COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF Persea americana seed (African pear) and Dacryodes edulis seed (Local pear)

The study investigates the comparative analysis of the phytochemical composition of Dacryodes edulis and Persea Americana seeds collected from Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, using standard analytical procedures. The phytochemical compositions of Dacryodes edulis and Persea Americana seeds exhibit unique variations compared to other plant species. Notably, the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and hydrogen cyanide in these seeds demonstrates distinctive phytochemical profiles, as indicated in D. edulis and P. Americana respectively: Alkaloids % (18.215+0.276) and (21.511+0.157), saponins % (14.120+0.170) and (19.622+0.120), flavonoids (3.690+0.270) and (3.590+0.014), tannins (3.315+0.134) and 0.947+0.025), and hydrogen cyanide (1.660+0.100) and (14.225+0.110). The paper reveals the presence of various phytochemicals in both plant species and different concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and hydrogen cyanide in the two seeds, with some concentrations falling below, exceeding, or meeting FAO/WHO standards. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of these phytochemicals vary from the FAO/WHO standards, indicating their potential for pharmaceutical use and defense against pathogens. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of D. edulis and P. Americana as sources of valuable supplements.