Abstract

A phytochemical and proximate analysis of dry seeds of African Nutmeg sold in Watt market in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, was studied between May and June 2023. Ethanolic and aqueous (hot and cold water) extracts of dried seeds of Monodora myristica were evaluated for their phytochemical components using standard physicochemical methods. The extracts’ phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, polyphenols, and phlobatanins. However, anthraquinones, hydroxymethyl anthraquinones, steroids, and terpenoids were absent. In the quantitative phytochemical composition of the dry seeds Monodora myristica (test plant); alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and reducing sugars (compound) contents were found to be 0.6 ± 0.02%, 4.20 ± 0.1%, 6.40 ± 0.1%, 6.43 ± 0.01%, and 6.62 ± 0.01% respectively The proximate analysis of the test plant showed moisture (9.50 ± 0.1%), ash (4.40 ± 0.1%), protein (22.87 ± 0.01%), fat (45.60 ± 0.1%), fibre (4.85 ± 0.01%) and carbohydrates (13.04 ± 0.02%). The different solvents used in this study have been reported to have the capacity to extract different bioactive constituents depending on their solubility or polarity in the solvent. The ethanolic solvent in this study had higher solubility for more phytochemicals. Therefore, Monodora myristica dry seeds can contribute significantly to man’s health management and should be recommended for our daily nutritional needs