Statistical Approach to Oils Extraction from Sorrel Seed (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and Its Quality Characterization

This work focused on optimization of oil extraction from Sorrel oilseeds using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Based on Box-Behnken design, 17 experimental runs were conducted to investigate the effects of extraction time, solvent volume and sample weight, and their reciprocal interactions on the oil yield. A quadratic polynomial was obtained to predict the oil yield and the ANOVA test showed the model to be significant (p < 0.05). A statistical model predicted the maximum seed oil yield to be 18.25% at the optimal condition of sample weight, 22 g, solvent volume, 157 ml and time, 2 h. The optimized condition was validated with the actual oil yield of 17.85%, which was well within the range predicted. The fatty acid profile of the oil revealed is highly unsaturated (74.45%) with linoleic acid the highest (44.39%). The physicochemical analysis of oil suggested the oil could have important food and industrial applications