Variation of Physiochemical Properties and Phytochemical Constituents of the Seed Oil of Selected Acacia Species Grown in Sudan

Background and Objective: Acacia genus (family Fabaceae) is of high importance in Sudan, it is used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-arythmique and astringent. This study aims to present the physicochemical characteristics of the seed oil of eight Sudanese Acacia and to assess the secondary metabolites in the seed powder. Materials and Methods: Seeds of (Acacia nilotica ssp. adansonia, A. mellifera, A. nilotica ssp.nilotica, A. polycantha ssp. campylacantha, A. oerfota, A. senegal var. senegal, A. sieberiana var. sieberiana and A. seyal var. seyal) were collected, oil of the seeds extracted, physicochemical parameters (acid value, refractive index, specific gravity and saponification value) and phytochemical constituents (alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins and tannins) were calculated. Results: Acacia seed oil yield 12.51 to 4.09%. Specific gravity 0.60 to 0.90. The refractive index was similar. Acid value 27.040 to 6.564 mg g^-1. The Saponification value is 193.54 to 109.39. No saponification value in A. sieberiana var. sieberiana. The seed powders contain alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins and tannins. A. senegal was reported to have maximum chemical groups followed by A. nilotica ssp. adansonia and A. sieberiana var. sieberiana. Conclusion: The physical properties of Acacia oils indicated that the oils could be employed in the industry.