EXTRACTION, CHARACTERIZATION OF OIL FROM MANGO, AVOCADO PEAR AND NEEM SEEDS COLLECTED FROM OKO, ANAMBRA STATE AND PRODUCTION OF MEDICATED SOAP USING BLEND OF THESE OIL

Abstract

This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and utilization of oils obtained from seeds of Mangifera indica, Persea americana, and Azadirachta indica collected from Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria, for the production of medicated soap. The seeds were processed, dried, and subjected to solvent extraction using n-hexane. The extracted oils were analyzed for their physicochemical properties. The results showed that mango seed oil had a pH of 12.45, acid value of 22.50 mg/g, iodine value of 62.75 mg/g, saponification value of 60.00 mg/g, and peroxide value of 59.00 mg/kg. Avocado oil recorded a pH of 13.02, acid value of 20.60 mg/g, iodine value of 70.25 mg/g, saponification value of 70.40 mg/g, and peroxide value of 55.00 mg/kg. Neem oil showed a pH of 12.88, acid value of 21.74 mg/g, iodine value of 68.40 mg/g, saponification value of 57.20 mg/g, and peroxide value of 56.50 mg/kg. The relatively high acid and peroxide values indicate some degree of hydrolysis and oxidation of the oils. Soap was produced using a blend of the extracted oils through the process of Saponification. The produced medicated soap was evaluated and found to have a pH of 9.20, pink colour, pleasant odour, hard solid texture, high foamability, good cleansing ability, and stability without cracks after curing. The study concludes that oils extracted from mango, avocado, and neem seeds are suitable for soap production despite some variations in their physicochemical properties. The utilization of these locally available seeds provides a sustainable approach to waste management and offers potential for small-scale industrial applications.