Oil extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds constituted 13.6% of the whole seed. Results of the physical and chemical analyses of the oil for refractive index, iodine number, saponification number, Reichert-Meissl number, Hehner value, acid value and unsaponifiable matter compared well with the characteristics of other commonly consumed vegetable oils. Thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a relatively high degree of unsaturation, 82%, with a linoleic acid content of 73.4% followed by palmitic, 12%, oleic 8.8% and stearic acid, 5.8%. Based on these results, Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil appears to be a good potential source of edible oil for human and/or animal consumption.

The characteristics and composition of the crude oil extracted from Citrullus colocynthis seeds were examined. Data obtained for the iodine value, saponification number, Reichert-Meissl and others compare well with other edible oils. Thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed over 75% degree of unsaturation major among which were linoleic, 50.6% and oleic acids, 25%. Upon storage, the oil showed relatively low peroxide values that were within the acceptable limits set for other vegetable oils. Animal experimentation trials on the oil using chicks as the experimental animals did not show any toxicity effects. Based on these results, C'itrdlus colocynthis oil might be of some potential use for animal feed and/or human consumption.

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