PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND BIOACTIVE PRINCIPLES OF ACACIA ALBIDA STEM BARK EXTRACT

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, proximate analysis, and bioactive principles of Acacia albida stem bark extract to evaluate its nutritional and therapeutic potential. Crude fat extraction was performed using hexane and ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus for 8 hours, while ash content was determined by combusting the sample at 550°C for 5 hours in a muffle furnace. Solvent extraction of the stem bark was carried out using hexane and ethanol, followed by solvent recovery with a rotary evaporator. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content of 10.29%, ash 6.96%, crude lipids 3.43%, crude fiber 6.13%, and crude protein 8.48%, indicating substantial nutritional value. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, and alkaloids, while oxalates and phytates were absent. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including dodecanoic acid (2.27% area), hexadecanoic acid (3.44% area), 2,6-dihexadecanoate ascorbic acid (5.48% area), and 5-benzoyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl (13.77% area). The findings highlight A. albida as a rich source of bioactive and nutritional compounds, providing a scientific basis for its ethnomedicinal uses and potential applications in nutrition, medicine, and sustainable utilization.