Phytochemical screening and physicochemical analysis of oil extracted from seeds of Bombax ceiba and determination of antioxidant activity

Bombax ceiba, an ethnomedically useful plant belonging to the Bombacaceae family, is traditionally used to treat various ailments. With the increase of interest in herbal remedies globally, it is imperative to scientifically validate the phytochemical profiling to ensure therapeutic utility and safety. The present study was designed to comprehensively analyze the phytochemical composition of Bombax ceiba seeds oil to provide evidence for its medicinal uses. The recommended standard Soxhlet extraction method was used to isolate the oil from the seeds. Its chemical profile, physicochemical parameters and antioxidant potential were characterized. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 31 diverse phytoconstituents including vital terpenoids, ketones, esters, alcohols, aliphatic acids, and other compounds in minor quantities which are known to possess wide pharmaceutical applications. The key unsaturated fatty acids identified with nutritional and therapeutic benefits were oleic, linoleic, palmitoleic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. The high iodine value of 67.832g I/100g indicates a high degree of unsaturation. Although the DPPH assay showed minimal antioxidant activity, the myriad of bioactive components confers significant pharmacological utility to Bombax ceiba seeds oil. By providing in-depth phytochemical insights, this research work validates this oil's traditional and other medicinal uses, which can be further explored for newer ethnomedicine development.