Physicochemical Analysis of Oil Extracted from Raphia Sudanica Fruit Sold in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 67 75
    By

    Babatunde M.O.,

  • Mathew Olaleke Aremu,

  • Jude C. Onwuka,

  • Solomon J. Anzene,

  • Tawakalitu L.,

  • Isaac Jato,

  1. Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  2. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  3. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  4. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  5. Professor, Department of Chemistry, FAMSAS College of Health Technology, Keffi, Nigeria
  6. Scholar, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shandam, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Raphia sudanica, commonly called Raphia hookeri or bamboo palm fruit, is one of the most valuable species among known palm fruits found in Nigeria and is widespread in major parts of West Africa. In this study, oils extracted and analyzed from Raphia sudanica fruits (pulp and seed) revealed the respective physicochemical values; acid value (5.56, 6.10 mgKOH/g), peroxide value (2.44, 5.82 Meq/kg), iodine value (41.30, 68.10 gI₂/100 g), saponification value (184.90, 179.20 mgKOH/g), unsaponifiable matters (8.24, 1.54%), kinematic viscosity (81.20, 75.95 @40 mm²/s), specific gravity (0.925, 0.895 @15) and refractive index (1.469, 1.405 @40). The outcome of the study revealed that the nutritious parameters (acid value, peroxide value) are significantly within the SON/NAFDAC standards, which are indicators of good quality edible fruit oil, as compared to the iodine and saponification values of oil extracted from the seed. However, the non-nutritious parameters (unsaponifiable matters, kinematic viscosity) are above the established standards, while the results of specific gravity and refractive index are within the standard range. The paper, therefore, recommends that the Raphia hookeri fruit oil should be exploited for its industrial and nutritional benefits, while the high unsaponifiable matter should be further investigated for its specific triglyceride components. Additionally, the observed variations between pulp and seed oils highlight the influence of fruit anatomy on oil quality and functionality. This distinction supports targeted utilization of Raphia hookeri oils in specific nutritional and industrial applications, emphasizing the need for optimized extraction and refinement strategies. Further characterization of fatty acid composition and bioactive constituents will enhance product standardization, safety evaluation, and commercial viability.

Keywords: Non-nutritious parameters, nutritious parameters, physicochemical values, Raphia hookeri, refractive index

[This article belongs to Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Babatunde M.O., Mathew Olaleke Aremu, Jude C. Onwuka, Solomon J. Anzene, Tawakalitu L., Isaac Jato. Physicochemical Analysis of Oil Extracted from Raphia Sudanica Fruit Sold in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2026; 16(01):67-75.
How to cite this URL:
Babatunde M.O., Mathew Olaleke Aremu, Jude C. Onwuka, Solomon J. Anzene, Tawakalitu L., Isaac Jato. Physicochemical Analysis of Oil Extracted from Raphia Sudanica Fruit Sold in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2026; 16(01):67-75. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopet/article=2026/view=241571


