Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Components of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Amaranthus spinosus

Anozie Maduabuchi Mbazurike — 2026-03-23

Background: Medicinal plants remain an important source of biologically active compounds used in modern drug discovery. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents of Amaranthus spinosus leaf extract using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify potential bioactive compounds responsible for its pharmacological properties.

Materials and Method: Resh leaves of Amaranthus spinosus were collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using aqueous extraction methods. The crude extract was subsequently analyzed by GC–MS, and the compounds were identified based on retention time, molecular weight, molecular formula, and comparison of mass spectra with the database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Results: The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of twenty-four phytochemical compounds with retention times ranging from 1.422 to 22.795 minutes. The identified constituents belonged to several chemical classes, including esters, lactones, fatty acid derivatives, terpenoids, aromatic compounds, and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. Among the detected compounds, 4-Methoxy-6-methyl-6,7-dihydro-4H-furo[3,2-c]pyran showed the highest relative abundance (11.78%), followed by 3,4-Di-O-methyl-2-deoxy-D-ribono-1,5-lactone (10.00%), Cyclohexanemethyl propanoate (6.08%), 1-Propanone, 1-[5-ethyl-3-(5-nitro-2-furanyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl] (5.72%), and 2-Naphthalenemethanol derivatives (5.26%). Other notable compounds included Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, and several pyrrole, pyridine, and triazole derivatives. Many of the identified compounds have previously been reported to possess important biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. The presence of these diverse phytochemical constituents supports the traditional medicinal uses of Amaranthus spinosus and suggests that the plant may exert its therapeutic effects through synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive molecules.

Conclusion: the GC–MS profiling of Amaranthus spinosus leaves showed that it is a rich source of pharmacologically relevance. The Plant has the potential in drug discovery, development and discovery. Further studies focusing on the isolation, purification, and biological evaluation of the identified compounds are recommended to fully elucidate their therapeutic potential.

Antibacterial Property and Biodegradability of Bioplastic Products from Gracilaria salicornia And Halimeda opuntia with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Kristhel C. Sister — 2026-03-31

Marine algae have attracted a great deal of interest as an excellent source of bioplastic due to their hydrocolloid properties and rich polysaccharide. This research focuses on the development of bioplastic products from Gracilaria salicornia and Halimeda opuntia with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONps) found in the coastal water of Alma Beach, Catarman, Northern Samar. The seaweed bioplastic products were subjected to physicochemical and antibacterial property, employing FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Scanning Electron Microscopy for analytical analysis after incorporation of biosynthesized Zinc Oxide nanoparticles. The agar was extracted from Gracilaria salicornia through drying, alkaline solution treatment and boiling and freezing method. Meanwhile, the crude extraction method was used for Halimeda opuntia. The resulting films exhibited favorable mechanical property including enhanced tensile strength, elongation at break, UV resistance, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A micrometre calliper was used to measure the film's thickness; tensile strength and elongation at break was determined using sliver weights; solubility test was done using water, hexane and ethanol as solvents; and soil degradation under controlled conditions. Bioplastic film thicknesses measured 0.41 mm and 0.43 mm for G. salicornia and H. opuntia, respectively. The solubility test shows that both samples are soluble in water but insoluble in ethanol and hexane. The bioplastics were slightly acidic at pH 6.89–6.9 and demonstrated complete biodegradation within three days in soil when exposed to water. UV-Vis, FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed successful incorporation of ZnONps. These properties underscore the potential of seaweed-based bioplastics with ZnONps for sustainable applications in packaging, agriculture, and biomedical fields.

Quantitative Investigation of Proximate, Mineral, and Amino Acid Composition of Ganoderma sichuanense

Chukwunonso Anthony Nsude — 2026-04-03

Ganoderma sichuanense is a mushroom commonly used in traditional medicine, but information on its nutritional profiles remains insufficient. This study aimed to determine the quantitative proximate, mineral, and amino acid compositions of Ganoderma sichuanense. Proximate analysis, including the determination of carbohydrate, protein, crude fibre, fat, ash, and moisture content, was performed in accordance with the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Mineral concentrations in the dried mushroom samples were quantified using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), whereas amino acid profiles were assessed employing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The proximate result showed that Ganoderma sichuanense had the highest carbohydrate content (57.99±0.787%), followed by moisture content (10.66±0.399%), fat (10.44±0.442%), crude fibre (9.09±0.202%), ash (7.36±0.219%) and crude protein content (4.47±0.352%). Considerable amounts of magnesium (6.012±0.044 ppm), potassium (4.852±0.018 ppm), sodium (3.782±0.087 ppm), and calcium (7.167±0.117 ppm) were recorded, while arsenic and silver were totally absent in the sample. Isoleucine, an essential amino acid, recorded the highest amino acid content (22.665 ppm), followed by threonine (13.595 ppm) and valine (8.527 ppm), while proline, a nonessential amino acid, recorded the highest amino acid content (15.746 ppm), followed by alanine (15.665 ppm) and glycine (11.867 ppm). The findings indicate that daily intake of Ganoderma sichuanense would be essential for the correct functioning of the body due to its rich contents in carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, amino acids, and minerals.

