Proximate Analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Adenanthera pavonina</Emphasis> L. Seed Oil,a Source of Lignoceric Acid Grown in Pakistan

Adenanthera pavonina L. is indigenous to Pakistan a proximate analysis of the seeds was carried out and a physicochemical characterization of the seed oil and also a quality evaluation of the oil was made. The hexane-extracted oil content of the seed was 13.32 ± 0.55 %. Analysis showed the seed of A. pavonina contained appreciable amounts of protein (22.14 ± 0.78 %). Fiber and ash contents were 3.13 ± 0.64 and 4.53 ± 0.47 %, respectively. Triacylglycerol (97.51 ± 1.12 %) was predominantly present in the seed oil. Unsaponifiable matter (0.95 ± 0.10 %), peroxide value (11.43 ± 0.51 mequiv./kg) and saponification value (196.3 ± 0.87 mg of KOH/g of oil), iodine value (83.73 ± 1.18 g I/100 g oil) are in close agreement with the edible seed oils. α-Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol 152.33 ± 13.19 mg/kg of oil while sterols are present at a significant level. Linoleic acid (42.97 ± 0.91 %) and oleic acid (17.89 ± 0.54 %) were found predominantly in unsaturated fatty acids while lignoceric acid (20.24 ± 1.12 %) was the predominant one among the saturated fatty acids. Lignoceric acid is rarely found in seed which is an essential nutrient for growth, development and maintenance of the brain. It is concluded that A. pavonina seeds appear to be a potential source of lignoceric acid and linoleic acid. This oil can be utilized in the manufacture of cosmetics, paints, varnishes, soaps, pharmaceutical products, biodiesel and blended formulations. The high protein content revealed that the seeds could be a good source of energy.