Phytochemical Screening of Fish Poison Tree, Barringtonia Asiatica Seed for Potential Biopesticidal Activity and Pharmaceutical Uses

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify the phytochemical contents in the seeds of fish poison tree, Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz. The qualitative and quantitative analysis were ascertained using standard conventional methods and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) technique. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarin and tannins in the seeds. In addition, the seed contained 42 compounds which includes Vitamin E, (45.89%), fatty acid esters (LAEE, 40.30%; PAEE, 10.24%; (E)-9-ODAEE, 6.73%) and sterols (chondrillasterol, 14.20%; lanosterol, 7.29%; and stigmasterol, 7.02%). Furthermore, chemical components such saponins, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides present in the seed were found positive for biopesticidal activity. The analysis confirmed that fish poison tree seed is a potential source of bioactive substances that may support pharmaceutical uses and biopesticide production.