PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OIL FROM DATE SEEDS (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.)
Abstract
Phoenix dactylifera Linn., commonly known as “Dabino” in Nigeria, is extensively cultivated for its
fruits which are used in food and traditional medicine. However, the seeds are often discarded as
agricultural waste despite their potential nutritional and industrial value. This study evaluate the,
phytochemical constituents, proximate composition and characterization of oil from seeds of Phoenix
dactylifera Linn. The phytochemical screening results reveals the presence of alkaloid, Flavonoid,
Tannin, saponin and steroids. The result of the proximate analysis shows the percentage composition of
moisture, proteins, fat, ash, fiber and carbohydrate to be 6.31%, 4.70%, 8.25%, 1.81% ,12.18%and
66.76% respectively. The oil was extracted using Soxhlet method with percentage yield of 8.5%
(6.2ml/g). The acid, peroxide, iodine, and saponification values were found to be 1.52mg/KOHg,
2.85meq/kg, 66.20g/100g and 190.75mg/KOHg. The refractive index and specific gravity were found to
be 1.467 and 0.914. Therefore, from the results it is clear that the Phoenix dactylifera Linn seeds are
rich in phytochemicals as well as poly unsaturated fatty acid which can be use for both domestic and
industrial purpose.
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