Extraction and Characterization of Guna oil.

Abstract

This study carried out on guna was to determine the extraction and characterization of guna oil. The result showed that the fruit (pod) had about 70 % pulp 10 % seed and 20 % epicarp with a density of 881.25kgM-3. Chemical analysis of the seed showed that the seed had about 3.8 % moisture, 2.18 % ash, 2.60 % crude fiber (defatted seed), 27.20 % crude protein, 46.88 % oil and 17.40 % carbohydrate. Comparatively this showed that guna oil seed has more than most vegetable oil seeds. Analysis of the oil showed that it had a saponification number of 185, Iodine value of 104, with thermal stability of boiling point, smoke point, and solidification point of 115 oC, 185 oC and 2.5 oC respectively and viscosity of 42.5, 43.75, 53.00 and 72.5 for the respective shear rates of 10, 20, 50 and 100. Based on these results, it was concluded that guna oil is more valuable than most oil seeds and can favorably substitute other oils.