Phytoconstituents analysis of ripe <i>Pithecellobium dulce </i>seeds and coats: Insights from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and bioactivity assessment

Pithecellobium dulce is a tropical tree known for its medicinal properties, which are traditionally used in folk medicine to treat ailments such as diabetes and inflammation. Recent research has focused on exploring its bioactive compounds to validate its therapeutic potential. This study investigates the antioxidant and amylase inhibitory potential of methanolic extracts from the ripe seeds and coats of P. dulce, previously overlooked plant parts. Phytochemical analysis of both seed and coat extracts was conducted using standard qualitative methods, revealing the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, proteins, phenols, and terpenoids. The Total Phenolic Content (TPC) in ripe seeds was 9.11±0 mg GAE/g, while the fruit coat measured 3.056±0.5 mg GAE/g. Quantitative assessment of Total Flavonoids Content (TFC) indicated the presence of 36.4±0.8 mg RE/g in the seed extract and 31.64±0.4 mg RE/g in the fruit coat. The seed extract displayed substantial saponin content (118.4±14.1 mg/g dry extract saponin equivalents). Phytoconstituents identified with GC-MS showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, including Phytol, n-Hexadecanoic acid, cis-Vaccenic acid, 9,11-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (E,E), Oleoyl chloride, Eugenol, Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro, and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. Antioxidant activities, assessed through DPPH, reducing power, and metal chelating assays, demonstrated IC50 values of 1378.3 µg/mL and 36.7 µg/mL (DPPH scavenging) for seed and coat extracts, respectively. Significant inhibition of α-amylase activity was observed, with the coat extract exhibiting the highest inhibition at 55%. This study enhances the understanding of the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of ripe seeds and coats of P. dulce, providing a foundation for future research to fully realize the plant's therapeutic benefits. ​