Antimicrobial and pharmaceutical properties of Khaya senegalensis seed oil

Abstract

The fruits of Khaya senegalensis plant, family Meliaceae, were collected early in the year and appropriately identified. The seed oil was extracted just before the rains came in the month of March using traditional methods of extraction of the Higgi (Kamue) people in Michika L.G.A., Adamawa State of Nigeria. The seeds were removed from the fruits and dried under sunlight until crisp and then roasted on earthenware pot, pounded to a smooth paste in a wooden mortar and pestle mixed with water (pH 8) and boiled for about 3 hours. The oil settling on top was skimmed off and heated to remove excess water and then filtered. The oil was subjected to antibacterial and anti fungal testing, then formulated into a lotion and subjected to stability testing. The oil was found to possess some activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The oil has potential as a cosmetic product due to its easy emulsification, good spreadability, consistency, emollient property and being easily washed off from the skin.