IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 13, Issue 11 Ser. I (November. 2019), PP 16-20 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2402-1311011620 www.iosrjournals.org 16 | Page Determination of the Phytochemical Properties of Oil Extracted From Meat of Python Bivittatus 11 Offurum, J.C.; 2 Chukwu M.M.; 3 Mbadike C.A.; 4 Nwakaudu A.A.; 5 Iheme C. 1,2,3,5 Department of Chemical Engineering, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo-Ohaji. 4 Department of Food Science Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Abstract: This research work focused on the determination of the phytochemical properties of oil extracted from the meat of nonvenomous snake specie, ‘Python Bivittatus’, a Burmese Python, which is considered as sub- specie of the Python Molurus. Varying forms of snake (python) oils exist, with varying characteristics, each having different concentrations/strengths of activity. The python oil used for this study was collected from the extraction point at Umunnochi in Isukwuato L.G.A. of Abia State of Nigeria, where the dealers employed local (smoking) techniques to separate the oil from the meat of the already-dead python. The oil was subjected to centrifugation to remove inherent particulate matters. Phytochemical analysis (qualitatively and quantitative) were conducted on the oil sample, using the standard stipulated by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (1997) as revised. The results of qualitative analysis showed that there is a little presence of alkaloids, tannis, and cardiac glycosides (+) in the sample; phenols indicated moderate presence (++), while saponins, Terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids showed heavy presence in the sample (+++). The quantitative analysis showed that tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides were 61 .43%, 16.32%, 0.72%, 467.65μg/ml, 0.160mg/g, 5.91mg/100g, 206.08mg/100mg 82.40% respectively. The results, generally, show that the study sample is well established with phytochemical characteristics, which amongst other several values (especially medicinally), makes it a very viable fluid for corrosion control and mitigation. Keyword: Analysis, Python Oil, Corrosion Control, Metallic Material --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 24-10-2019 Date of Acceptance: 09-11-2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION Snakes are legless scaly creatures (vertebrates) that are found in almost every biome. They are among the most feared animals on the planet. While some species of snake are born with two heads, others can reproduce without males (Bailey, 2018). Okoli et al (2018) reported that there are over 3,000 snake species in existence, ranging the 4-inch Barbados thread-snake to the 40-feet Anaconda snake. According to the report, snakes can slither, swim and/or glide through the air (an act that is better explained as flying). Python Oils are oils extracted from the meats/fats of pythons. Though more than 40 species/sub-species of python exist, only a few of them are usually hunted for the oil values. The present attention given to python oils is traceable to the Chinese ancient traditional use of the oil for medicinal purposes. Slanshinski et al (2012) reported that Chinese water-python oil contains up to 20% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids, most readily used on human bodies. The report further reviewed that Salmon (one of the most popular food sources of omega-3) contains a maximum of 18 percent EPA, which is lower than that of the python oil; omega- 3s are vital for human metabolism. Not only do they sooth inflammation in muscles and joints, they can also help for cognitive functions and reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and even depression. Phytochemicals, on the hand, are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plant and animals. They are basically produced by the host for self-protection against environmental threats, such as predators, pollution and disease. Harbone (1998) reported that thousands of distinct phytochemicals are derived from carotenoids and polyphenols, some of which are non-essential food nutrients, and are, thus, not required to sustain life. Beyond metabolic functions of phytochemical parameters as disease inhibitors, they also inhibit metallic corrosions. This study, therefore, focuses on the determination of phytochemical properties of oil extract from the meat of ‘Python Bivittatus’ of the Pythonidae family, sub-specie of the Python Molurus, basically for its use as inhibitor against metallic corrosion.