Comparative study of physicochemical properties of Tithonia diversifolia and Sunflower seed oils

This study investigates the physico-chemical properties of Tithonia diversifolia seed and oil using standard analytical methods and then compared the results with Sunflower oil. The results showed that Tithonia diversifolia seed contained 5.80% moisture, 18.83% crude protein, 30.40% crude fat, 17.85% crude fibre, 4.30% ash and 22.82% carbohydrate. The content of magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and calcium were 3930, 168, 277, 2091 and 432 mg/kg, respectively. Iodine value for T. diversifolia and Sunflower oils, respectively were 109.00 and 145.67 g iodine/kg; saponification values, 212.61 and 188.63 mg KOH/g; ester values, 184.15 and 206.86 mg KOH/g; peroxide values 4.0 and 5.87 meq peroxide/kg; acid values, 5.76 and 4.48 mg KOH / g; % unsaponifiable matter, 0.83 and 1.22 %; and total phenol content, 118.63 and 108.75 μg/g. Others include, specific gravity, 0.937 and 0.920; surface tension 0.042 and 0.051 N/m; viscosity 42.50 and 30.50 cSt; and smoke point, 215 and 245 0C. The study revealed that Tithonia diversifolia seed oil content and physicochemical parameters are comparable with those of Sunflower oil. Hence the oil could be used as raw materials for industrial processes, biodiesel production and a good source of dietary antioxidant which could complement or replace some conventional oils.