Phytochemical Profiling and Nutraceutical Benefits of Methanol Leaf Extracts from Datura alba ness
Blessing Zeinab Ovili-Odili
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
Olaghaguo Macstephen Adienbo
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Tarela Melish Elias Daubry
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
Bruno Chukwuemeka Chinko *
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Species of the Datura plant have demonstrated significant pharmacological benefits in combating various diseases over the past decade. However, little information is available on Datura alba ness (DAN), and no studies have yet reported its proximate composition or characterized its phytochemical components. This study aims to investigate the nutritional, phytochemical and bioactive properties of Datura alba ness.
Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of Datura alba ness were collected from Abua Odua local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria and properly identified and authenticated. The fresh leaves were subjected to proximate analysis using standard protocols while the dried leaves were extracted using methanol by the method of cold maceration to obtain methanolic extract of Datura alba ness (MEDAN). The MEDAN was further subjected to phytochemical screening to obtain the various phytochemicals and Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for detailed identification and characterization of the various bioactive compounds.
Results: Proximate analysis of fresh leaves of DAN showed the presence of moisture (60.4%), crude protein (21.9%), carbohydrate (7.6%), crude fibre (4.77%), ash (4.17%) and fat (1.19%) while the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids (49.14%), alkaloids (19.16%), tannins 1(12.19%), saponins (11.72%), phenols (5.33%), cardiac glycosides (1.91%), oxalates (0.43%) and phytates (0.43%). Also, the GC-MS analysis of MEDAN identified twenty-nine (29) active compounds with four (4) observed as the most abundant (with area concentration >10%). They include Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (15.97%), 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one (14.26%), n-hexadecanoic acid (12.87%) and Gamma.-Sitosterol (10.77).
Conclusion: The identification of various nutrients, compounds, and bioactive substances through proximate, phytochemical, and GC-MS analysis of fresh leaves and methanol extract of Datura alba ness highlights its potential as a supplement and therapeutic agent. These findings suggest that Datura alba ness contains numerous bioactive compounds that may offer effective treatments for conditions related to oxidative stress, nervous system disorders, tissue damage, inflammation, and bacterial infections.
Keywords: Datura alba ness, proximate, phytochemical, GC-MS, bioactive compound