Assessment of Nutritional Composition, Qualitative Phytochemical Profile, and GC-MS Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Fermented Seeds of Parkia Biglobosa (African Locust Bean)

Abstract

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don (African locust bean; Hausa: ‘Dorawa’) is a multipurpose leguminous tree of the family Fabaceae whose fermented seed condiment — locally known as ‘dawadawa’ or ‘iru’ — is a culturally significant protein- and flavour-rich food ingredient across West and Central Africa. The present study investigated the proximate nutritional composition, qualitative phytochemical constituents, and volatile bioactive compounds (by GC-MS) of fermented P. biglobosa seed. Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2000) revealed a high crude protein content (25.62 ± 0.28%), total carbohydrate (44.96 ± 0.22%), crude lipid (8.11 ± 0.04%), crude fibre (5.59 ± 0.11%), ash (3.80 ± 0.05%), and moisture (11.92 ± 0.03%). Qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract confirmed the presence of saponins, steroids, alkaloids, and glycosides, while tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and phenolics were absent. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract identified 50 bioactive compounds; the most abundant were tetradecane (10.89%), oxalic acid (10.84%), tridecane (8.94%), heptafluorobutyric acid (7.78%), dodecyl vinyl ester (5.75%), and 2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane (5.16%). The high protein and carbohydrate contents affirm the well-established nutritional significance of African locust bean as a low-cost protein supplement and energy source. The diverse array of identified phytochemicals supports the ethnomedicinal use of P. biglobosa and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive lead compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.