Evaluation of phytochemical compounds and proximate analysis of doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica) blend with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

Doum palm and turmeric are traditional medicinal plants with a rich history of use. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, proximate analysis, and GC-MS characterization of doum palm and turmeric blends at different ratios (100%, 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%) using ethanol and warm-water extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols, in the blends at ratios of 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%. Alkaloids were absent in the 100% doum palm sample. Proximate analysis showed significant variations in moisture, ash, fat, and protein content among the samples. GC-MS characterization identified at most 30 phytochemical compounds in sample A and more additional 9 bioactive compounds in samples B, C and D, including two new compounds, eucalyptol and carotol, found in the doum palm-turmeric blends. These compounds have been known to possess various antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The findings suggest that doum palm and turmeric blends have improved potential health benefits due to their high content of phytochemical compounds and balanced proximate composition. Further research is warranted to determine the most effective doum palm to turmeric ratio (Optimal Blending Ratios) for specific health applications. This includes identifying the blend ratios that maximize the therapeutic benefits for particular conditions or diseases.