria

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Sesamum indicum (sesame) are edible plants that provide a lot of nutritional benefits to man; despite their wide consumption and benefits, their seed oils remain underutilized. Seed oils from these plants found in south-western Nigeria were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet apparatus and n-hexane as the solvent; physico-chemical properties were determined using standard analytical procedures. Watermelon seed oil had a golden brown colour while sesame seed oil had a carton brown colour; they had saponification values of 258.99 mgKOH/g and 261.34 mgKOH/g respectively. Acid value ranged from 2.13 – 2.51 mgKOH/g; iodine value of 39.7 - 42.3 gI2/100g and peroxide value of 1.39 – 2.43 meqKOH/g was determined in the seed oils. Oils from these seeds have numerous domestic and industrial potentials such as cooking, frying, production of soaps, and cosmetics to mention a few.