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ABSTRACT
Palm kernel oil (PKO) is an edible plant oil derived from the kernel of the oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis. It is known to possess various properties and components which makes it suitable for use in the food and cosmetic industry. This study aimed to characterize and study the antimicrobial activity of a body cream produced using palm kernel oil. PKO was extracted using the wet heat traditional method. The percentage oil composition of the palm kernel nut was 62.5%. The proximate composition of the palm kernel revealed a moisture content of 6.5%, ash content of 18.2%, crude fiber content of 13.6%, crude fat content of 45% and crude protein content of 10.4%. The extracted PKO was then used in the formulation of a body cream which was studied for its antimicrobial activity and characteristics. The antimicobial activity of the cream showed minimal inhibition to the growth of Staphyloccocus aerus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cream passed stability testing for temparature and storage. It also did not exhibit any form of irritation or allergic reaction during the patch test. Characterization tests gave results of 6.3 for pH, volatile matter composition of 95.27%, moisture content of 1.04%, ash content of 4.73%, viscosity of 2127.3cP, electrical conductivity of 1698µS/cm and spreadability values of 0.789 g.cm/s , 9.480 g.cm/s and 21.519 g.cm/s at temperatures 30°C, 35°C and 40°C respectively. The characterization results showed a significant difference when compared with those of a standard. The characteristics of the cream did not compare favorably with the standard cream and possessed minimal antimicrobial activity against microorganisms.
