Abstract

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Due to the abundance of Cocosnucifera L. (coconut) in southern part of Nigeria and considering its high consumption, this work was carried out to determine the potential applications of the seed kernel by investigating the physicochemical characteristics as well as the phytochemical and mineral compositions of its extracted oil content. The oil was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus, and the physicochemical characterization, together with the phytochemical screening and determination of the mineral composition were carried out using standard methods. The physicochemical parameters of the extracted oil were as follows: acid value 0.7963±0.21 mg KOH/g, saponification value 7.74±0.73mg KOH/g, iodine value 46.8±0.63 I₂/100g, free fatty acid 20.49±1.46 (% oleic acid), peroxide value (mEqH₂O₂/100g) 10.0±5.0, specific gravity (g) 0.95.0.05.The oil was observed to have clear white appearance, liquid at room temperature and has a nutty smell when fresh and unpleasant when rancid. Cocosnucifera L. seed kernel has low oil content of 26.61%. The phytochemical analysis of the seed oil revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids, and absence of cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, phlobatanins and anthraquinones. The result of the mineral element analysis revealed that 1 L of the oil contains 3.67±0.59mg of sodium, 2.33±0.59mg of potassium, 1.50±0.03mg of calcium, 0.28±0.03mg of magnesium, 0.17±0.06mg of manganese, 0.07±0.01mg of copper, 1.70±0.02mg of iron, 0.33 ±0.01mg of Zinc and 0.00mg of lead. These results showed that the Cocosnuciferaseed can be a good source of oil, and the extracted oil contains an appreciable amount of phytochemicals and mineral elements. Therefore, Justification of the use of the seed kernel oil for food, medicinal and cosmetic was expatiated.

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