GC–MS Profiling and Antioxidant Efficacy of Dacryodes edulis Seed Oil from Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Dacryodes edulis is a fruit tree emblematic of Central Africa and highly prized for its fruit, the safou. The oil extracted from its seeds is also commonly used in herbal medicine. Aims: This study aimed to elucidate the lipid profile of the fat from D. edulis cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire and to evaluate its antioxidant potential. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the “Bio-Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances” and                     “Botany and Utilization of Plant Diversity” laboratories at Nangui ABROGOUA University between May 2022 and January 2023. Materials and Methods: The study focused on fat extracted by mechanical pressing from D. edulis seeds from Côte d’Ivoire. A sample of this extract underwent silylation with N, O-Bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) before injection for Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. At the same time, this vegetable oil was saponified, and the unsaponifiable fraction was isolated. The antioxidant capacities of these different fractions (fat and unsaponifiable) were assessed using the DPPH and FRAP assays. Results: GC/MS analysis of the fat identified saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as myristic, palmitic, heptadecanoic, stearic, linoleic, gondolic, and arachidonic acids, as well as glycerol, monoacylglycerols, and a diacylglycerol. The DPPH assay indicated that the unsaponifiable fraction was more effective, with an RC₅₀ of 0.865 mg/mL; the FRAP assay also confirmed greater reducing power for this fraction than for the total extract. Conclusion: The oil extracted from D. edulis seeds exhibited antioxidant properties. These results suggest that oil derived from D. edulis grown in Côte d’Ivoire may provide a source of base vegetable oil for various formulations, particularly for dermocosmetic applications.