PHYTOCHEMICAL, PROXIMATE, AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ETHANOLIC CRUDE EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, proximate content, and partial characterization of ethanolic crude extracts of baobab seeds collected from Uba, Askira/Uba, Borno State, Nigeria. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids (52.46 mg/g), total phenols (166.32 mg/g), terpenoids (143.73 mg/g), glycosides (14.43 mg/g), tannins (13.14 mg/g), alkaloids (6.32 mg/g), and steroids (3.36 mg/g), indicating notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. Proximate analysis showed the seeds to contain protein (16.18%), carbohydrates (68.85%), fat (4.43%), moisture (6.03%), ash (3.82%), and crude fiber (0.73%), demonstrating a nutritionally balanced profile suitable for dietary supplementation. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, aliphatic C–H, and C–O, suggesting the presence of ester-linked and oxygenated compounds. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis detected fatty acids, long-chain hydrocarbons, and minor terpenoids, with 9,12-octadecadienoic acid ethyl ester as the most abundant compound. The findings confirm that A. digitata seeds are a valuable source of macronutrients, vitamins, and bioactive metabolites, supporting their potential use as functional food ingredients and in pharmacological applications. Further studies are recommended to isolate specific bioactive compounds and evaluate their in vivo pharmacological properties.