Olubunmi Atolani
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Title: Green Synthesis and Characterization of Natural Cosmetics from Underutilized Tropical Seeds
Biography
Biography: Olubunmi Atolani
Abstract
The maintenance of beautiful skin and hair is the desire of many people all over the world, thus, the application of safe and appropriate cosmetic products is inevitable. An innovative green synthetic route was adopted for the direct characterisation of some conventional and non-conventional tropical seeds which include Sebal causarium, Cola gigantea, Blighia sapida, Cordia sebestena, Daniellia oliveri, Elaeis guineensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus paradise, Vitellaria paradoxa, Citrullus vulgaris, Mormodica charantea, Delonix regia, Moringa oleifera, Kigelia africana and Prosopis africana. The lipid, fatty acid methyl and butyl/isobutyl esters obtained via multistep and direct methyl/butylation were characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The principle of green chemistry was further adopted for the preparation of natural antiseptic soaps which were fully plant-based, biodegradable and free of all artificial antibiotics, colourings, fragrance and preservatives. Ocimum basilicum served as source of fragrance as well as antiseptic agent. Physicochemical parameters which include colour, acid value, free fatty acid values, percentage yield, non-fatty matter, saponification values, hardness, pH, colour and foaming ability of the oils and saponified products were determined as applicable. The In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilisation activities of the oils and cosmetic products were determined using standard procedures. Daniellia oliveri oil contains 57% linolelaidic acid as the major fatty acid, while oleic acid (46%) and lauric acid (44%) were the most prominent in Vitellaria paradoxa and Elaeis guineensis respectively. Linoeladic acid was the most predominant in Citrullus vulgaris, Delonix regia and Prosopis africana. The natural cosmetics production was highly cost effective compared to commercial products