Phytochemical
Composition and Functional Group Characterization of Dacryodes edulis
Exudate: Implications for sustainable Industrial Applications
Nyeneime
W. Akpanudo, Idara Ntuen, Aniekan E. Akpakpan
1Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State
University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
2Department
of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Abstract
The growing demand for
sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial materials has increased
interest in plant-derived biomaterials as alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and functional group characteristics
of Dacryodes edulis exudate with the aim of evaluating its suitability
for sustainable industrial applications. Qualitative and quantitative
phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard analytical procedures,
while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify
the functional groups present in the purified exudate. The qualitative
phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins,
flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and carbohydrates, whereas anthraquinones were
absent. Quantitative analysis showed that carbohydrate had the highest
concentration (36.5294 mg/100 g), followed by tannins (0.04789 mg/100 g),
flavonoids (0.0397 mg/100 g), alkaloids (0.0208 mg/100 g), phenols (0.0103
mg/100 g), and saponins (0.0090 mg/100 g). FTIR analysis indicated the presence
of important functional groups such as hydroxyl (O–H), carbonyl (C=O), alkene
(C=C), methylene, and alkane groups at characteristic wave numbers of 3389.5,
1707.1, 1640.0, 3071.3, 2922.2, and 2870.1 cm⁻¹ respectively. The
findings suggest that Dacryodes edulis exudate possesses valuable
phytochemical constituents and functional properties that could support its
utilization in the production of eco-friendly industrial products such as
natural inks, adhesives, coatings, bonding and sizing agent in paper and
textile industries. The study therefore highlights the potential of Dacryodes
edulis exudate as a renewable biomaterial for sustainable industrial
applications.
Keywords: Exudate, phytochemical,
FTIR, functional group, sustainable biomaterial
1.0
Introduction
The increasing global concern
over environmental pollution and the depletion of non-renewable resources has
intensified the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials
from natural sources. Plant-derived exudates, gums, and resins are increasingly
attracting scientific and industrial interest because of their
biodegradability, renewability, low toxicity, and broad industrial applications
(Udo et al, 2020). These natural
substances are gradually being explored as alternatives to synthetic industrial
chemicals that often contribute to environmental contamination and health
hazards. Among such promising biomaterials is the exudate obtained from Dacryodes
edulis, a tropical plant widely distributed in West and Central Africa.
Dacryodes edulis,
commonly known as African pear or bush pear, belongs to the family Burseraceae
and is highly valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance (Akpabio,
et al., 2012a). The plant produces an
exudate rich in bioactive compounds and organic constituents which may possess
important industrial properties (Akpabio and Akpakpan. 2012). Plant exudates
generally serve as protective secretions against microbial attack, physical
injury, and environmental stress, while also containing numerous phytochemicals
of biological and industrial relevance (Akpakpan et al., 2017, Sofowora, 1993). These phytochemicals include
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and carbohydrates, many of
which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, adhesive, and dye-binding properties
(Akpan et al., 2021). The
phytochemical composition of plant exudates is influenced not only by genetic
factors but also by environmental conditions, including heavy metal
contamination (Ubong et al., 2023,
Bassey et al., 2026). If heavy metals
are present in the exudate, it will induce oxidative stress in plants through
the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which stimulate the synthesis
of defensive secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and
alkaloids (Sofowora, 1993, Akpan et al.,
2017).
In recent years, the principles
of sustainable chemistry have encouraged the replacement of petroleum-based and
hazardous synthetic materials with renewable plant-based alternatives. Natural
biomaterials have found applications in pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics,
food preservation, textile processing, adhesives, coatings, ink production, and
environmental remediation because of their eco-friendly nature and
biodegradability (Ekwere et al., 2026,
Akpakpan et al., 2026; Ntuen et al., 2024). Tannins, for example, are
useful as natural mordants and dye fixatives in textile industries, while
carbohydrate-rich materials enhance adhesion and film-forming properties in
paper coatings, printing and writing inks (Ntuen et al., 2025). Similarly, phenolic compounds and flavonoids
contribute antioxidant stability to industrial formulations (Enengedi et al., 2019).
