Abstract

The sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed oil was extracted by Soxhlet extraction method from the powdered seeds, using n-hexane as solvent. The seeds revealed an oil yield 38.52 %, with yellowish brown appearance. It exhibits a Specific density of 1.12 g/cm3, with a pH of value of 12.77. Physicochemical parameters of the oil revealed; saponification value (176.15 ± 0.21 mg KOH/g), acid value (2.5 ± 0.16 mg KOH/g), iodine value (98.6 ± 0.16 g I2/100 g), free fatty acid (1.74 ± 0.15 % weight by weight (w/w) and peroxide value (9.4 ± 0. meq H2O2/g). The soap produced from the oil is brownish in colour, which is soft to touch and slightly soluble in water forming a solution with pH value of 12.77. It has a foam height of 4.6 cm, and the physicochemical parameters of both the oil and soap produced from Sessame seed indicate its viable potentials for its utilization in soap and cosmetic industries.

Key words: Sesame seed oil, Physicochemical analysis, Saponification value, Total Fatty Matter, Soxhlet extraction, Foam ability test