Fatty-acid Composition, Physicochemical Analysis and Biological Potential of Underutilized seed of Leucaena leucocephala

Abstract

This study garnered vital information on the chemical and biological potential of Leucaena leucocephala, a seed considered underutilized in Nigeria. Fatty acid composition, physicochemical analysis of the oil, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the seed oil were carried out. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid reported to aid in the prevention of cardiovascular and other health related disease is the most abundant fatty acids found in the seed oil, accounting for 51.18% of the total fatty acids. The seed oil shows appreciable low peroxide value of 2.24 ± 0.01 meqKg^-1, a clear indication of the presence of phytochemicals. The low free fatty acids value of the seed oil (8.46 ± 0.07 mgKOH/g) indicate the oil is of good quality. The high saponification value of 224.4 ± 0.41 mgKOH/g indicate suitability of the oil to be use in soap making, when blended with other oils, it can serve as a bioactive agent as the oil was found to be biologically active against diseases pathogens. The seed oil shows better potential at scavenging free radicals when compared to the reference standards ascorbic acid. The highest inhibition was recorded at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. L. leucocephala seed oil shows inhibition of 68.5±0.000% compared to 63.0±0.001 % for Ascorbic acid, as well as appreciable antimicrobial effect.