Available online at www.pelagiaresearchlibrary.com Pelagia Research Library Advances in Applied Science Research, 2010, 1(3): 265-268 ISSN: 0976-8610 CODEN (USA): AASRFC 265 Pelagia Research Library Extraction and characterization of landolphia seed oil Auwal Aliyu * , Edward Kuhiyop and Abdulhamid Hamza Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Landolphia seed oil was extracted using hexane solvent. The yield of the oil is very low (only 4.11 % by weight). The following properties of the extracted oil were determined: specific gravity, boiling point, saponification value, acid value and iodine value. The extracted oil has a very low acid value which makes it edible. The high saponification value of landolphia seed oil indicates strong cleansing ability of landolphia seed oil. The low Iodine value obtained also suggests that the landolphia seed oil will be less susceptible to oxidative deterioration. Keywords: Landolphia, Seed, Oil, Extraction, Characterization. ______________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION At least 17 landolphia species occur in tropical savannas and forests, mostly in Africa. About 15 species of Landolphia are rubber plants; the rubber is obtained from the bark of the trunks and branches or from the rhizomes and roots. The roots and stems of landolphia are good sources of latex for rubber production. In the beginning of the 20 th century, landolphia was a major source of rubber produced in many African countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan etc. Commercial interest in landolphia plants collapsed when, in the early 1900s due to the proliferation of Brazil’s rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Currently, little importance is attached to landolphia plants as potential income sources. Landolphia fruits are eaten in many parts of Africa. They are round or slightly pear-shaped and are about the size of grapefruits as shown in Figure 1. The pulp of landolphia is a good source of Vitamin C and is sometimes prescribed as an aid to digestion. The pulp is also used in making drinks. The leaf extracts are used as anti- ulcer principles and as anti-microbial agents. The decoction from the leaves is used as purgative and to cure malaria. The aqueous, methanolic and chloroform extracts of landolphia leaves have antimicrobial activities and the use of the extract from the stem bark as vermifuge. The leaf