Biodiesel Production from Jatropha curcas (l.) Seed Oil Using a Green-Synthesized MGO Nanocatalyst and RSM Method for Optimization

Kingsley E. Apuyor — 2026-04-20

The growing demand for sustainable energy has intensified interest in biodiesel production from non-edible feedstocks. In this study, biodiesel was produced from Jatropha curcas seed oil via a two-step process involving acid-catalyzed esterification followed by MgO-catalyzed transesterification. The crude oil possessed a high free fatty acid (FFA) content of 6.80% (as oleic acid), necessitating a pre-treatment esterification step prior to base-catalyzed conversion. The esterification process effectively reduced the FFA content from 6.80% to 0.90%, corresponding to a reduction efficiency of approximately 86.8%, thereby making the oil suitable for subsequent transesterification. A green-synthesized magnesium oxide (MgO) nanocatalyst was prepared using Mangifera indica and Carica papaya leaf extracts via a solution combustion method. Process optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD), considering ethanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time as independent variables. A quadratic regression model was developed and validated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions were found to be an ethanol-to-oil ratio of 9:1, catalyst loading of 1.6 wt%, reaction temperature of 65 °C, and reaction time of 90 min, resulting in a maximum biodiesel yield of 82.05% (R² = 0.9936). The physicochemical properties of the produced fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were generally within acceptable limits of ASTM D6751 standards. The results demonstrate that the green-synthesized MgO nanocatalyst is an efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst for sustainable biodiesel production from high-FFA Jatropha oil.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Fungal Chemicals Compounds of Total Extracts and Partitions of Ganoderma lucidum Harvested in Côte d'ivoire

Affou Rosine Akoto — 2026-04-27

Background: Ganoderma lucidum is of increasing scientific interest due to its beneficial effects on human health. LUGA is an edible mushroom rich in nutritional, functional and therapeutic qualities. Despite its proven integration into traditional pharmacopoeias and its use for therapeutic purposes in Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, the use of this substance remains poorly documented, and scientific data are limited.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the influence of different solvents (aqueous, ethanolic, ethyl acetate and hexane) on LUGA fungal chemical compounds collected in the Lôh-Djiboua region of Côte d'Ivoire.

Study Design, Place and duration of the Study: All these preparations were carried out at the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Bioactive Substances (LBVSNB) of the National Center of Floristics (CNF) of the University Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, between April 2023 and August 2025.

Methods: Extraction methods, qualitative and quantitative analyses of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids with spectrophotometers were used to obtain the results of this study. Total polyphenols were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, terpenoids by sulfuric acid reaction, alkaloids using Dragendorff’s reagent, and flavonoids via aluminum chloride complex formation.

Results: The extraction yields were calculated and showed a predominance of polar fractions, with values of 15.12% for the aqueous extract and 14.56% for the hydroethanolic extract, while the aqueous fractions of the partitions showed the highest yields (P1-1: 60.54%, P2-1: 62.82%). Fungal chemical screening revealed the systematic presence of sterols, polyterpenes, flavonoids and polyphenols in all extracts, while saponosides, quinones, tannins and alkaloids were concentrated in the polar fractions. The total aqueous extract had the highest concentration of terpenoids (210 mg linolein equivalent/g of extract) and a trace of alkaloids (0.42 mg atropine equivalent/g of extract), twice as much as the hydroethanol extract, which is0.20 mg atropine equivalent/g of extract. While the latter extract expressed the highest concentrations of flavonoids (60 mg linolein equivalent/g of extract) and polyphenols (0.70 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract). The partitions confirmed that polar solvents extract mainly hydrophilic compounds, while the hexanic and acetane fractions concentrate semi-polar or lipophilic terpenoids.

Conclusion: LUGA exhibited a high richness in secondary metabolites, particularly triterpenes and alkaloids. The findings also highlighted the critical role of appropriate solvent selection and analytical techniques in accurately characterizing extracts and their fractions. Overall, this study provides a strong scientific foundation for the potential application of Ganoderma lucidum in medical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Mineralogical, Phytochemical, and Nutritional Study of the Calyces of Bombax Buonopozense P. Beauv (Malvaceae) and Bombax Costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet (Malvaceae)

Bamba Abou — 2026-04-28

The calyces of Bombax buonopozense and Bombax costatum, widely consumed in Côte d’Ivoire, represent promising yet underexplored sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the mineral composition, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from the calyces of these two species to support their nutritional and therapeutic valorization.

Calyces were collected, dried, and ground prior to aqueous extraction. Mineral analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Primary and secondary metabolites were quantified through standard colorimetric assays, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method.

The results revealed that both species are rich in essential minerals, particularly calcium and iron, with higher concentrations observed in B. buonopozense (Ca: 2.7%; Fe: 0.01181%) compared to B. costatum (Ca: 2.5%; Fe: 0.01028%). The extracts exhibited high carbohydrate content (80% for B. buonopozense and 79% for B. costatum) and were particularly rich in phenolic compounds, with significantly higher levels in B. buonopozense (325 mg/g dry matter) than in B. costatum (200 mg/g dry matter). However, substantial levels of antinutritional factors, particularly oxalates, were detected (198.5 mg/g and 154.82 mg/g dry matter, respectively). Both extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, highlighting their potential role in mitigating oxidative stress.

In conclusion, Bombax buonopozense and Bombax costatum possess considerable nutritional and pharmacological potential. Nonetheless, the presence of antinutritional compounds suggests the need for optimized processing methods to enhance their safety and bioavailability. This study provides important comparative insights that support the scientific and industrial valorization of these species.