The chemical composition of Caesalpinia pulcherima

Abstract

The seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherima, a member of the family Leguminosae were analyzed for their chemical composition. Studies also include the fatty acid composition and characteristics of the extracted oil. The results of the analyses revealed that the crude protein and crude fat of the seeds were 33.50% + 1.50 and 16.80% + 0.20 respectively. The fatty acid profile indicated that the glycerides of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid account for 82.46% of the total glycerides. Iodine value and Saponfication Number are 104.09 + 9.8, 195.0 + 2.82 respectively, while the unsaponifiable matter showed a high value of 20% + 0.50.
Keywords: Chemical composition, Caesalpinia pulcherima, essential fatty acid.