GC-MS Profiling, Acute Toxicity and Anti-Ulcer Activity of the Methanolic Seed Extract of Hunteria umbellata

Abstract

Background: H. umbellata contains alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phytobatanins, terpenoids, and fatty acids such as palmitic, myristic, and stearic acids, compounds recognized for their diverse bioactivities, including antimicrobial effects. Despite advances, there remains a critical gap in knowledge regarding the anti-ulcer properties of the methanol crude extract of H. umbellata seeds, in conjunction with its GC–MS chemical profile and acute toxicity. Aim: This study aimed to identify bioactive constituents, determine acute toxicity, and evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of the methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata, a plant traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Methodology: This is an experimental laboratory study involving phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacological evaluations. The study was conducted at the Department of Chemistry and Laboratory Animal Production Unit, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, from May 2023 to October 2023. Air-dried H. umbellata seeds were extracted with methanol using cold maceration. The extract was analysed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats following Lorke’s method, while anti-ulcer activity was evaluated using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, negative control (ethanol only), standard drug (Omeprazole 20 mg/kg), and two test groups receiving 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Ulcer parameters, including ulcer number, ulcer score, ulcer index, ulcer percentage, and percentage inhibition, were evaluated. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. Results: GC–MS analysis revealed fourteen bioactive constituents, with trans-2,7-dimethyl-4,6-octadien-2-ol (20.59%), citral (18.92%), and 2,6-octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-(Z) (12.86%) as the major compounds. Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality or visible signs of toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin. The extract significantly reduced ulcer parameters compared to the ulcer control, with ulcer inhibition rates of 20.85% and 20.62% at 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively, though slightly lower than Omeprazole (27.68%). Conclusion: The methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata demonstrated strong anti-ulcer potential and safety in rats, supporting its traditional use in managing gastric disorders. Further studies should isolate and characterise the active compounds responsible for these pharmacological effects.