Phytochemical study and characterization of the fixed oil, extracted from the fruits of Gardenia ternifolia

This present study concerns the phytochemical study and the characterization of the fixed oil of the fruits of Gardenia ternifolia which is a plant recognized in several African pharmacopoeias for its therapeutic virtues. Its fruits, leaves and roots are used for the treatment of several infections. Thus, the overall objective of this study is to contribute to the valorization of Gardenia ternifolia fruits in phytomedicine and agri-food. Phytochemical screening is carried out using standard methods, based on coloring and precipitation reactions. The extraction of the fixed oil was done using a Soxhlet, providing an estimated yield of 3%. The evaluation of the chemical parameters of this oil according to the AFNOR standards (French Association for Standardization) made it possible to obtain the following results: iodine index (II) = 5.6 ± 0.07 gI /100 gcg; acid value (IA) = 137.2 ± 0.001 mgKOH /gcg; saponification index  (IS) = 201.6 ± 0.04 mgKOH /gcg; peroxide index (IP) = 8.4 ± 0.03 μgO2 /gcg and ester index (IE) = 64.4 ± 0.039 mgKOH /gcg. Ultimately, with much higher extraction quantities, the fruit oil of Gardenia ternifolia can present an interesting and valuable pharmaco-nutritional potential in the food industry and in pharmacology.