Author(s):

Ikezu UJM and Ugariogu SN

Abstract: Oil from melon has been acclaimed by local populace to be causing high cholesterol in the body therefore it was imperative to study this scientifically. The seed was extracted and characterized using solvent extraction method and standard methods for physiochemical parameters. The results revealed that the saponification value (mg KOH/g), acid value (mg KOH/g), iodine value (mg iodine/100g), peroxide value (mg/peroxide/kg), specific gravity (kg/dm³) and oil yield (100g/ml) were 220, 2.25, 16.5, 3.6, 0.76 and 15 respectively. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer (GCMS) analysis showed that the oil is composed of n-hexadienoic acid, 9,12-octadienoic/Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Eicosanoic acid, Ricinoleic acid, Cis-vaccenic acid and squalene etc. which have been ascertain to be medicinal and also lower cholesterol. Low acid values obtained for the oil suggest that the oil is edible. High saponification value obtained revealed that the oil has great potential in industrial applications such as soap, cosmetics and medicine. Low iodine value obtained revealed that the oil is a non-drying oil and also suggest that the oil contain unsaturated bonds which are free from cholesterol. While low peroxide value indicated that the oil has low susceptibility to oxidative rancidity and deterioration. The result agreed with the result of some reviewed literatures.

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