By Ayo Onikoyi

As the global scientific community continues to explore novel plant-based solutions for health and nutrition, Nigerian scientist and leading expert in natural product chemistry, Isaac Olatunde Awonyemi, has shared deep insight into the medicinal potential of an underutilized seed native to Nigeria—Raphia taedigera. In a landmark study published in the Eurasian Chemical Communications, Awonyemi and his team employed Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and analyze sixteen bioactive compounds present in Raphia taedigera seed oil, revealing significant therapeutic properties.

Awonyemi, with his collaborators examines this lesser-known species of the Arecaceae family. The study marks one of the first detailed investigations into the phytochemical profile of Raphia taedigera seeds and sets the stage for future research into its pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial applications.

The seeds, harvested from the teaching and research farm at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, were processed and analyzed using GC-MS, a powerful tool that separates and identifies complex mixtures of chemicals. This technique enabled the research team to detect a wide array of bioactive compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hypocholesterolemic effects.

Among the most abundant compounds found were Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (27.28%), Oleic acid (10.83%), Octadecanoic acid (10.23%), and 3-Methoxymethoxy-2,3-dimethylundec-1-ene (8.88%). These constituents have been previously linked to various health-promoting functions, including immune modulation, cardiovascular protection, and cancer prevention. The presence of Beta-Amyrin (8.31%) and 4,4,6a,6b,8a,11,11,14b-Octamethyl…octadecahydro-2H-picen-3-one (7.29%) also points to the seed’s potential in treating chronic diseases.

“These findings suggest that Raphia taedigera seed oil could serve as a functional natural product in pharmaceutical and food industries,” Awonyemi said. “With Nigeria’s vast biodiversity and rich heritage in ethnobotany, there is an urgent need to investigate and commercialize native plants with high medicinal value.”

Historically, Raphia taedigera has been appreciated locally for its sweet sap and ceremonial significance. Indigenous communities use its juice for relaxation, traditional weddings, and treatment of ailments like measles. However, its seeds have largely remained unexplored, often discarded or used minimally, despite their nutrient density—containing over 74% carbohydrates and notable amounts of protein, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids.

The research also highlights that this tree, found predominantly in Nigeria’s southern swamp forests, reproduces slowly—taking up to a year for seeds to germinate. Its fruits, encased in reddish-brown scales, house a single hard, egg-sized seed, which the researchers believe is an untapped resource for health interventions in both rural and urban communities.

One of the notable findings is the identification of n-Hexadecanoic acid (7.15%) and cis-vaccenic acid (1.94%), both known for their cholesterol-lowering properties. The oil also contained trans-13-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, and palmitoyl chloride, which collectively point to strong anti-leishmanial and anti-inflammatory activities.

To validate their findings, the researchers conducted rigorous GC-MS scanning across a wide mass range and matched the spectral data to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database. The analytical conditions were optimized for precision, using helium as a carrier gas and advanced temperature programming to separate the volatile components efficiently.

The study sets a foundation for industrial-scale extraction and utilization of Raphia taedigera seed oil. Its high oleic and stearic acid contents make it a viable candidate not just for health supplements but also for cosmetic formulations, biodiesel production, and functional food additives.

Awonyemi emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern analytical tools. “There’s a vast wealth of untapped knowledge in Nigeria’s forests and farmlands,” he noted. “With proper funding and collaboration, plants like Raphia taedigera can contribute significantly to global health challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to chronic inflammation.”

This study not only reinforces Awonyemi’s reputation as a trailblazer in applied phytochemistry but also signals a new chapter in African-led botanical research. With increasing attention on sustainable and organic therapies, Raphia taedigera might soon emerge from obscurity to become a centerpiece in natural medicine formulations.