769 International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies (IJPSAT) ISSN: 2509-0119. © 2020 International Journals of Sciences and High Technologies http://ijpsat.ijsht-journals.org Vol. 20 No. 1 April 2020, pp. 194-200 Corresponding Author: Sakina Saadawi 194 Physical Properties, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Raw South Africa Shea Butter against Samples from Libyan Market Sakina Saadawi 1* , Khairi Ali Alennabi 2 , Hanin Nafed Mughrbi 1 , Kholoud Lotfi 1 , Nesrin Saleh Ali Abdulnabi 3 1 Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya 2 Biotechnology Research Centre, Tripoli. Libya 3 Microbiology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya Abstract – Vigorous research has been conducted into the phenology of the shea tree, its usage and that of the shea butter extracted from the nuts of the shea fruit. Shea butter is the most valuable product in the Shea tree and its use as raw or in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products was expanded in the last years. The aim was to carry out comparative study between imported South African raw Shea Butter, one sample from Poland and samples from Libyan market on their physical properties (organoleptic), thin layer chromatography (TLC) chromatogram, phytochemical screening and diphenylpicrylhydrazil (DPPH) scavenging activity. As well as antimicrobial screening. Organoleptic test was carried out by comparing color and odor. TLC chromatogram was performed by spotting solution of samples in hexane on TLC plate and eluted twice in hexane: ethylacetate 8:2 to get good separation. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of carbohydrates (Fehling test), steroids, and triterpens (Salkwiski test). DPPH assay was carried out by spraying TLC sample spots by 0.2% DPPH methanolic solution. Antimicrobial test was conducted on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Mueller-Hinton agar was used with ciprofolxacin as +ve control and DMSO as–ve control. As a result, Shea Butter samples showed wide diversity in color and odor which considered normal except two white samples that might undergo refining process, while spreadability and TLC chromatograms were similar. Samples and control showed presence of carbohydrates, steroids and triterpens. Control and samples had DPPH scavenging activity. Shea Butter control and samples had no antimicrobial activities against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Keyword – Shea butter, DPPH, Organoleptic, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus. I. INTRODUCTION The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is perennial and deciduous and occurs mainly on dry open slopes [1]. The tree has gained importance as an economic tree because of the heavy demand for its butter both locally and internationally. The shea tree also known as (Vitellaria paradoxa or Butyrospermum parkii) [2] grows wildly in the dry savannah belt of West Africa, from Senegal, in the west, to Sudan in the east. It was reported that the shea tree produces fruit which has multiple uses at the local level; it is highly nutritious and is also a valuable commodity on the local, national and international markets, making it the ideal candidate to research and invest in [3]. Shea tree is the second most important oil crop in Africa after palm oil [4], but as it grows in areas unsuitable for palm growth, it takes on primary importance in West Africa. In traditional medicine, Shea butter has been employed in the treatment of several ailments. It encourages wound healing and soothes skin irritation. Shea-butter is also used to treat inflammation, rashes in children, dermatitis, chapping and ulcers, as well as rub for rheumatism [5]. Its leaf decoctions are used for stomachache, headache and as an eye lotion. Roots and root bark are taken orally to cure jaundice and