Effect of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Seeds Washing and Origin on Their Fatty Acids and Phenolic Compounds Oils Content

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of baobab seed washing and origin on the chemical composition of the oil extracted by pressing. Six (6) oil samples were obtained from seeds of three (3) geographical origins. The identification and quantification of fatty acids and the polyphenolic profile were carried out by GC-MS and HPLC-UV, respectively. Analysis of fatty acid methyl esters allowed the identification and quantification of 18 fatty acids. Oils from unwashed seeds were richer in palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1) and arachidic (C20:0) acids. In addition, HPLC-UV analysis at 279 nm shows that oils from unwashed seeds are richer in tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol and caffeic acid. With regard to the polyphenolic profile, gallic acid and quercetin were not detected in these baobab oils. Principal component analysis of fatty acid and phenolic compound content showed that oils from unwashed seeds would best preserve their chemical and associated potential bioactive characteristics.