2010 Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 565-570
The fatty acid distribution, proximate composition, physicochemical characteristics and levels (ppm) of selected trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) and macro nutrients (Na, K, Mg and Ca) were determined in the seeds and seed oils of D. regia and P. pterocarpum. The oil yield was found to be 7.0% in D. regia and 8.10% in P. pterocarpum. D. regia has a higher carbohydrate content (39.5%) than P. pterocarpum (38.3%). The crude protein is high, 45.2% for D. regia and 44.1% for P. pterocarpum. Neutral lipids were the dominant lipid fraction in the oils with linoleic as the most abundant fatty acid in both the oils. Hydrocarbons, stigmasterol, phytol, sitosterol, ergost-4-en-3-one and ergost-5-en-3-ol were identified in the unsaponifiables of these oils. The physicochemical characterization as well as the fatty acid profile of the oils suggests good industrial application of these oils.
