Traditionally in Igbo land folklore medicine, Virescens (Ojukwu) palm oil of Eleaisguineensis is of value as anti-poison and miracle oil. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physiochemical properties with the identification of the fatty acids of the Virescens oil in comparison to Nigrescens oil of Eleaisguineensis. The result of the physiochemical properties shows that the values for meeting point (slip point) of the oils were found to be the same (33°C) while solidification (titer) point, 22°C, viscosity, 51.20 centistokes and moisture content, 1.6% of Nigrescens (ordinary) palm oil are higher than that of Virescens palm oil with solidification point (titer) point, 15°C; viscosity 29.89 centistokes and moisture content, 0.2%. Both Virescens oil, 83.82 and Nigrescens oil, 53.98 are non-drying oil (low iodine value) and have high saponification values (Virescens, 222.3 and Nigrescens, 223.7). The result of the peroxide value revealed that there are more peroxides in Virescens oil (15 and 18) than in Nigrescens oil (8 and 12.3) for a week and 4 weeks oil respectively. Results on Ester value revealed high ester value (Virescens, 265.78 and Nigrescens, 263.16) with percent Ester purity of 21.11% for Virescens and 21.32% for Nigrescens. Nigrescens have higher acid value (40.67) than Virescens (29.73). The fatty acid analysis result revealed the presence of oleic, stearic acid, tocopherol in both the Virescens and Nigrescens palm oil with RF values of 0.50 (oleic), 0.40 (stearic) and 0.29 (tocopherol) while lecithin was only observed in Virescens palm oil with RF value of 0.34. Some values of Virescens were found to agree with the same value of olive oil and the presence of lecithin suggests why Virescens is anti-poison and medicinal.

 

Key words: Virescens and Nigrescens palm oil, physiochemical properties, anti-poison, medicinal.