PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AFRAMOMUM DANIELLI GROWN UNDER MATURE RUBBER PLANTATION: NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC

This study evaluates the proximate and phytochemical composition of Aframomum danielli seeds cultivated under a mature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation in Edo State, Nigeria, highlighting its nutritional and therapeutic potential. Mature fruits were harvested, air-dried, and subjected to methanol extraction via Soxhlet apparatus. Proximate analysis revealed a nutrient-rich profile dominated by carbohydrates (55.67%), proteins (13.30%), fats (7.78%), fiber (3.64%), ash (5.77%), and moderate moisture content (13.84%), positioning A. danielli as a promising energy and nutrient source. Phytochemical profiling using GC-MS identified key bioactive compounds, including catechin (3.36 ppm), ellagic acid (2.37 ppm), luteolin (1.61 ppm), and quercetin (0.64 ppm), known for potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. The presence of additional flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and other bioactives underlines the plant’s broad pharmacological relevance. The unique agroecological conditions of the rubber plantation likely influence secondary metabolite biosynthesis, enhancing therapeutic compound diversity. Collectively, these findings scientifically substantiate the ethnomedicinal uses of A. danielli and support its development as a functional food, nutraceutical, and phytopharmaceutical resource. Further in vivo and clinical investigations are recommended to validate safety and efficacy.