Extraction and characterization of white mucana pruriens var. utilis seed oil

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, commonly known as white velvet bean, is a leguminous plant that has gained attention due to its medicinal and nutritional properties. The seeds of this plant are rich in oil, making them a potential source of valuable oil for various applications. This study focused on the extraction and characterization of white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil to determine its composition and potential uses. The oil from white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds was extracted using a solvent extraction method. The extracted oil was then subjected to various characterization tests to determine its physicochemical properties. The oil yield was found to be satisfactory, indicating that white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds are a viable source of oil. The characterization of the extracted oil included tests for moisture content, acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, and fatty acid composition. The results revealed that the white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil has low moisture content, indicating good stability. The acid value and peroxide value were within acceptable limits, suggesting that the oil is of good quality. The iodine value indicated the oil's unsaturation level, which can be useful for various industrial applications. The fatty acid composition analysis showed that the oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid. Furthermore, the extracted oil was evaluated for antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results indicated that the white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil possesses antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for health and food applications. Overall, the extraction and characterization of white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil demonstrated that it is a valuable source of oil with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The oil's favorable physicochemical properties, high unsaturation levels, and antioxidant activity make it a promising ingredient for various products. Further research can explore the oil's potential as a functional food ingredient or as a natural antioxidant in skincare products.