Kusum oil is a type of oil extracted from the seed of the Kusum tree ( Schleichera oleosa). The plant, which is also commonly known as Ceylon oak, lac tree, or ,
Collection of seeds
The bunches of fruit are plucked by climbing the
Schleichera oleosa trees. The fruit pulp is removed by rubbing the fruits in water, and letting them dry.
Oil
The oil contains
oleic acid (2-3%),
stearic acid (2-6%),
gadoleic acid, and
arachidic acid as well as
cyanogenic compounds, which must be removed for human consumption. Kusum oil is unusual, with just 37% of common
glycerol esters. The oil also contains
linoleic acid (43-50%),
palmitic acid (5-8%), and
hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous and must also be removed prior to consumption. The oil is yellowish brown, semi-solid, with the faint odour of
bitter almond. When allowed to settle, a light coloured solid fat separates.
Kusum oil contains a cyanogenic compound in concentration of 0.03-0.05% as HCN. But the exact location of the cyanogenic compound in the oil or its nature has not been reported.
|
Value |
| 0.25 |
| 4.4560-1.460 |
| 0.865-0.869 |
| 220-240 |
| 48-60 |
| 10.0 |
| 3.0 |
| 45 |
| 15-20 |
| 1.5 |
Fatty acid composition
|
| Percent |
| 0.01 |
| 7.59 |
| 1.80 |
| 2.83 |
| 49.69 |
| 5.56 |
| 0.26 |
| 29.54 |
| 0.24 |
| 1.14 |
| 1.22 |
| 0.03 |
Uses
Kusum oil is used in
hairdressing. The oil can also be used for
cooking and lighting, and is used in traditional medicine. It is used as massage oil to relieve pain.
See also
-
Schleichera oleosa
-
Trees of India
External links
