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

Thesis Abstract

The abstract section of the research content is as follows Abstract
Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, a leguminous plant, is known for its various applications in traditional medicine and agriculture. In this study, the focus was on the extraction and characterization of white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil. The oil extraction was carried out using a solvent extraction method, and the oil was characterized for its physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity. The results of the study showed that the white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil had a high oil content, with good yield obtained during the extraction process. The oil was found to be light yellow in color with a characteristic odor. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the oil had a low acidity value, peroxide value, and saponification value, indicating good quality and stability. The oil also exhibited good thermal stability upon heating. The fatty acid composition analysis showed that the oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are known for their health benefits. The oil also contained saturated fatty acids, with palmitic acid being the predominant saturated fatty acid present. The presence of these fatty acids makes the white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil a potential source of healthy fats. Furthermore, the oil showed significant antioxidant activity, as indicated by its DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content. The antioxidant properties of the oil can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids, which have been reported to possess antioxidant effects. Overall, the study demonstrated that white Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil is a valuable source of oil with good physicochemical properties, a healthy fatty acid profile, and significant antioxidant activity. The findings of this study could have implications for the utilization of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seed oil in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as well as in traditional medicine practices. Further research is warranted to explore the full potential and applications of this oil.