Essential Oil Compositions of Aframomum danielli Seed (Ataiko)

Background: Differentiation in oil quality and the volatile component of essential oils (EOs) is associated with climatic conditions, the geographical location of collection sites and other ecological and genetic factors defining its chemotypes.

Objective: Hence this study was aimed at characterizing volatile constituents of Aframomum danielli seed collected in Choba, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, South-South region of Nigeria.

Methods: Essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID).

Results: A total of forty-two EO (99.96%) constituents were identified, monoterpenes were 32 (99.93%) and sesquiterpenes: 10 (0.03%) No oxygenated sesquiterpenes were detected. Oxygenated monoterpene was higher consisting of 18 EO compounds; 66.94% while monoterpene hydrocarbons comprised of 14 EO compounds; 32.99%. Chemical constituents in the EO include: 1,8- cineole (50.95%), β-pinene (11.79%) –terpineol (9.15%), γ –terpinene (7.45%), Sabinene (6.03%), - pinene (3.41%), α –terpinenly acetate (3.38%), terpinene-4-of(2.44%) and α-thujene (2.11%).

Conclusion: Aframomum danielli from this geographical location could serve as a rich source of 1,8- cineole.