International Science Community Association Research Journal of Chemical Sciences 15 4 2025 10 18 Study of the natural aging of Traditionally produced Shea Butter in three communes of Northern Benin: Pehunco, Sinendé, and Kandi 29 34 EN Nainvi Brajesh 1 Department of Chemistry, V.S.S.D. College, Kanpur 208002 UP, India Singh Ashok 2 Department of Chemistry, V.S.S.D. College, Kanpur 208002 UP, India Lal Nand 3 Department of Chemistry, V.S.S.D. College, Kanpur 208002 UP, India Thakor Subhash B. 1 Shri PHG Muni, Arts & Science College, Gujarat University, Kalol–382721, Gujarat, India Patel V.G. 2 Department of Chemistry, Municipal Arts & Urban Bank Science College, Mehsana, Gujarat, India Akinyele O.A. 1 Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria Bamgboye A.I. 2 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Chavan Jagdish U. 1 Department of Chemistry, PSGVPM’s SIP Arts, GBP Science and STKVS Commerce College, Shahada, 425409, MS, India Patil Rajendra V. 2 Department of Chemistry, PSGVPM’s SIP Arts, GBP Science and STKVS Commerce College, Shahada, 425409, MS, India Beldar Anil G. 3 Department of Chemistry, PSGVPM’s SIP Arts, GBP Science and STKVS Commerce College, Shahada, 425409, MS, India Dalohoun K. Joachim 1 Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin Togbé F.C. Alexis 2 Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin and City and Environment Department, Geosciences, Environment and Applications Laboratory, National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin Ahlonsou Egbemimon Daniel 3 Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin and City and Environment Department, Geosciences, Environment and Applications Laboratory, National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin NDA Zeynabou Trall 4 City and Environment Department, Geosciences, Environment and Applications Laboratory, National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin Toklo R. Modéran 5 Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin Josse Roger Gérard 6 Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling (LCP3M), National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering Et Mathematics, Benin > Research Paper 2025 9 16 2025 10 18 This study investigates the natural aging of traditionally produced shea butter from the northern Beninese communes of Pehunco, Sinendé, and Kandi over a six-month period. The evolution of key quality parameters, including organoleptic properties, unsaponifiable matter, acid value, and peroxide value was monitored under ambient storage conditions. Results indicated significant temporal changes in all metrics. Organoleptic assessment revealed a progressive intensification of color and the emergence of rancid odors in some samples. A significant decline in unsaponifiable matter content (29.16% to 31.80% decrease), indicative of the degradation of bioactive compounds like sterols and tocopherols, was observed. Furthermore, a gradual increase in peroxide value confirmed the advancement of lipid oxidation. While the acid value showed only a modest rise, remaining within quality thresholds, the overall findings demonstrate that natural aging substantially alters shea butter's physicochemical and sensory profile. This study underscores the necessity of optimizing storage conditions, particularly protection from light and oxygen, to preserve the quality, stability, and bioactive integrity of artisanal shea butter for cosmetic and nutritional applications. Copyright@ International Science Community Association