Phytochemical Screening and Some Nutritional Profiles of Hyphaene Thebaica

Abstract

Hyphaene thebaica (Doum Palm) is a desert palm tree which is widely used in medicine for the treatment/management of several diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This research is aimed at evaluating the secondary metabolites and nutritional compositions of different extracts of H. thebaica fruit pulp. Qualitative phytochemical analyses of the aqueous, ethanol and n-hexane extracts of H. thebaica fruit pulp revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as Saponin, Tannin, Phenol, Cardiac glycoside, Anthranol glycoside, Flavonoid, Alkaloid, Terpenoid, Diterpenes, Triterpenes, Reducing sugar, Phytosterol, Coumarin, Steroids, Quinone and Essential oils. Quantitative nutritional compositions (proximate, vitamins and mineral analysis) of each extract were also determined and the results were statistically analysed and compared within and between the aqueous, ethanol and n-hexane extract groups. Statistical analyses indicated that there is significant difference (p < 0.05) when the vitamins (A, C and E) content were compared amongst all the extracts groups. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Iron content of the different extract groups when when compared. However no significance was observed (p > 0.05) when copper content of all the extracts are compared. Further research towards identifying active principles that can be used in the treatment or management of pathologic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases is therefore recommended.