Phytochemical screening and GC/MS analysis of some cucurbitaceous (cucurbits) seed oils

Abstract

In this study was investigated the oil content, analysis of seeds and physical and chemical properties of watermelon, pumpkin and melon. Approximate analysis was determined by AOAC (1990/2006) and handbook of food analysis methods. The result of chemical properties of their seeds showed that respectively; oil content (45.70, 42.83, 33.64)%, crude protein (36.31, 38.06, 32.37)% , crude fiber (7.62, 4.59, 10.73)%, moisture content (2.74, 2.48, 3.29)%, Total ash (3.47, 5.07, 5.01)%. Physiochemical properties of their oils were; relative density (0.927 ,0.936, 0.922), refractive index (1.473, 1.466, 1.472), relative viscosity (45, 48, 46)cp, peroxide value (0.78, 3.16, 7.78), Acid value (0.160, 0.098, 0.436), Color (red 0.7 – yellow 20.2 – blue 0),(red 4.3 – yellow 20.1 –blue 3.1), (red 0.7 –yellow 20.0 – blue 0), saponnification value (69.72, 106.80, 186.85), unsaponnification value (8.76%, 14.10%, 27.24%), iodine value (98.98, 101.52, 111.03). GC-MS analysis of their oil showed that there were 34 compounds on watermelon, 29 compounds on pumpkin and 36 compounds on melon the major fatty acids in the three types were: Linoleic acid, Stearic acid, Palmitic and oleic acid. Their oils contain a high proportion of unsaturated acids such as linoleic acid (45.04%, 38.89%, 44.43%)and oleic acid (10.55%, 18.04%, 11.77) , saturated acids such as palmitic acid (16.94%, 19.23%, 15.69%) and stearic acid (19.71%, 15.14%, 12.35%), they have many VIII benefits prevent premature aging and retention of water for longer in the body, used in creams as a thickening and emollient agent in the field of cosmetics. Presences in high amount of unsaturated fatty acid make them a good source for human consumption.