Could African Plants Be an Alternative to Some Chemicals?

The African continent, due to its climate and location, provides a habitat for many different plant-derived species and has always been of interest to us. The usability of plants and seeds growing here in many known and unknown industries is certainly a worthwhile research topic. While there are still many unknown plant derivatives, there are well-known African-origin seeds used in industry. Some of these are as follows: • Bixa Orellana • Shea Butter • Griffonia Simplicifolia

Bixa Orellana

This plant, whose botanical name is Bixa Orellana (Achiote)&Beetroot&Annatto seed, is of African origin and has a red fruit. When this fruit is processed and made suitable for industrial use, it is generally sold in transparent small packages. Storage of this processed product can extend up to 1 year provided it is not exposed to direct light. Applications: Used as a natural alternative colorant against synthetic dyes. Used as a food coloring raw material under code E-160b. Used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Bixa orellana seeds contain bixin and norbixin pigments. Bixin is soluble in oil while norbixin is soluble in water. As norbixin content increases, green color increases; bixin content provides orange to red-toned coloring. It is healthier compared to synthetic dyes. As a disadvantage, it is not resistant to high temperatures and decomposes above 100°C and in highly lit environments.

Extraction Process

• Fruits are collected from trees and seeds inside are removed. • To extract bixin, seeds are dissolved in vegetable oils; to extract norbixin, seeds are dissolved in an alkaline solution. • Treatment is performed with ethanol at 60-80ºC for 18 hours to obtain the extract. • Filtration is performed to remove impurities. • It is further purified through distillation. • As a result of the process, a red-colored extract is obtained.

Shea Butter

The botanical name Butyrospermum parkii seed is a pale yellow-colored seed obtained from the Karite (Shea) tree growing on the African continent. When this fruit is processed and made suitable for industrial use, it can be packaged and stored in 10-25 kg carton boxes, 900 kg-1 ton IBC containers, or flexitanks. It should be stored in places that do not receive light and in environments where the temperature does not exceed 35 degrees. Under suitable conditions, the fruit can be stored for a maximum of five years. Applications: It has applications in the treatment of skin diseases and as a moisturizer.

Difference from Other Oils:

• Its moisturizing property is very strong. • While the healing fraction content in other oils is around 1%, in Shea Butter it is 17%. This makes it effective in treating skin conditions such as spots, wrinkles, eczema, and sunburn. • Can be used as CBE in chocolate formulations.

Extraction Process

• Nuts are collected from the tree and their outer shells are peeled by hand. • The part separated from the shell is boiled with water and softened. Shells are cracked and the resulting part is left in the sun. • Subsequently, the inner part is crushed and ground into powder. The powdered part is roasted on fire in a dry manner, and finally kneaded with water and left to cool.

Some Shea Butter Containing Products on the Market are as Follows:

• Hand creams. • Soaps. • Shampoo. • Hair cream.

Griffonia Simplicifolia

This plant, which originates from Central and West Africa, becomes white powder when processed. Its other names are listed as Oxytriptan, 5HTP, and propionic acid. The harvest time for the plant is generally December-February. Its shelf life is generally 2 years, but it should be stored in a cold and dry environment protected from sunlight. It is stored in 25 kg carton drums or aluminum pouches. Applications: It is the largest source of the 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) metabolite. It enables the secretion of serotonin and melatonin. • Depression. • Bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder). • Fibromyalgia. • Headache. • Sleep disorders.

Extraction Process

It exists in dietary supplements and certain pharmaceuticals on the market. Bilge Çalışkan Kaya Product and Service Development Manager Aleph Trade