Phytochemical characterization
plays an important role in determining the suitability of plant materials for
industrial applications. Qualitative phytochemical analysis identifies the
presence or absence of secondary metabolites, whereas quantitative analysis
determines their concentrations within the material. Such analyses provide
valuable information regarding the potential functional and commercial
applications of natural exudates. Phytochemical-rich plant materials can serve
as sustainable raw materials for the development of environmentally friendly
industrial products (Sofowora, 2008; Akpakpan et al., 2020).
In addition to phytochemical
screening, functional group analysis is essential for understanding the
chemical behavior and physicochemical properties of natural biomaterials.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a widely used analytical technique
for identifying functional groups and molecular structures in organic
substances. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of important functional groups
such as hydroxyl (O–H), carbonyl (C=O), alkene (C=C), and methylene (C–H)
groups, which significantly influence industrial performance characteristics
including adhesion, acidity, solubility, and reactivity (Udo et al., 2012). The identification of
these functional groups provides insight into the possible utilization of plant
exudates in the formulation of bio-based inks, adhesives, coatings, binders,
and other sustainable industrial materials (Ntuen et al., 2025), the physical characteristic of Dacryodes edulis
exudate have been reported by Udo et al.
(2016).
Despite the growing interest in
sustainable biomaterials, limited information exists on the phytochemical
composition and functional group characteristics of Dacryodes edulis
exudate. Comprehensive information
integrating qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition with
FTIR-based functional group characterization and their implications for
sustainable industrial applications remains limited. The findings of this study
may contribute to the development of renewable and environmentally friendly
industrial products capable of reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals.
2.0 Materials and methods
2.1 Sample collection and preparation
Plant exudate was collected randomly from
local pear trees (Dacryodes edulis)
at Nsit Ikpe, in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Many incisions were made on the bark of the trees and
after some few minutes the exudate oozed out of the tree. The fresh exudate was
a milky, highly viscous liquid and this was collected with help of a knife
blade and dropped into a container (Udo et
al., 2012).
2.2 Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals
The confirmatory
qualitative tests on the phytochemicals were done according to the standard
procedures.
2.2.1
Test for Alkaloids
Dacryodes edulis
exudate was dissolved individually in
dilute hydrochloric acid and filtered. The filtrates were used to test for the
presence of alkaloids.
Harger’s Test
Harger’s reagents were added to 2 mL of filtrates.
Formations of yellow precipitate showed the presence of alkaloids.
Mayer’s Test
Mayer’s reagent was added to 2 mL of filtrates.
Formations of yellow precipitate showed the presence of alkaloid.
Wagner’s Test
Wagner’s reagent was added to 2 mL of filtrates.
Formation of reddish brown precipitate indicated presence of alkaloids.
2.2.2
Test for Flavonoids
Lead Acetate Test
Lead acetate solution (10%) was added to small
quantity of extracts and exudate respectively. Formation of yellow precipitate
showed the presence of flavonoids.
Sodium
Hydroxide Test
Extracts and exudates were separately treated with increasing amount of
Sodium hydroxide. Formation of yellow colouration, this decolourized after
addition of acid showed the presence of flavonoids.
Ferric Chloride Test
The extracts and exudates (2mL) were separately diluted with distilled
water in a ratio of 1:4 and a few 3 drops of 10% ferric chloride (FeCl3)
solution was added. Formation of a sustainable or blue solution indicated the
presence of flavonoids.
2.2.3 Test
for Saponins
Froth Test
Extracts and exudates were separately shaken
vigorously with water. Formation of frothing (appearance of creamy miss of
bubbles) shows that there is presence of saponin.
2.2.4 Test for Tannins
Lead Acetate Test
Lead acetate (1%) was added to 2 mL of extracts and
exudates respectively. Formation of yellow precipitate showed the formation of
tannins.
Ferric Chloride Test
The extracts and exudates (2mL) were separately diluted with distilled
water in a ratio of 1:4 and a few 2drops of 10% ferric chloride (FeCl3)
solution was added. Formation of a sustainable or blue solution indicated the
presence of tannins.
2.2.5 Test
for Anthraquinones
Borntrager’s Test
The extracts
and exudate (5 mL) were boiled separately with 10% of sulphuric acid for few
minutes in water bath. It was filtered and allowed to cool. Equal volume of
CHCl3 was added to filtrate. Few drops of 10% NH3 were
added to the mixture and heated. Formation of pink colour indicated the
presence of anthraquinones.
2.2.6 Test
for Phenols
Ferric Chloride Test
The extracts and exudates (10 mL) were treated
separately with few drops of ferric chloride solution. Formation of bluish
black colour indicated the presence of phenols.
