ABSTRACT

Characterization of bioactive compound from Afraniomuni meleguela (K. Schum) was carried out. The phytochemical screening of the seed and leaf extracts of Aframomum inelegueta revealed the presence of bioactive compounds comprising alkaloids (0.29- 4.64%), flavonoids (2.15-5.78%), tannins (0.16-0.39%), phenols (0.10-0.11%), and saponin (0.14-1.24%). The proximate composition of the seed of Afrarnoniuni nelegueta revealed the presence of protein (7.00%), crude fibre (6.60%), lipids (1.68%), ash (4.00%), carbohydrates. (80.72%), dry matter (64.30%) and calculated food energy (357.60g/cal).The mineral constituents in the seed of this plant was calcium (1.52%), magnesium (0.34%), potassium (0.65%), sodium (0.45%), phosphorus (1.60%), copper (0.63%), and zinc (0.02%). This plant is a good source of vitamins comprising ascorbic acid (12.32%), riboflavin (0.26%), thiamine (0.24%), and niacin (0.05%). Methoxy indole alkaloid (4 methoxy 1', 7-dihydroxy,1' ethylene, 1, 2' 2' —trimethoxy indole) was isolated from Aframornum meleguela leaf. The structure was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy in combination with JR and MS spectra data. The isolation of indole alkaloid authenticates the use of the plant in phytomedicine and in disease prevention. The growth of Scierotiurn rolfsii which causes basal stem rot in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was inhibited in vitro by the seed and leaf extracts of this plant. The extracts from Afraniornum melegueta seed and leaf, showed 86.65%, and 43.47%, inhibitions respectively. The fungicidal activity of the seed extract of Afranioniuni nielegueta showed greater inhibition (86.65%) than benomyl (86.20%) a synthet pesticide. These results authenticate the use of this plant in herbal medicine and as botanical pesticide.