Studies on the oil from Alexandrian laurel ( Calophyllum inophyllum) seed

Abstract

Seeds were collected from the coastal area of Patuakhali and extracted with petroleum ether. The kernel yielded 48% of a dark green viscous oil. The acid value (25.3) was higher than that reported for coconut and soyabean oils, but the iodine value (75) was comparable to that of the castor oil. The saponification value (202) was comparable to that of palm oil. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were present, linoleic acid being the major fatty acid (32.5%). These findings indicate that the oil may have economic possibilities in the food industry as well as industrial value.