Characterization of the fixed oil from Canarium Schweinfurthii fruit (family Burseraceae)

The fixed oil from the fruit of Canarium schweinfurthii Linn was investigated. The oil was obtained using three different methods, viz: solvent extraction, hot water extraction and cold expression. The oils were subjected to physical analysis using standard methods. Solvent extraction gave the highest oil yield while cold expression gave the purest oil. Phytochemical analysis of the fruits revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, resins, glycosides and acids. Other determined properties were as follows: iodine value (68.56-84.56 g); acid value (5.22 – 6.41 mg); Saponification value (93.97 – 120.62 mg); Ester value (88.36 – 114.21 mg); Peroxide value (18.18 – 32.38 ml); Hydroxyl value (152.2-127.15 mg); Acetyl value (26.23-28.23 mg) and unsaponifiable matter (4.0 – 4.8 %).Keywords: Characterization, fixed oil, Canarium schweinfurthii, extractionJournal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2010