References

  1. Ayokun-nun Ajao A, Moteetee AN, Sabiu S. From traditional wine to medicine: phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and biotechnological applications of Raphia hookeri G. Mann & H. Wendl. (Arecaceae). S Afr J Bot. 2021;138:184–192. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2020.12.023.
  2. Obahiagbon FI, Oviasogie P. Changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of processed and stored Raphia hookeri palm sap (shelf life studies). Am J Food Technol. 2007;2(4):323–326. doi:10.3923/ajft.2007.323.326.
  3. Adepoju TF, Olawale O, Okunola AA, Olatunji EM. Solvent extraction of oil from soursop oilseeds and its quality characterization. Int J Sustain Energy Environ Res. 2014;3(2):80–89.
  4. Adeleye SA, Orji CC, Braide W, Akaluka CK. Phytochemistry and antimicrobial property of fruits of Chrysophyllum albidum against selected clinical isolates. Int Lett Nat Sci. 2016;55:44–51. doi:10.56431/p-i0i4zs.
  5. Temerdashev ZA, Khalafyan AA, Yakuba YF. Comparative assessment of amino acids and volatile compounds role in the formation of wines sensor properties by means of covariation analysis. Heliyon. 2019;5(10):e02626. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02626.
  6. Ngatchoua Noubangue VR, Ngangoum ES, Tonfack Djikeng F, Doungue Tsafack H, Womeni HM. Physico-chemical properties of Raphia hookeri fruit pulp from Cameroon. J Food Stab. 2020;3(2):59–69. doi:10.36400/J.Food.Stab.3.2.2020-0010.
  7. Mbaka GO, Ogbonnia SO, Awoyemi FO. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of ethanol seed extract of Raphia hookeri on Swiss albino rats. J Pharm Res Int. 2014;4(10):1196–1208. doi:10.9734/BJPR/2014/9330.
  8. Rabelo JM, Cruz MCM, Alves DA, Lima JE, Reis LAC, Santos NC. Reproductive phenology of yellow pitaya in a high-altitude tropical region in Brazil. Acta Sci Agron. 2020;42:e43335. doi:10.4025/actasciagron.v42i1.43335.
  9. Samanta A, Kataria N, Dobhal K, Joshi NC, Singh MP, Verma S, et al. Wijs, potassium iodate, and AOCS official method to determine the iodine value of fat and oil. Biomed Pharmacol J. 2023;16(2):1201–1210. doi:10.13005/bpj/2700.
  10. Aremu MO, Olaofe O, Akintayo ET, Adeyeye EI. Foaming, water absorption, emulsification and gelation properties of Kersting’s groundnut and Bambara groundnut flours as influenced by neutral salts and their concentrations. Pak J Nutr. 2007;7(1):194–201. doi:10.3923/pjn.2008.194.201.
  11. Aremu MO, Olonisakin A, Atolaye BO, Ogbu CF. Some nutritional composition and functional properties of Prosopis africana. Bangladesh J Sci Ind Res. 1970;42(3):269–280. doi:10.3329/bjsir.v42i3.665.
  12. Azuokwu AA, Igbafe AI, Akpobi ED, Yerima Y, Ngubi FW, Azike RU. A comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of oils extracted from common species of the Niger Delta raphia palm fruits and Cocos nucifera kernels. Am J Chem Biochem Eng. 2024;8(1):15–33. doi:10.11648/j.ajcbe.20240801.12.
  13. Elizabeth AO, Tijesuni TO. Physicochemical and organoleptic evaluation of drink produced from pineapple (Ananas comosus) and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus). Asian Food Sci J. 2020;14(2):1–8. doi:10.9734/afsj/2020/v14i230123.
  14. Peace E, Austin I, Collins U. Extraction and quality evaluation of raffia palm (Raphia hookeri) and ofo (Detarium microcarpum) gums. J Agric Food Sci. 2022;20(1):191–200. doi:10.4314/jafs.v20i1.15.
  15. El-Badawy MEM, Mehasen SAS. Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield components of soybean genotypes under different planting density. Asian J Crop Sci. 2012;4(4):150–158. doi:10.3923/ajcs.2012.150.158.
  16. Endo Y. Analytical methods to evaluate the quality of edible fats and oils: the JOCS standard methods for analysis of fats, oils and related materials (2013) and advanced methods. J Oleo Sci. 2018;67(1):1–10. doi:10.5650/jos.ess17130.
  17. Jolayemi OS, Olanrewaju OJ, Ogunwale O. Exploring in vitro antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of selected under-exploited tropical fruits. Acta Univ Cibiniensis Ser E. 2020;24(2):165–174. doi:10.2478/aucft-2020-0015.
  18. Rajasekaran A, Duraikannan G. Larvicidal activity of plant extracts on Aedes aegypti L. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(3):S1578–S1582. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60456-0.
  19. Islam MR, Ahmed S, Sadia SI, Sarkar AK, Alam MA. Comprehensive review of phytochemical content and applications from Cestrum nocturnum: a comparative analysis of physicochemical aspects. Asian J Res Biochem. 2023;13(4):43–58. doi:10.9734/ajrb/2023/v13i4271.
  20. Islary A, Sarmah J, Basumatary S. Nutritional value, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of two wild edible fruits (Eugenia operculata Roxb. and Antidesma bunius L.) from Assam, North-East India. Mediterr J Nutr Metab. 2017;10(1):29–40. doi:10.3233/MNM-16119.
