Research Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Storage on the
Physico-chemical Quality of Traditionally Extracted Ricinodendron Heudelotii Oils
Moriken Sangare*
,
Ibrahima Kaba,
Ibrahima Sory Camara,
Pascal Molmou
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
65-76
Received:
25 July 2026
Accepted:
7 August 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the effects of storage duration and the impact of traditional extraction processes on the physicochemical characteristics of oils from Ricinodendron heudelotii seeds sold in the urban commune of Nzerekore (Guinea). The work was carried out between August 2024 and January 2025, with targeted sampling of 5 kg of seeds collected from local markets in the commune. The oil was extracted by cooking and decantation, then stored and analyzed every 10 days for 30 days: day 1 (H0), day 10 (H10), day 20 (H20) and day 30 (H30) at the laboratory of the National Quality Control Office of Matoto using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Codex Alimentarius standards. The work of this research focused on the traditonal extraction of oils as well as the determination of moisture content levels, saponification index, peroxide value, acid value, insoluble impurities and refractive index. The obtained results indicate a significant variation in the parameters studied over 30 days of storage. The moisture content gradually decreased from 0.076% (H0) to 0.022% (H30). As for the saponification value, the values remained relatively stable, varying between 261.7 and 265.9 mg KOH/g. Regarding the peroxide value, an increasing trend was observed, reaching 10.435 mEqO2/kg at H30, indicating increased susceptibility to oxidation over time. The acid value also changed, rising from low values to 4.01 mg KOH/g at H30, reflecting a gradual increase in free fatty acids. Insoluble impurities were measured at 0.087%, slightly above the Codex standard (≤ 0.05%), but remaining low and without significant health impact. Finally, the refractive index remained constant (1.491 at 27°C), confirming the relative purity of the product. Overall, the data obtained in this study demonstrate that R. heudelotii oil extracted using traditional methods has satisfactory physicochemical quality, despite a limited lipid yield (17.5%). Furthermore, the variations observed during storage highlight the need to improve preservation practices to reduce oxidation and the release of free fatty acids. The results obtained provide an initial scientific basis for the valorization of this non-timber forest resource in Guinea and open up prospects for its integration into local and regional agri-food sectors.
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the effects of storage duration and the impact of traditional extraction processes on the physicochemical characteristics of oils from Ricinodendron heudelotii seeds sold in the urban commune of Nzerekore (Guinea). The work was carried out between August 2024 and January 2025, with targeted sampling of 5 kg of seeds coll...
Show More
