Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of a Multifunctional Natural Base Oil

Abstract

Abstract

The increasing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products has spurred interest in underutilized seed oils with multifunctional properties. This study investigates the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial efficacy of nine cold-pressed non-volatile seed oils obtained from Adamawa and Kebbi States, Nigeria. Analytical techniques, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer profiling, revealed diverse lipid profiles among the oils, with Cucumeropsis mannii containing the highest level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and Swietenia macrophylla exhibiting a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Three oil formulations were developed and assessed for their antimicrobial performance against selected bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi) and fungal (Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum) pathogens. The results showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with formulation 3 exhibiting the most consistent broad-spectrum effectiveness. The findings highlight the potential of these indigenous oils as bioactive ingredients in natural product formulations, particularly in skin care and therapeutic applications.