Volatile Constituents from the Leaves of Pachira aquatica Aubl Grown in Nigeria

The hydrodistilled essential oil obtained from the leaves of Pachira aquatica Aubl. growing in Nigeria was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Six constituents representing 99.8% of the oil were identified from the GC/MS spectra. The major components of the oil were 9-octadecenamide (35.1%), phytol (31.2%) and methyl palmilate (19.1%). This is the first report on the chemical composition of essential oil of P. aquatica growing in Nigeria.

Aims: The aim of the research is to investigate the volatile constituents from P. aquatica harvested in Surulere area, Lagos, Nigeria.

Study Design: The design includes the extraction of essential oil the air-dried leaves samples of P. aquatica and the determination and identification of the chemical constituents of the oil.

Place and Duration of Study: Mature leaves of P. aquatica were collected in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos State, in December 2014.

Methodology: Air-dried and pulverized leaves were hydrodistilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus to obtained colourless volatile oil whose chemical constituents was analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS.

Results: A total of six compounds accounting 98.8% of the oil were identified from the GC/MS and the major constituents were found to be 9-octadecenamide (35.1%), phytol (31.2%) and methyl palmilate (19.1%).

Conclusion: The present oil compositions were found to be different from the results previously reported from other part of the world.