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This research paper investigates the presence and concentration of various phytochemicals in the seeds of Persea americana (avocado pear), aiming to identify their potential health benefits and applications. We conducted phytochemical screening for the presence of key compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and cardiac glycosides. The seeds were prepared by cutting them into small pieces, followed by drying and grinding with a Thomas Willey milling machine. The ground samples were stored in airtight containers for subsequent analysis. Specific tests were performed to detect the presence of these phytochemicals; alkaloids were assessed using Wagner’s test, while flavonoids and tannins were evaluated using the ferric chloride test. The emulsion test was utilized for saponins, and cardiac glycosides were analyzed through a glacial acetic acid test. Quantitative determination of these compounds was carried out following established methods by Harborne (1993), Obadoni and Ochuko (2001) for alkaloids, Boham and Kocipai (1994) for flavonoids, and Pearson’s method for tannins. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of how the rich phytochemical profile of avocado pear seeds may offer protective health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential applications in medicinal treatments.
Keywords: Persea Americana, phytochemicals, avocado pear, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, health benefits, medicinal applications, quantitative analysis
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CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION:
Phytochemicals are a large group of plant derived compound hypothesized to be responsible for much of the disease protection conferred from diets high in fruits, vegetables, beans, cereals and plant-based beverages such as tea and wine (Hollman, 2005). They are biologically naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants . They protect plants from disease and damage and contribute to the plants colour, aroma and flavor. They also protect plants from environmental hazards such as pollution, stress, drought, uv exposure and pathogenic attack. These Phytochemicals are known as secondary metabolities .
Recently it is clearly known that phytochemicals have roles in the protection of human health when their dietary intake is significant.
A wide range of dietary Phytochemicals are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fungi, herbs and spices (Mathai, 2000). it is well known that plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves, but recent research demonstrate that many phytochemicals can also protect humans against diseases (Narasinga, 2003). The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are alkaloids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. In recent years secondary plant metabolites previously with unknown pharmacological activities have been extensively investigated as a source of medicinal agents. Thus it is anticipated that phyto-antimicrobial efficacy will be used for the treatment of bacterial infection (Balandrin et al., 2005).
Perseaamericana is one of the 150 varieties of avocado pear. The seeds of Perseaamericana has a diverse application in ethnomedicine, ranging from treatment for diarrhea, dysentery, toothache, intestinal parasites to the area of skin treatment and beautification (Pamplona and Roger, 1999). P. americana leaves have been reported to posses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities (Adeyemi et al., 2002). The seeds are rich in tannins and carotenoids and tocopherols from the fruit were shown to inhibit the in-vitro growth of prostate cancer cell lines (lu et al, 2005) and “persin” from avocado leaves was shown to have antifungal properties and to be toxic to silkworms (oelrichs et al., 1995). The effect of P.americana extract was evaluated on in-vitro rat lymphocyte proliferation (Gomezflores et al., 2008). Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of seeds of avocado pear was found to be greater than 70% (Soong and Barlow 2004).
Objective of the study
- To screenPerseaamericana seeds for the presence of some phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides etc.
- To carry out quantitative determination of some of these phytochemicals
Scope of the study
The study will cover the general description ofPerseaamericana, phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables and nutritional physiology of phytochemicals. The study will also cover the nutritional contents of P.americana fruit and its medicinal uses. Effects ofP.americana on the body and the phytochemicalsto be determined will be discussed. Qualitative and quantitative determination of some phytochemicals will also be carried out.
Significance of the study
The significance of this study is thatP.americana plays a vital role in contributing to a healthy and balanced diet, reduced mental depression prevents coronary heart diseases, diabetes and prostate cancer in the body tissue and heal the scalp.
P.americana if consumed by individual can fight beriberi, cause a reduction in body weight and are used as antihypertensive drug for individuals with hypertension.