Lead Acetate Test
The extracts and exudates (10 mL) were separately
treated with few drops of lead acetate solution. Formation of yellow
precipitate indicated the presence of phenols.
2.2.7
Test for Carbohydrate
Iodine
Test
Dilute (0.05N) iodine
solution (2 drops) was added to 2 mL of the extracts and exudates respectively.
Formation of deep blue black colour which disappeared on heating and then
reappeared on cooling.
Fehlings
Test
About 1 mL of the extracts
and exudates were boiled separately on water bath with 1mL each of Fehling
solutions A and B. The colour change was observed. Formation of red
precipitates indicated the presence of sugar.
Molisch
Test
Moslisch reagent (2 drops)
was added to 5 mL of extracts and exudates respectively and mixed thoroughly.
About 3 mL of concentrated sulphuric acid was added. Formation of reddish
violet ring at the junction of the two liquids indicated the presence of sugar.
2.3 Quantitative Analysis of Dacryodes edulis Exudate
2. 3.1 Determination of Alkaloids
The Alkaloids determination
was done using Harborne (1973) method. The sample of weight 1 g was placed into
250 mL beaker and 200 mL of 10% acetic acid in ethanol was added and it was
covered and allowed to stand for 4 hours. It was filtered and extract was
concentrated on the water bath to the quarter of the original volume.
Concentrated NH4OH was added by drop wise to the extract until
precipitation was complete. The whole solution was allowed to settle and the
precipitate was collected and washed with dilute NH4OH and then
filtered. The residue is the alkaloid which was dried and weighed.
Where: W1 =
Weight of empty crucible; W2 = Weight of crucible + alkaloids
precipitate
2. 3.2
Determination of Saponins
Exudates sample (50 mL) was placed in a 500 mL flask
and 300 ml of 50% alcohol was added and boiled under reflux for 30 minutes and
filtered while hot through filter paper. About 2 g of charcoal was added to the
filtrate, boiled and filtered while hot. The filtrate was cooled and an equal
volume of acetone was added to completely precipitate the saponin. The
precipitated saponin was collected by decantation and dissolved in small amount
of boiling 95% alcohol and filtered while hot. The filtrate was cooled at room
temperature to separate the saponin in a relatively pure form. The clear
supernatant fluid was decanted and the saponin suspended in about 20 mL of
alcohol was filtered. The filter paper was transferred to a dessicator
containing anhydrous calcium chloride and left to dry and then weighed
(El-Olemy et al., 1994).
2.3.3
Determination of Tannins
Exudate sample500 mg was weighed into 100 mL plastic
bottle. 50 mL of distilled water was shaken for one hour in a mechanical
shaker. This was filtered into a 50 mL volumetric flask and made to the mark.
The 5 mL of the filtrate was pipette out into tube and mixed with 3 mL of
0.1FeCl3 in 0.1N HCl and 0.008M potassium ferrocyanide. The
absorbance was measured in a spectrophotometer at 120nm wavelengths, within 10
minutes (Van –Burden and Robinson, 1981).
2.3.4
Determination of Phenol
The exudate sample was boiled with 50 mL of ether for
the extraction of the phenolic component for 15 minutes and 5 mL of the exudate
was pipetted into 50 mL flask, and then 10 mL of distilled water was added. 2
ml of NH4OH solution and 5 mL of concentrated amyl alcohol were also
added. The sample was made up to mark and left to react for 30 minutes for
colour development. This was read at 505 nm (El-Olemy et al., 1994).
2.3.5 Determination of
Carbohydrate
Exudate
sample (100 mg) was hydrolysed in boiling tube with 5 mL of 2.5 N HCl in a
boiling water bath for a period of 3 hours. It was cooled at room temperature
and solid sodium carbonate was added until effervescence ceases. The content
was centrifuged and the supernatant was made to 100 ml by using distilled
water. From this 0.2 mL of sample was pipetted out and made up to the volume of
1 ml with phenol reagent, followed by addition of 5 mL of sulphuric acid. The
test tubes were kept at 25-30oC for 20 minutes. The absorbance was
read at 490 nm (Krishnaveni et al.,
1984).
2.3.6
Determination of functional groups
The
functional group of Dacryodes edulis exudate were determined using Fourier
Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). KBr disks containing 1 % finely ground
samples were used.
