Physicochemical properties of the oil extracted from the seeds of azadirachta indica A. Juss in Guantánamo

Abstract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) is a tree native to India that, due to its
multiple properties, is currently widely distributed throughout the world, mainly in
tropical and semi-arid areas, being able to withstand adverse conditions such
as high temperatures and soils. arid, infertile, stony or acid. Insect repellents
and insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers of extraordinary value for integrated
or organic agriculture are made from this plant. The objective of this research is
the determination of quality parameters of the physical-chemical variables of the
oil from the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem). The oil was extracted,
by artisanal cold pressing, from the seeds of fruits collected from specimens
cultivated in the San Antonio del Sur municipality of the Guantánamo province.
The quality parameters were determined: density, acidity index, pH, refractive,
iodine and saponification indices. The values of the oil quality parameters of the
neem seeds were shown to be similar to the results of other researchers and to
be within the ranges required by the Codex. Of all the parameters, the only one
that is above the required values is the acidity index. The Neem oil from trees
located in Guantánamo could be an alternative to replace imported vegetable
oils for industrial use, although with previous refining processes