Chemical Characterisation of Shea Nut (Vitelaria paradoxa) Kernel oil from High-producer Trees in the Tchôlogo Region, Ivory Coast
Assi Ossey Alain Serge
Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Laboratoire de Biochimie Alimentaire et Technologie des Produits Tropicaux, Côte d’Ivoire.
Konan Brou Roger *
Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Laboratoire de Biochimie Alimentaire et Technologie des Produits Tropicaux, Côte d’Ivoire.
Dje Kouakou Martin
Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Laboratoire de Biocatalyse et Des Bioprocédés, Côte d’Ivoire.
Amani N’guessan Georges
Université Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Laboratoire de Biochimie Alimentaire et Technologie des Produits Tropicaux, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the chemical characteristics of the oil from the kernel of shea nuts from high-producer trees in the Tchôlogo region, with a view to proposing appropriate ways of adding value.
Study Design: Eight composite nut samples were analysed.
These are: large ellipsoid tchologo (LELT); large spheroid tchologo (LSPT); large oblong tchologo (LOBT); large ovoid tchologo (LOVT); thin ovoid tchologo (MOVT); thin spheroid tchologo (MSPT); thin ellipsoid tchologo (MELT); thin oblong tchologo (MOBT).
Place and Duration of Study: University of Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from September 2024 to January 2025.
Methodology: The work consisted of determining the oil content, saponification, iodine, acid and peroxide indices, the main fatty acids and vitamins A.D.E.K of the oil obtained from shea nuts.
Results: The results showed that the shea nut kernel oil content of the 8 samples ranged from 40.83% to 50.03%. Shea nut kernel oil contains a high level of unsaturated fatty acids, with high proportions of linolenic acid (21.23% to 39.34%) and high saponification values (216.11% to 291.35%). The oils are also rich in vitamins A and D
Conclusion: These oils are of lesser quality for food use because they contain a high level of free fatty acids, resulting in high acid values. The almond oil in the MOVT sample has a high saponification value and is suitable for making soap.
Keywords: Shea nut, kernel oil, peroxide, almond oil