Proximate analysis and bioactive components of an aqueous polyherbal formulation used in traditional management of gastric ulcer

This study evaluated the proximate and bioactive components of a trado-medical anti-ulcer polyherbal formulation consisting of Chromolena odorata leaf, honey from Apies mellifera and palm kernel oil from Elaeis guineensis. The polyherbal formulation was prepared using macerated aqueous extract of C. odorata leaf, honey and palm kernel oil combined in the ratio of 7:2:1. The bioactive component of the formulation was determined using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) while the proximate analysis was according to the methods of association of analytical chemists (AOAC). The result of the analysis showed that the polyherbal formulation had high moisture content (44.34%), carbohydrate (40.36%), protein (7.70%), and fat (4.85%). The bioactive compounds predominantly present in the polyherbal formulation were hexadecanoic acid, 6-octadienal, octadecenoic acid, vaccenic acid, oleic acid and octadecadienal. The presence of these bioactive compounds may be responsible for the therapeutic use of the formulation in traditional management of gastric ulcer. These bioactive compounds have been found to possess anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties, cholesterol reducing property as well as several industrial applications. The presence of these bioactive compounds may be responsible for the therapeutic use of polyherbal formulation in the traditional management of gastric ulcers.