Abstract
Ginger rhizome was obtained in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The rhizomes were prepared for use by sundrying and milled to flour. A soxhlet apparatus was used for the extraction of the oil. The residual oil obtained was assessed for physicochemical parameters and fatty acid composition. The antimicrobial activities were carried out using four species of bacteria. The results of the assessment showed that: moisture content was 0.352%, specific gravity 0.97, refractive index 1.47, fire point 330oC, flash point 240 oC, smoke point(185 oC, and turbidity 20jtu. Others were free fatty acid 2.37% (Oleic acid), acid value 4.74 % (Oleic acid), saponification value 213.18MgKOH/g oil, peroxide value 82.00Meq peroxide/Kg, iodine value 87.82 and the yield was 7.15%. The yield indicated that ginger rhizome was not a good source of oil. Also, the assessment indicated that the oil can supply essential fatty acid needed in the body. In conclusion, the oil possessed some inhibitory characteristics.
Recommended Citation
Abitogun, A.S. and Badejo, O.F.
(2010)
"Physicochemical Parameters and Antimicrobial Activities of Oil Extracted from Ginger,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2010:
Iss.
4, Article 1.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2010/iss4/1