Chemical Profiling and Phytochemical Characterization of Cajanus cajan Seed Oil Using HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR Analysis

The comprehensive chemical profiling of Cajanus cajan (Fabaceae) seed oil extract was undertaken in this study using a synergistic application of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Ethanol extraction, followed by sequential solvent partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and aqueous phases, facilitated the selective isolation of phytochemicals. GC-MS analysis revealed nine predominant constituents, with octadecanoic acid (32.36%), 9,12- octadecadienoic acid (29.23%), and linoelaidic acid (25.31%) being the major components, alongside several minor yet biologically significant compounds. HPLC quantification further confirmed high concentrations of phytochemicals, notably magnoflorine (175.236 μg/mL), rutin (169.705 μg/mL), gallic acid (22.609 μg/mL), and pinostrobin (90.525 μg/mL), each recognized for their pharmacological relevance, particularly in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial pathways. FTIR spectral interpretation corroborated the chemical findings by highlighting the presence of functional groups such as carbonyls, esters, hydroxyls, and aromatic systems, indicating a diverse chemical architecture.This multi-analytical approach provided a detailed compositional fingerprint of C. cajan seed oil, demonstrating its rich phytochemical landscape and potential therapeutic applications. The convergence of high fatty acid content, polyphenolic compounds, and bioactive alkaloids supports the traditional medicinal uses of the plant and underlines its relevance as a promising source for novel drug development. Furthermore, the study opens avenues for the utilization of C. cajan seed oil in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries due to its functional bioactivities. Future research should focus on bioactivity-guided isolation, in vivo efficacy testing, and the formulation of standardized extracts to maximize the pharmaceutical and commercial value of this underexplored botanical resource.