Phytochemical, Physiochemical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Oil Extracted From the Seeds of Hisbiscus Cannabinus L. (Kenaf)

Hibiscus cannabinus L. is a plant that is found in many communities, where it is   being used as an ingredient of soup for the sole aim of improving health and nutritional values. The aim of this study is to undertake a comprehensive assay of the seed oil of Hibiscus cannabinus L. (kenaf), a plant of growing industrial and medicinal interest and to present  a detailed evaluation of its phytochemical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic properties. Standard procedures of evaluation were adopted and in some cases modified. The oil was extracted with Soxhlet extraction, phytochemical by adopting the methods of Pearson, Sofowora, Harbone and Evans. The physiochemical analysis was done by adopting the procedures of AOAC, ISO, Akubugwo, Akinola, Othman, Endo, Saeed and Shola; while for the spectroscopic analysis (UC, FTIR,GC-MS) suitable and reliable instruments were used. This study presented a detailed evaluation of the phytochemical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic properties of oil extracted from the seeds of Hibiscus cannabinus L. The percentage yield of the oil was 21 % which conformed with some reported values by other researchers on the Kenal  seed oil. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and phenolics, thus highlighting the therapeutic potential of the oil. Physicochemical analysis showed, density (0.810 g/ml), moisture content (14.5%), acid value (2.004 mg/g), saponification value (136.2 mgKOH/g), iodine value (115 g I2/100 g), peroxide value (2.7× 10-3 meq O2/kg) meaning that the kenaf seed oil possesses favourable physicochemical qualities, such as moderate unsaturation, high oxidative stability, and characteristics. Therefore, the kenaf oil could be suitable for both nutritional and industrial purposes. Spectroscopic characterization results have provided further insights into the chemical structure of the oil. The FTIR spectroscopy identified these functional groups, carbonyl (C=O), hydroxyl (O–H), and aliphatic C–H stretches, confirming the presence of triglycerides and unsaturated fatty acids. UV-Visible spectroscopy indicated absorption peaks associated with conjugated double bonds and aromatic systems, suggesting antioxidant activity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 31 components most of which are fatty acids. Some of these components apart from their industrial importance they equally have medicinal values ranging from antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The results of the analysis affirmed that Hibiscus cannabinus seed oil is a valuable natural product with potential applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. This study supports the broader utilization of kenaf seeds oil as an alternative source of bioactive oil.