Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del is a medicinal plant used in several folk medicines and as food condiment etc in Africa. Therapeutic properties of medicinal plants depend on the varieties of chemical substances possess. This study aimed at investigating chemicals profile of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del extract. Dried powdered Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del leaves and fruit-mesocarp were extracted with ethanol followed by petition with ethyl acetate and water (1:1 v/v) then separated. Aqueous fractions obtained were subjected to GC-MS analysis. Results of the study showed that extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del leaves and fruit-mesocarp contained various phytochemical compounds. Among the phytochemicals identified were aliphatic alcohols, fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The study observed chemicals in the plant’s parts were unequally concentrated. Phenolic compounds were concentrated more in the plant’s leaves. In conclusion, the study showed phenolic compounds and fatty acids are more abundant in the plant and may account for the vast medicinal properties and nutritional value of Balanites aegypticaca (L) Del.

Keywords

Evaluation, Phytoconstituent, Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del, Leaves, Fruit-mesocarp, Extracts, Antifeedant, Molluscicide, Anthelminthic, Phenolic compounds, Phytochemicals, Aliphatic alcohols, Aliphatic aldehyde, Fatty acids, Eugenol, Isoeugenol