3.0
Results and Discussion
3.1 Phytochemicals in the Dacryodes edulis Exudate
The
presence or absence of phytochemicals is indicated in Table 1.
Table 1: Phytochemicals in the Dacryodes edulis exudate (qualitative)
|
Phytochemical |
Results |
|
Alkaloids a. Mayer’s
reagent b. Tannic
acid c. Wagner’s
reagent
|
|
|
+++ |
|
|
+++ |
|
|
+++ |
|
|
Saponin
(Froth) |
+++ |
|
Flavanoid a. FeCl3 b. NaOH c. Lead
acetate |
++ ++ ++ |
|
|
|
|
Tannin a. FeCl3 |
|
|
++ |
|
|
Carbohydrate
(CHO) a.
Fehling solution b.
Iodine |
|
|
+ |
|
|
+++ |
|
|
Anthraquinone |
- |
|
Phenol a.
FeCl3 |
|
|
++ |
+
= Present in minor quantity; ++ = Present in moderate quantity; +++ = Present
in higher quantity; - = Not detected.
Alkaloids,
saponin, tannin, phenol, flavanoid and carbohydrate were found to be present in
the exudates while anthroquione was absent.
Table 2 Phytochemicals in the Dacryodes edulis exudates (quantitative)
|
Phytochemicals |
Concentration |
|
Alkaloids (mg/100g) |
0.0208 ± 0.0004 |
|
Tannins (mg/100g) |
0.04789 ± 0.0055 |
|
Phenol (mg/100g) |
0.0103 ± 0.0003 |
|
Carbohydrate (mg/100g) |
36.5294 ± 0.0000 |
|
Flavanoid (mg/100g) |
0.0397 ± 0.0004 |
|
Saponin (mg/100g) |
0.0090 ± 0.0001 |
The phytochemicals present in Dacryodes edulis exudate were quantified as presented in Table 2.
The phytochemical profile
of Dacryodes edulis exudate revealed that it is a promising
natural resource for medicinal and environmentally friendly industrial
applications. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids,
saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and carbohydrates, while anthraquinones
were absent. Quantitative analysis further showed that carbohydrates were the
most abundant constituent (36.5294 mg/100 g), whereas alkaloids (0.0208 mg/100
g), flavonoids (0.0397 mg/100 g), tannins (0.04789 mg/100 g), phenols (0.0103
mg/100 g), and saponins (0.0090 mg/100 g) were present in measurable amounts.
The high occurrence of
alkaloids in the exudate suggests that the exudate may possess antimicrobial,
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties, since many naturally
occurring alkaloids exhibit these pharmacological activities (Kumar et
al., 2020). Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are
well-known antioxidants capable of scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing
oxidative stress associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and
cardiovascular disorders (Enengedi et al., 2019; Pereira et al., 2024).. The presence of tannins further supports the traditional use of the
plant in wound healing, as tannins exhibit antimicrobial, astringent, and
anti-inflammatory activities that promote tissue repair and inhibit microbial
growth (Akpakpan et
al., 2026, Akpan et al., 2017; Akpabio
et al., 2012b). Saponins have also been
reported to possess immunomodulatory, antifungal, antibacterial,
cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer properties, making the exudate a potential
source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development
(Ramothloa et al., 2025; Kafi et
al., 2026; Akpan et
al., 2017).
The high carbohydrate
content indicates that the exudate is rich in natural polysaccharides or
gum-like substances. These materials can serve as biodegradable binders,
stabilizers, emulsifiers, and controlled-release matrices in pharmaceutical
formulations (Ntuen et
al., 2024). Such natural polymers are increasingly
preferred over synthetic excipients because of their low toxicity,
biocompatibility, and biodegradability (Akpakpan et al., 2026).
From the perspective of sustainable industrial relevance, the
phytochemical composition makes D. edulis exudate an attractive
renewable biomaterial (Udo et al., 2012).
The abundance of carbohydrates suggests its suitability for producing
eco-friendly adhesives, biodegradable films, hydrogels, coatings, and packaging
materials. Natural gums obtained from plant exudates are increasingly replacing
petroleum-derived polymers in sustainable manufacturing (Valverde, 2013).
