Characterization, physicochemical analysis, and antimicrobial activity of a cream from oil extracted from Cyperus esculentus l. (tiger nuts)

Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) seed is the parent of many products like flour, milk, starch, and oil. All these share similar and sometimes better properties when compared to similar products obtained from other sources. This study aimed to produce and characterize a cream made from oil extracted from tiger nuts. The proximate analysis was tested by the established methods and data obtained show that tiger nut powder has a moisture content (14.50%), an ash (1.98%), a fat (51.27%), a protein (8.47%), fiber (13.94%) and carbohydrate (9.98%). The oil from the tiger nut was extracted using the hot press method, the tiger nut oil had an 8.00% yield. The oil was used to produce a body cream which was characterized and tested for its antibacterial activity. Its antibacterial activity showed inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomona aeruginosa. The characterization tests gave results of 1735.80 cP for viscosity, moisture content (1.07%), pH of 6.10, ash (5.11%), volatile matter (94.89%), electrical conductivity (390 µS/cm). The cream was checked for stability and found to be stable at different temperatures. It was checked for allergens and it exhibited some level of allergic reactions. Physicochemical analysis of the golden-brown oil indicated the specific gravity (0.98), density (0.98 g/ml), acid value (1.82 mg/KOH/g), iodine (37.75 mg), peroxide (2.00 meq/kg), saponification (236.32 mg/KOH/g), free fatty acid (0.91%) and refractive index (1.46). The GC-MS analysis identified a total of 22 compounds. Oil, with the major constituents being palmitic acid (13.70%), oleic acid (18.50%), oleamide (31.25%), acexamic acid (4.68%), stearic acid (2.99%), squalene (2.87%) by composition. The study reveals that oil from tiger nut seed is useful when applied in the production of body creams and has possible uses in the production of antibacterial ointments.