Study on Effect of Extraction Method on Physio-Chemical Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seed Oil

Seed oils are oils extracted from the seeds of various plants, such as sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds which are mostly used nowadays. These oils are often used for cooking, cosmetics, and also in some cases as dietary supplements due to their nutritional properties. Each seed oil has its unique composition and characteristics, offering different flavors and health benefits. This study aimed to study the extraction of oil from watermelon seed by the Soxhlet method using petroleum ether and n-hexane as solvents at different feed solvent ratios and also the extraction using an oil expeller. Watermelon seed oil characterization was evaluated to determine whether this oil could be exploited as an edible oil. The extraction of oil from watermelon seeds was separated from the fruit, dried, and then subjected to extraction of the oil. This method preserves the oil's nutritional composition and natural properties, making it suitable for various applications such as cooking, skincare, and health supplements. Watermelon seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a valuable resource for promoting health and well-being. Physical properties of the oil extracted using different are also studied in this paper giving a comparative analysis between them.