The antioxidant phenolics
and flavonoids may also be exploited as natural preservatives in food,
cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, reducing dependence on synthetic
antioxidants such as Butylated Hydroxytoluene
(BHT) and Butylated Hydroxyanisole
(BHA) (Nawaz et al., 2020) Enengedi
et al., 2022). Similarly, the antimicrobial activity associated with alkaloids,
tannins, and saponins could be utilized in the formulation of sustainable
disinfectants, antimicrobial coatings, herbal soaps, cosmetics, and food
packaging systems that inhibit microbial contamination (Yuksek et
al., 2025; Enengedi et al.,
2018; Uko,et al., 2017)
Furthermore, the
biodegradable nature of the exudate makes it suitable for environmental
applications, including the development of bio-based adsorbents for wastewater
treatment, biodegradable composites, and environmentally benign coating
materials (Yuksek et al., 2025; Ekwere, 2026). The use of renewable plant-derived
materials in these applications such as exudate can contribute to reducing
environmental pollution and minimizing the health risks associated with
persistent contaminants in aquatic ecosystems (Akpan et al., 2022). Such applications align
with the principles of sustainable chemistry by utilizing renewable plant
resources, minimizing hazardous chemicals, and reducing environmental
pollution. The phytochemical composition of Dacryodes edulis exudate
highlights its significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive
compounds for pharmaceutical applications and as a renewable raw material for sustainable
industrial products.
3.2
Functional group analysis
The IR spectrum of the
purified Dacryodes edulis exudates
sample is presented Figure 1 and interpreted in Table 3.
|
Figure
1: FTIR spectra of Dacryodes edulis exudate |
The FTIR spectrum of Dacryodes edulis exudate reveals a complex mixture of
oxygenated and hydrocarbon-containing phytochemicals. The broad absorption at 3369 cm⁻¹
corresponds to O–H stretching vibrations of hydroxyl groups, suggesting the
presence of alcohols and phenolic compounds (Akpakpan et al., 2023). This agrees with the phytochemical screening, which
detected phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and carbohydrates. Hydroxyl groups are
important because they contribute to antioxidant activity through hydrogen
donation and free radical.
The intense bands at 2922 and 2870 cm⁻¹ are
attributed to asymmetric and symmetric C–H stretching vibrations of methylene
and methyl groups, respectively (Faix et al., 1992). These peaks are
characteristic of long aliphatic hydrocarbon chains commonly found in natural
resins, waxes, and terpenoids (Shaheen
et al., 2022) Their presence
suggests that the exudate possesses hydrophobic components that can contribute
to film-forming and adhesive properties
The absorption at 1707 cm⁻¹
corresponds to carbonyl (C=O) stretching vibrations, indicating the presence of
esters, aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids (Ali et al., 2020).
Carbonyl-containing compounds often exhibit high chemical reactivity and can
participate in polymerization, esterification, and cross-linking reactions,
making them valuable in industrial processing.
Table
3: FTIR Interpretation of Dacryodes edulis Exudate
|
Peak (cm⁻¹) |
Functional Group |
Bond Vibration |
Possible Phytochemical Source |
Significance |
|
3369.5 |
O–H |
Stretching |
Phenols,
alcohols, carbohydrates |
Indicates
hydroxyl-rich compounds responsible for antioxidant activity and hydrogen
bonding. |
|
3071.3 |
=C–H |
Aromatic/alkene
stretching |
Aromatic
phenolics, flavonoids |
Aromatic unsaturated compounds present |
|
2922.2 |
C–H |
Asymmetric
stretching |
Alkanes,
long-chain hydrocarbons, terpenoids |
Characteristic
of hydrocarbon chains in plant resins and essential oils. |
|
2870.1 |
C–H |
Symmetric
stretching |
Methyl
and methylene groups |
Indicates
aliphatic components present in the exudate. |
|
2091.0 |
C≡C /
C≡N (weak) |
Stretching |
Trace
unsaturated compounds |
Weak
band; may indicate minor unsaturated constituents. |
|
1707.1 |
C=O |
Carbonyl
stretching |
Esters,
aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids |
Suggests
oxygenated compounds contributing to chemical reactivity. |
|
1640.0 |
C=C |
Aromatic
C=C stretching |
Flavonoids,
phenolics |
Indicates
aromatic structures and possible bound moisture. |
|
1453.7 |
CH₂ |
Bending
(scissoring) |
Lipids,
terpenoids |
Characteristic
of aliphatic chains. |
|
1379.1 |
CH₃ |
Symmetric
bending |
