An Ethnobotanical Survey, Pharmacognostic Profile and Phytochemical Investigation of Chrysobalanus icaco L.

Abstract

The spice known as Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) was found near the coast of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. A survey on the ethnobotany of C. icaco seeds was conducted in Warri, Abraka, Delta State, Ezetu village, and Onitsha. Standard techniques were used to determine the pharmacognostic profile, phytochemical screening, physiochemical parameters, and elemental analysis. The findings showed that the Ezetu village people utilized the seeds traditionally for stomachache, anti-diarrhea, and post-child delivery. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and proteins in the seed. The seed powder's physicochemical parameters are as follows: pH (1 g/100 ml distilled water) (6.00±0.00) and pH (10 g/100 ml), water-soluble ash (1.5±0.00%), alcohol soluble ash (1.0±0.00%), acid insoluble acid (0.25±0.00%), acid soluble ash (1.0±0.00%), and sulfated ash (2.0±0.00%). The seed oil's physicochemical properties were: density (0.936±0.0%), refractive index (1.491±0.00%), iodine value (15.9±0.01%), peroxide value (25.31±0.01%), acid value (29.44±0.00%), and ester value (34.75±0.21%). The elements discovered in the seed included lead, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Phytochemicals found in the extract include reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids, fats, oils, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, cholesterol, steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Quantitative phytochemical results include total phenolics (11.63±0.03), total flavonoids (2.35±0.06), total alkaloids (5.50±0.03), and total tannins (12.48±0.01). Consequently, it is possible to verify the authenticity of the seeds using these pharmacognostic features.