Physicochemical and Molecular Characterization of Telfairia occidentalis Seed Oil

Lipids are of different qualities; some good for consumption while others are for pharmaceutical and other industrial purposes. Seeds are rich sources of oil. This study assesses the quatity and quanlity of oils extractable from Telfairia occidentalis seed and characterises the seed molecularly. Extraction of seed oil was done using petroleum ether (60-800C) via soxhlet extractor. Organoleptic properties were determined using sensory organs. Physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard laboratory procedures of AOCS. The lipid profile was determined by methylation of the oil subjected to gas chromatograph linked with mass spectrometer. Infrared spectrum was obtained using FTIR-8400S spectrophotometer. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted using genomic kits and characterization done via conventional methods. Percentage yield was 35.89%. Organoleptic properties revealed colour; brown, taste; tasteless, smell; pleasant, texture; non-viscous. The physicochemical parameters of Telfairia occidentalis obtained are specific gravity; 1.04, refractive index, 1.5267 at 20 0C, acid value; 8.42, iodine value; 3.53gI2/100g, peroxide value; 41.4 meq/kg, saponification value; 53.30 mgKOH/g, unsaponifiable matter; 1.53g. Infrared spectrum revealed functional groups and molecular bond vibrations typical of vegetable oils. Fatty acid composition of oil from T. occidentalis seed revealed presence of linolenic acid; 7.92%, oleic acid;18.02%, palmitic acid; 7.05% and stearic acid; 14.79%. Amplified genomic DNA of the seed had 600 base pair. A significant alignment of queried sequence with those in the genbank gave 99.07% similarity.The results from this study shows that Telfaria occidentalis seed contains oil of appreciable quantity that can be explored as source of health-promoting supplements in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries