Optimization of Oil extraction from Citrullus colocynthis and Soyabean Seeds Using Different Organic Solvents by Soxhlet apparatus
Keywords:
Citrullus colocynthis, Organic solvents, Oil yield, Physicochemical properties, Soybean, Soxhlet extractionAbstract
The efficiency of oil extraction and the quality of extracted oils are strongly influenced by the nature of the solvent and extraction conditions. The present study investigates and optimizes oil extraction from Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) and soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds using different organic solvents (n-hexane, ethanol, and chloroform) through Soxhlet extraction. Oil yield, degree of extraction, and physicochemical properties including refractive index, saponification value, iodine value, free fatty acid content, and peroxide value were evaluated. Fatty acid composition was analyzed using GC-FID after methyl ester preparation. Among the solvents tested, n-hexane produced the highest oil yield (18.3 g/100 g) and degree of extraction (96.8%). Soybean oil exhibited higher iodine values, indicating a greater degree of unsaturation, while C. colocynthis oil showed higher saponification values, suggesting the presence of shorter-chain fatty acids. All oils demonstrated acceptable quality parameters within international standards. The results confirm the superior efficiency of n-hexane for Soxhlet extraction while highlighting ethanol as a safer alternative with moderate efficiency. These findings support the potential utilization of C. colocynthis and soybean oils for nutritional, medicinal, and industrial applications.
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