Abstract

EXPLORATION OF THE FAT EXTRACTED FROM THE KERNELS OF BLIGHIA SAPIDA K.D. KOENIG (SAPINDACEAE) FROM CÔTE D'IVOIRE: PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Bamba Souleymane*, Gué Lieuné Alexis, Oussou Kouamé Raphaël, Meongbe Nlompieu Elysé, Konan Dibi Jacques and Belemlilga Bonewendé Mohamed

ABSTRACT

The kernels of Blighia sapida were subjected to fat extraction using Soxhlet with hexane. The obtained fat was analyzed for various physicochemical parameters, including saponification, acid, iodine, peroxide, and ester values, as well as calorific value. Fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and antibacterial activity was assessed against different bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The fat yield was 54.69%, higher than that reported for similar plants in the literature. The saponification value of 184.52 mg KOH/g suggests the oil is not suitable for soap production, while high acid (13.55 mg KOH/g) and peroxide (61.66 meq O₂/kg) values indicate degradation and increased susceptibility to oxidation. The lipid composition reveals a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (60.30%), mainly elaidic acid (58.02%). No significant antibacterial activity was observed. Although the oil shows considerable potential for industrial and nutritional applications due to its high yield and beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, it requires refining and improved preservation to maximize its benefits.

Keywords: Blighia sapida, Soxhlet extraction, fat, physicochemical characterization, antibacterial activity.