Comparative Physicochemical, Phytochemical Parameters and antiradical activities of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) Almond Oils from three Locals Variants

Aims: This study aimed to compare local variants of X. americana with optimal properties for production in the food and phytomedicine industry.

Methodology: The plant material was collected from three sites in Burkina Faso, namely Gonsé, Saponé and Kokologho from May to June 2021. The oil yield was estimated and the physicochemical parameters were performed according to ISO standards. Phytochemical screening of polyphenols and flavonoids was carried out and the antioxidant activities of the oils from different trees were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS tests.

Results: The average oil extraction yield for the three variants was 42.30 ± 14.34%.The estimated colour oil was yellow. The oil refraction index indicated that the Gonsé site (1.471 ± 0.002) has the highest value. The highest oil temperature value was obtained from Kokologho trees (30.60 ± 0.21°C) followed by the ones collected at Gonsé (22.63 ± 1.72°C) and Saponé (22.60 ± 0.41°C). The oil acid value of almonds from all three sites with an average value of 0.023 ± 0.013 mg KOH/g was lower than the international standard ISO 660-2020. The Saponé and Kokologho sites exhibited the highest oil peroxide values of 0.040 ± 0.000 mEq O2/kg on either side, while the lowest peroxide value was found at Gonsé (0.021 ± 0.000 mEq O2/kg). The highest saponification value is that of Kokologho with a value of 84.81 ± 4.18 mg KOH/g. The polyphenol and flavonoid content of almond oil vary within a site and between sites. Oil extracts have shown free radical scavenging capabilities (DPPH and ABTS) indicating substantial polyphenol and flavonoid content.

Conclusion: The oil has very good quality and fulfills all standard requirements for use in the phytomedicine and food industry. A mass selection can be performed within the three sites for X. americana plantation in agroforestry systems.