CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF OLEA-DIOICA ROXB. SEED OIL

Abstract

The kernels (48.8%) of seeds) of Olea dioica Roxb received from Nasik (Maharashtra) yielded 24 54% of a fixed oil, having refractive index, 1.4369/25.degree. C; acid value, 42.35, saponification value, 208.97 and iodine value, 87.67. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of the mixed acids has shown the fatty acid composition as palmitic, 24.10%; arachidic, 7.93%; behenic, 0.77%; Oleic, 41.45%; linoleic, 15.04% and others (unidentified acids), 10.71%. The seed oil may be recommended for edible use after ascertaining its non-toxic nature.