Abstract:
The seed oil of Monodoratenuifolia (Annonaceae) was extracted using n-hexane and the physicochemical properties of the oil determined. The percentage oil yield was (30.33 ± 0.841%). The oil gave high iodine value (138.47± 1.953) and saponification value (143.99 ± 0.808). Phytochemical analysis on the seed indicated the presence of alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides,steroids, flavonoids, tannins,saponins and resins. The quantitative phytochemical analysis of the seed gave a percentage yield of 1.33 ± 0.01%, 0.13 ± 0.01%, 1.17 ± 0.11% for alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides and flavonoids respectively.Screening for antimicrobial activity of the oil was carried out on Klebsiella aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella spp., Sarcinalutea, Penicillum spp. and Candida albicans. The seed oil did not show antimicrobial activity on the tested organisms. The fatty acid composition of the oil by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometeric analysisrevealed the presence of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.The fatty acids were identified as palmitic acid (C16:0) 71.24%, oleic acid (C18:1) 1.24% and linoleic acid (C18:2)21.52% in the fixed oil. The result suggests that Monodoratenuifolia seed oil is an alternative source of essential and non essential fatty acids.The essential oil of the seed contains predominantly undecanoic acid (C11:0). The oil can be used as flavouring in food and fragrance in cosmetics.
