Variability in Kernel Oil and Kernel Crude Protein Contents in Sudanese Fruit Accessions of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.

Kernel Oil and Kernel Crude Protein of Balanites aegyptiaca

Abstract

Balanites fruits (Balanites aegyptiaca) as a potential source of steroidal sapogenins, chemicals
in demand by the pharmaceutical industry was studied. This report focuses on two potential fruit products
other than sapogenins, namely, balanites kernel oil (BKO) and kernel total protein. The oil content of
balanites kernels obtained from thirteen mature-fruit accessions collected from different parts of Sudan
was high, reaching a value above 40% of kernel dry weight in several accessions. Kernel total protein
averaged 31.2%. Some physicochemical characteristics of the oil and of its component lecithin fraction
were determined. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in BKO, reaching 56.0% of total fatty acids.