GC-MS Phytochemical Profiling and Comparative Proximate Composition of Dried Fruits of Ziziphus Mauritiana (Jujube) and Hyphaene Thebaica (Doum Palm) Sold in Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract
Dried fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. and Doum Palm (Hyphaene thebaica Mart.) are widely consumed and traded in markets across the Sudano-Sahelian belt of Nigeria, yet their comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles remain insufficiently documented. This study determined the proximate composition and characterized the volatile bioactive constituents of methanolic extracts of both fruits using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2005) showed that Doum Palm fruits (Sample A) contained significantly higher ash content (8.32 ± 0.0011%), crude fibre (7.04 ± 0.1202%), and crude protein (2.59 ± 0.0092%) compared to Z. mauritiana fruits (Sample B), while Z. mauritiana recorded higher moisture (10.73 ± 0.0566%), crude lipid (1.01 ± 0.1273%), and carbohydrate (77.03 ± 0.3701%) contents. GC-MS profiling of methanolic extracts identified 60 compounds in each fruit. The dominant constituents of Doum Palm extract were 1-Hepten-3-one (8.97%), Furfural (8.82%), 1-Decanol (5.96%), and Dodecane (4.16%), while the Z. mauritiana extract was characterised by 2-Propenoic acid (8.97%), 3- Furaldehyde (8.82%), C2-Octyl compound (5.12%), and 1-Dodecanol (5.96%). The diversity of bioactive compounds detected — including fatty acids, furan derivatives, alcohols, and terpenoids — supports the established ethnomedicinal value of both fruits and highlights their potential as sources of nutraceuticals and natural bioactive agents. Both fruits constitute nutritionally valuable food commodities suitable for integration into pesticidal, dietary, and pharmaceutical applications.
Keywords
References
More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES
Author: Ubong Joseph & E. O. Ehirim
Author: Ehirim O. Emmanuel & Y. T. Puyate
Author: E.O. Ehirim & Y. T. Puyate
Author: Idehen, I.C., Dic-Ijiewere, E.O., Airhomwanbor, K.O., Ogun, F. E. Okparaku, S. O., Ibhawaegbele, S.O. & Igwe R. M. N.
Author: Ogah, J. O. & Ogah R. O. and Chemistry/Biochemistry Department Fedreal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Imo State.
