TALLOW TREE (Allanblackia floribunda) SEED OIL A BETTER SUBSTITUTE FOR PALM OIL IN SOAP MAKING FOR FAMILY SUSTAINABILITY IN ETCHE AND EMUOHA LGA OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Tallow tree (Allanblackia floribunda) an underutilized wild fruit tree found in Etche and Emuoha local government areas were investigated for its potential in soap making. Hot water flotation method was used to extract the oil from the seeds and used in soap making. Standard Methods were used to determine the physical and chemical compositions of soap produced. Results showed Total fatty matter of 67% and 65% for A. floribunda and palm oil soap respectively. Moisture and volatile matter content gave values of 21% and 24%, while Matter insoluble in water was 0.5% and 1.0% accordingly, Matter insoluble in ethanol was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in palm oil soap 4.0% as against 2.5% in A. floribunda soap. Free caustic alkali was 0.15% for A. floribunda soap and 0.2% in palm oil soap; unsaponifiable matter gave values of 0.1% and 2.0% while Chloride content was 1.5% in both samples. Palm oil soap showed cracking in the cracking test and did not pass staining test while there was no crack in A. floribunda soap which also passed the staining test. Allanblackia floribunda seed oil can be considered economically important in promoting family livelihood. The seed oil is odourless and does not require any form of modification before use in soap making unlike palm oil that needs bleaching and other form of conditioning. A. floribunda oil is therefore recommended as alternative to palm oil in soap making