  21. Aremu MO, Andrew C, John Oko O, Odoh R, Amos Ambo I, Nwuniji Hikon B. Nutrient, antinutrient and sugar contents in desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del) seed and pulp. Int J Sci. 2021;10:12–21. doi:10.18483/ijSci.2484.
  22. Ogbuagu MN. Vitamins, phytochemicals and toxic elements in the pulp and seed of raphia palm fruit (Raphia hookeri). Fruits. 2008;63(5):297–302. doi:10.1051/fruits:2008025.
  23. Abogo Mebale AJ, Mefouet Abessolo DD, Massimba Dibama H, Ondo-Azi AS, Pérez-Sena W, Leveneur S. Effect of epoxidation on the physicochemical properties of fruit oil of Raphia hookeri G. Mann & H. Wendl. from Mebole (Gabon). IOSR J Environ Sci Toxicol Food Technol. 2023;17(1):4–10. doi:10.9790/2402-1701010410.
  24. Obahiagbon FI. A review of the origin, morphology, cultivation, economic products, health and physiological implications of raphia palm. Afr J Food Sci. 2009;3(13):447–453.
  25. Oduah AA, Ohimain EI. Ethnobotany of raffia palm (Raphia hookeri), productivity assessment and characterization of raffia palm oil from the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Res J Phytomed. 2015;1(1):33–38.
  26. Abedigamba OP, Mndeme FS, Mawire A, Bahadur I. Thermo-physical properties and thermal energy storage performance of two vegetable oils. J Energy Storage. 2023;61:106774. doi:10.1016/j.est.2023.106774.
  27. Oluwaniyi OO, Odebunmi EO, Owolabi CO. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the phytochemicals of Raphia hookeri and Raphia farinifera fruits. Sci Focus. 2014;19(1):28–33.
  28. Segun OV, Tesleem IA, Dare O, Rachael A, Bolanle JO. Proximate and mineral composition of roasted and defatted cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) flour. Pak J Nutr. 2009;8(10):1649–1651. doi:10.3923/pjn.2009.1649.1651.
  29. Omujal F, Okullo JB, Bigirimana C, Isubikalu P, Agea JG, Malinga M, et al. Physico-chemical, proximate, mineral and bioactive composition of Garcinia buchananii Baker fruit from Uganda and Rwanda. Afr J Food Agric Nutr Dev. 2021;21(10):18932–18949. doi:10.18697/ajfand.105.19970.
  30. Cherif I, Arbouche R, Arbouche Y, Mennani A, Arbouche F. Dehydrated husks and cake of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) processing for broiler feed: effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Vet World. 2022;15(3):551–557. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2022.551-557.
  31. Nwachukwu IN, Onyeneto TC, Nwogwugwu NU. The effect of pH and chemical preservatives on the growth of bacterial isolates from commercial samples of fruit juices sold in South Eastern Nigeria. Researcher. 2015;7(10):83–87.
  32. Sani I, Owoade C, Abdulhamid A, Fakai IM, Bello F. Evaluation of physicochemical properties, phytochemicals and mineral composition of Cocos nucifera (coconut) kernel oil. Int J Adv Res Chem Sci. 2014;1(8):22–30.
  33. Sunmonu MO, Ajala EO, Odewole MM, Morrison S, Alabi AM. Comparative analysis of physico-chemical properties of oil extract from two varieties of fluted pumpkin seeds using different extraction methods. Kathmandu Univ J Sci Eng Technol. 2018;13:48–60. doi:10.3126/kuset.v13i2.21283.
  34. Surma N, Ngantem GS, Hikon BN, Shimaibo PT. Physico-chemical analysis of palm oil obtained from major markets in Wukari, Taraba state. J Chem Soc Niger. 2021;46(4). doi:10.46602/jcsn.v46i4.653.
  35. Tase V, Jamir T. Assessment of physico-chemical characteristics and phytochemical screening of some wild edible fruits from Kohima, Nagaland. J Mater Environ Sci. 2024;15(7):1070–1080.
  36. Christopher GI, Iko-obong EE, Okon LS, Udombon EJ. Effect of sundried dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf meal on growth performance, carcass traits and haematological indices of weaned rabbits. J Agric For Environ. 2025;9(1):211–226.
  37. Yesiller N, Hanson JL, Cox JT, Noce DE. Determination of specific gravity of municipal solid waste. Waste Manag. 2014;34(5):848–858. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2014.02.002.
  38. Akpan UI, Owhoeke E. Phytochemical and proximate analysis of pulp and seed of African pear (Dacryodes edulis). Int J Biochem. 2020;7(1):15–18.
  39. Abubakar AL, Abdulmumin TM, Abdulmumin Y, Murtala M, Muhammad AI, Sy I, Bichi SA, Dalhatu MM, Sarki SI, Shehu AM, Sheshe SM, Abdullahi A. Nutritional and bio-physicochemical characterization of Vitellaria paradoxa butter (shea butter) prepared and sold in Kano, Nigeria. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2022;11(4):170–175. doi:10.22271/phyto.2022.v11.i4b.14458.
Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 28/01/2026
Accepted 31/01/2026
Published 28/02/2026
Publication Time 31 Days
35

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics