Bioactive Constituents of Methanol Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (UDA) Fruits from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria ()
ABSTRACT
The bioactive compounds in methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruits were determined using a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The compound identification was based on the molecular structure, molecular mass and calculated fragments. Interpretation on mass spectrum of GC-MS analyzer (Hewlett Packard GC-MS system) was done using the database of National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST). The results showed different peaks representing the presence of about 58 bioactive compounds which are mainly carboxylic acids, esters, phenolic compounds and fatty acids. The most abundant bioactive compounds detected were 2,4,6-octatriene (2.74%), cyclohexanemethanol (2.57%), kaurene (3.59%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (5.63%), 1,6-cyclodecadiene (10.81%), terpineol (3.22%), cyclohexene (3.32%), copaene (3.04%), 1,6-cyclodecadiene (5.53%), 1-hexadecyne (5.63%) and silane (4.63%). The presence of these bioactive components suggests that the extract is of great pharmaceutical value.