PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CUBAN MORINGA OLEÍFERA SEED OIL

Abstract

Introduction:
Moringa oleífera is used as raw material in different industries; one of the usable parts of the tree is the seed. It is said to be source of vegetable oil with a great yield per hectare and high content of fatty acids. It is not knew the characterizing of Moringa seed oil from Cuban ecotypes under study and its possibilities of use for different purposes.
Objective:
To carry out the physicochemical characterization of the oil of the seeds of Moringa oleífera germinated in Cuba.
Materials and Methods:
The percentage of oil extraction is established as a response variable in the proposed experiment designs, reaching between 30-40%. Once the oil was extracted, its physicochemical properties were determined for the ecotypes studied using analytical techniques.
Results and Discussion:
The properties that characterize the oils and the fatty acid composition, the majority product being oleic acid with values between 60 and 75%. Reference is made to the benefits obtained with the use of seeds not suitable for germination in different applications, with properties comparable to fresh.
Conclusions:
The best yields in oil extraction are achieved using hexane as a solvent, oleic acid is the majority with values between 60 and 75% and the ecotypes studied naturalized in Cuba meet the quality parameters established to be used in cosmetics, constituting a new product line, in addition to promoting the substitution of imports and the use of natural
substances.