Proximate composition and bioactive compounds present in dichloromethane extracts of Cocusnucifera L (fruits)

Abstract

This study determined the proximate composition and bioactive compounds present in dichloromethane fruit extract of Cocusnucifera(L) to unknot details behind local wild usages in disease treatment and in diets. The dichloromethane fruit extract of dried C. nucifera(L) was analyzed for its bioactive compounds using gas chromatographic techniques (GC-MS) following standard laboratory procedures. The results revealed presence of 11 bioactive compounds in C. nucifera which include Coumarin (1.40%), Methyl (Methyl 4-0-methyl-alpha-d-mannopyranoside) uronate (6.79%), 3 methyl, decanoic acid (4.41%), 2, 2, 4 – trimethyl – 3 – pentanol (2.45%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (33.23%), n-hexadecanoic acid (1.89%), cis-vaccenic acid (4.72%), Neophytadiene (11.55%), Methyl stearate (22.33%), Tetracosylheptafluorobutyrate (1.34%), Bis (2 ethylhexyl) phthalic acid (9.80%). The most abundant was shown to be Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (33.23%). These bioactive compounds are known for their anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor potentials, hence giving it its ethnomedicinal and therapeutic relevance and usages. The proximate profile gave Moisture content as 38.70%, Protein 5.37%, Ash 2.32%, Fibre 11.47%, Fat 31.00% and Carbohydrate 11.14%. The assayed proximate profile is suggestive that C. nucifera could be a good source of dietary fats, fibre and carbohydrates.