PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CITRULLUS LANATUS SEED OIL COLLECTED IN DIABA, NORTHERN SENEGAL: COMPARISON OF SOXHLET EXTRACTION AND HEXANE MACERATION

Citrullus lanatus seeds are an oil-bearing plant material that may be valorized as a local source of vegetable oil in Senegal. This study investigated the extraction and physicochemical characterization of oil from C. lanatus seeds collected in December 2025 in Diaba, northern Senegal. After drying away from direct sunlight, the seeds were subjected to two hexane-based extraction procedures: continuous Soxhlet extraction and maceration. Extraction yields were 31.4% and 24.2%, respectively. The oils were characterized by determining pH, density, calorific value, unsaponifiable matter, volatile matter, as well as acid, saponification, ester, iodine and peroxide values. Both oils were light yellow and had a pleasant odour. The Soxhlet oil showed acid, saponification, ester, iodine and peroxide values of 3.93 mg KOH/g, 179.52 mg KOH/g, 175.59 mg KOH/g, 39.84 g I2/100 g and 10 meq O2/kg, respectively. For maceration, the corresponding values were 6.17, 223.28, 217.11, 105.32 and 8. Unsaponifiable matter contents were 0.50% and 0.85%, while volatile matter contents were 1.11% and 0.98%. These findings demonstrate an effect of extraction procedure on yield and several physicochemical characteristics.