GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN LEAVES USED IN MATERNITY CARE IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Bioactive compounds, Maternity Care, Phytochemistry, Utero-active propertiesAbstract
Background: Spondias mombin, commonly known as yellow mombin, is traditionally used in maternity care for its potential utero-active properties. However, scientific validation of its bioactive constituents remains limited. This study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds present in Spondias mombin leaves that may contribute to its potential medicinal effects in maternity care in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: The leaves of Spondias mombin were subjected to GC-MS analysis to detect and quantify the chemical composition. The identified compounds were characterized based on their retention times, molecular masses, and mass spectral fragmentation patterns. The classification of bioactive compounds was determined using reference databases.
Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in Spondias mombin, with notable components including squalene (40.75%), γ-tocopherol (1.18%), phytol (0.56%), and neophytadiene (0.43%). Squalene (an isoprenoid) is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, therefore, may influence uterine function. The γ-Tocopherol (a form of Vitamin E) and phytol have been associated with hormonal regulation and smooth muscle modulation, suggesting a possible influence on uterine contractility. Neophytadiene (a sesquiterpenoids) recognized for membrane-stabilizing potentials may support uterine wellbeing.
Conclusion: The findings reveal that the major bioactive constituents of Spondias mombin leaves may underlie the plant’s ethnomedicinal application in maternity care. This study offers a compelling foundation for further biomedical research to validate the efficacy and safety of Spondias mombin leaves in maternal health contexts.
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