An Investigation of the oil yield and phytochemical composition of baobab seeds from Rushinga district.

Author

Marecha, Enety.

Title

An Investigation of the oil yield and phytochemical composition of baobab seeds from Rushinga district.

Abstract

Adansonia digitata, seeds are a valuable Zimbabwean indigenous resource that lacks localized scientific data which in turn has limited the understanding of its specific quality attributes and commercial potential. Adansonia digitata is commonly known as Muuyu or Umkhomo in local chiShona and isiNdebele languages respectively. This research aimed to determine the oil content, qualitatively identify major phytochemicals and quantify phenolic and flavonoid compounds of seeds collected from Rushinga District. The study embraced a positivist approach and used Soxhlet extraction to obtain the oil from the samples. Phenolics and flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically. Qualitative analysis confirmed that tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and alkaloids were present in the samples. Univariate analysis of variance showed that geographical origin greatly impacted on all the three parameters that were investigated. The results provide compelling evidence that A. digitata seeds are rich in oil and phytochemicals. Besides filling a critical gap in scientific literature, the study also provides an insight into the commercial potential of baobabs for nutraceutical or cosmetic industries. The research laid the groundwork for future research into specific genetic and environmental factors driving the high yields observed herein.

Date

August 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Oil Yield

Phytochemical

Baobab Seeds

Supervisor

Mr. Manyeredzi.