Solvent and enzymatic extraction of Safou and Kolo oils

Safou (Dacryodes edulis) pulp oil became a new hope for fragile economics of central Africa countries. Raphia sese palm tree (Kolo) produces also an edible vegetable oil of well nutritious value. Various extraction methods were checked for the best yields. By soxhlet extractor using petroleum ether best yields were attained (47% for Safou and 52% for Kolo; dry weight) followed by the Bligh and Dyer method (43.2% for Safou and 50.8% for Kolo). No further improvement was obtained by the enzymatic treatment with Viscozym L (42% for Safou, 51.3% for Kolo). The application. of enzyme added to the preservation of oil from oxidation during extraction process.