Optimization and extraction of oil from mango seed kernel (Mangifera indica)

Abstract

Kernels from the stone of mango (Mangifera indica L.) were separated from outer leather by decortications and dried to evaluate the oil content. Conditions were optimized for oil extraction from mango seed kernel. The influence of various parameters such as temperature, time, volume of n-hexane (solvent) and particle size on oil yield was investigated. The results revealed that oil yield increased with increase in temperature, time and volume of solvent but decreased with the increase in the particle size. Maximum oil yield of 15.20% was obtained at 1 mm size grinded kernel particles with an extraction time of 90 minutes using 25g of mango kernel seed and 250 mL of n-hexane. The proximate composition and characteristics including the un-saponification matter and fatty acid contents of kernel oil were determined. The major fatty acids present in mango kernel were stearic (58.08%), palmitic acid (1.33%) and oleic (17.99%) and linoleic (2.86%). Mango seed kernel oil contained high un-saponifiable matter which could have good potential to be used in cosmetics.