Study of Kernel Oils Properties of Selected Plants from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Surroundings, South-Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Eleven plant species from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, exhibit seed oil yields comparable to or exceeding those of major food crops like soybean and olive. Notably, Podocarpus usambarensis demonstrates a high unsaponifiable matter content, suggesting potential cosmetic applications, while five oils display melting points typical of edible oils. The study extracted oils using ethyl ether in a Soxhlet apparatus and analyzed physicochemical properties such as specific gravity (ranging from 0.8050 to 0.9854), melting point (-12 to 32°C), saponification values (182.5–260.9 mg KOH/g), acidity index (1.74–5.31 mg KOH/g), and unsaponifiable matter (0.54–2.25%). These findings highlight the park's biodiversity as a valuable resource for both nutritional and medicinal uses, reinforcing its ecological significance.

Minzangi, M. K., Kanimba, J. K., Kongbo, T. T., Kaaya, A. N., Kansiime, F., & Mukaya, A. M. (2025). Study of Kernel Oils Properties of Selected Plants from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Surroundings, South-Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 6, 51–69. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v6/5507