Phytochemical and GC–MS profiling of ethanol extract of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds

Treculia africana Decne, also known as African breadfruit, is an economically significant tropical fruit tree native to West and tropical Africa. T. africana belongs to the family of Moraceae and is traditionally used to treat malaria, diabetes, mouth yaw, and worm infestation. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of the ethanol extract of Treculia africana Decne seeds through phytochemical analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids, with saponins comprising the highest percentage (51.8%). A GC–MS chromatogram identified ten bioactive molecules potentially responsible for various pharmacological properties. The most prevalent compound in the extract was citral, which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Geraniol possesses antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Other significant compounds identified in the extract include 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylglycol (4TMS derivative) and 2,4-Pentadien-1-ol, 3-propyl-. These compounds are known to have antioxidant and antifungal effects, respectively. These findings support the traditional use of Treculia africana in various illnesses. Further studies are necessary to isolate the active principles of the extract and elucidate their precise mechanisms of action.