DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE AND CONCENTRATION OF SOME PHYTOCHEMICALS IN AVOCADO PEAR (PERSEA AMERICANA MILL) SEED

ABSTRACT:

This study investigates the presence and concentration of key phytochemicals in Persea americana (avocado pear) seeds, focusing on tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and cardiac glycosides. The seeds were prepared by cutting, drying, and grinding them using a Thomas Willey milling machine. Qualitative analysis, using established tests such as Wagner’s for alkaloids, ferric chloride for flavonoids, acid test for tannins, emulsion test for saponins, and glacial acetic acid for cardiac glycosides, confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides in the seeds. However, sterols were absent. Quantitative determination revealed alkaloids to be the most concentrated phytochemical, with a value of 21.54%, followed by saponins (8.10%), flavonoids (6.97%), cardiac glycosides (6.94%), and tannins, which had the least concentration at 1.45%. The findings highlight the potential of P. americana seeds as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with various health benefits, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These compounds may contribute to the prevention of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, thus supporting the ethnomedicinal use of avocado seeds for therapeutic purposes. The study provides foundational data for future research on the medicinal and nutritional applications of avocado pear seeds.

Keywords: Persea americana, phytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, avocado seeds, medicinal plants, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Certification  

Dedication  

Acknowledgement  

Abstract  

Table of content  

CHAPTER  ONE

Introduction  

Background of the study

Objective of the  

Scope of the study

Significance of the study  

CHAPTER TWO

Literature Review

 General description of Persea Americana

Phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables

Nutritional physiology of phytochemicals  

Medicinal uses of P.americana fruit

Constituents of P.americana fruit

Effect of P.americana on the body

Wight

Hypertension / high blood pressure  

Wound healing activity  

Natural products from plants that promote health

Alkaloid

Sterols

Flavonoids

Tannins

Saponins

Cardiac glycoside

CHAPTER THREE

Materials and method

Materials  

Preparation of sample

Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals  

Test for alkaloids  

Test for flavonoids

Test for tannins  

Test for saponins

Test for cardiac glycosides

Test for steroids

Qualitative determination of the

Chemical constituent in P.americana

Allialoids determination

Flavonoids determination

Saponin determination

Tannin determination by titration

Cardiac glycosides determination  

CHAPTER FOUR

Result

CHAPTER FIVE

Discussion

Conclusion

Recommendation

References

Appendix