ABSTRACT
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad is a valuable cucurbit plant, widely distributed in the desert areas of the world. Citrullus colocynthis fruits are usually recognized for its wide range of medicinal uses as well as pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. This study intends to analyse the phytochemical, proximate properties and provide a Gas chromatography Mass spectroscopy analysis of Citrullus colocynthis fruit, with a critical assessment of the potential for future investigations.
Using Standard methods with little or no modifications, preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out on aqueous solutions of the dried powder of the bitter water melon fruits. Using maceration as extraction technique and Ethyl acetate as extraction solvent, a crude extract of Citrullus colocynthis was prepared and yield determined. The Proximate analysis of the concentrate was carried out using methods stated by Isikhuemen et al., 2020 and the Gas chromatography Mass spectroscopy analysis was done using GCMS-QP2010SE SHIMADZU JAPAN capillary column, gas chromatograph and standard Mass Selective Detector.
The result revealed a 13.57% yield amber yellow viscous extract. Alkaloids, tannins, phenols, anthraquinones, reducing sugar, as well as carbohydrates (6.50%), crude protein (17.50%), and crude fiber (43.50%) are Phytochemicals that were present. The extract included roughly 38 different chemical components, with six major peaks making about 66.45% and the other peaks the remaining balance. These chemical components provide a solid foundation for future toxicity research on the plant and support the use of Citrullus colocynthis fruit as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent.
Citrullus colocynthis has a wide variety of applications and has been thoroughly researched for several medicinal activities, but its therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders has not yet been fully investigated. The results of the study imply that the plant has potential for microbial, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications`