Alkanes |
Indicates
methyl substitution. |
|
1271.0 |
C–O |
Stretching |
Phenols,
esters |
Oxygen-containing
phytochemicals present. |
|
1203.9 |
C–O–C |
Stretching |
Ethers,
esters |
Suggests
glycosidic or ether linkages. |
|
1136.8 |
C–O |
Stretching |
Alcohols,
polysaccharides |
Characteristic
of carbohydrates and gums. |
|
1098.4 |
C–O |
Stretching |
Secondary
alcohols |
Indicates
polysaccharide backbone. |
|
1047.4 |
C–O |
Stretching |
Polysaccharides,
carbohydrates |
Strong
evidence of natural gum/carbohydrate materials. |
|
991.5 |
=C–H |
Out-of-plane
bending |
Alkenes |
Indicates
unsaturated structures. |
|
879.7 |
C–H |
Aromatic
bending |
Aromatic
compounds |
Supports
aromatic phytochemicals. |
|
790.2 |
C–H |
Aromatic
out-of-plane bending |
Benzene
derivatives |
Indicates
substituted aromatic rings. |
The band at 1640 cm⁻¹ is assigned to aromatic C=C stretching and may also
include contributions from absorbed water molecules. This supports the presence
of aromatic phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are
known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties
(Sutariya, et al., 2023).
The fingerprint region (1454 –790
cm⁻¹)
contains several absorption bands associated with C–O, C–O–C, CH₂,
and aromatic C–H vibrations (Shaheen
et al., 20220.). These bands
indicate the presence of carbohydrates, ethers, esters, and polysaccharides,
which are characteristic constituents of natural plant gums and exudates. The
strong absorptions at 1137, 1098, and 1047 cm⁻¹ particularly indicate
polysaccharide structures responsible for viscosity, emulsification, and
gel-forming abilities (Ntuen et al.,
2024).
3.3 Sustainable Industrial Relevance of Dacryodes edulis
exudate
The FTIR results demonstrate that Dacryodes edulis exudate has
considerable potential for sustainable and industrial applications.
Table 4: Sustainable industrial
relevance of Dacryodes edulis
exudate
|
Functional
Group |
Industrial
Relevance |
|
Hydroxyl (O–H) |
Production of natural antioxidants,
cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hydrogels, biodegradable polymers, and
hydrogen-bonded adhesives. |
|
Carbonyl (C=O) |
Useful in polymer synthesis, resin
curing, cross-linking reactions, coatings, adhesives, and biodegradable
plastics. |
|
Aromatic phenolics |
Development of natural preservatives,
antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, food additives, cosmetics, and
pharmaceutical formulations. |
|
Aliphatic hydrocarbons |
Manufacture of natural waxes, sealants,
waterproof coatings, lubricants, and bio-based resin materials. |
|
C–O and C–O–C groups |
Production of natural gums, thickeners,
emulsifiers, stabilizers, edible coatings, biodegradable films, and
controlled drug-delivery matrices. |
|
Polysaccharides |
Applications in paper, textile, food,
pharmaceutical, and biodegradable packaging industries. |
Conclusion
This study successfully investigated the phytochemical constituents and
functional group characteristics of Dacryodes edulis exudate with a view
to assessing its suitability for sustainable industrial applications. The
qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of important
bioactive compounds including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins,
phenols, and carbohydrates, while anthraquinones were absent. Quantitative
analysis further revealed that the exudate contains appreciable amounts of
these phytochemicals, particularly carbohydrates and tannins, which are known
to possess adhesive, dye-binding, antioxidant, and industrially useful
properties. FTIR spectroscopic analysis identified significant functional
groups such as hydroxyl (O–H), carbonyl (C=O), alkene (C=C), methylene, and
alkane groups, indicating the presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and
unsaturated compounds within the exudate. The presence of tannins and
hydroxyl-containing compounds indicates that Dacryodes edulis exudate
may serve as a useful natural mordant, binder, adhesive, and eco-friendly raw
material in the production of inks, coatings, textiles, and related industrial
products. The study therefore demonstrates that Dacryodes edulis exudate
has considerable potential as a renewable and biodegradable biomaterial capable
of reducing dependence on synthetic and environmentally hazardous industrial
chemicals. Further studies on its physicochemical performance, bioactivity, stability, toxicity, and large-scale industrial applications are recommended
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