Phytochemical Investigation, Antioxidant Properties, and Identification of Organic and Inorganic Compounds from the Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Fruit

Introduction: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a tree belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is used for forestry and ornamental purposes. The tree is of importance due to its medicinal properties and its ability to treat infertility.  The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the fruit.   Materials & Methods: Maximum extraction yields of the fruit were determined by utilizing different solvents for extraction. Methanolic extracts of the fruit were analyzed by GC-MS. EDS analysis was utilized for elemental analysis of the dried fruit powder (pods). The fatty acid profile of the fruit was determined by GC-FID. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated utilizing the ABTS assay.   Findings: Highest extraction yields were obtained with water. Phytochemical tests confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids in ethanolic extracts of the fruit. In total, 38 organic compounds were identified in methanolic extracts of the fruit, most of which belonged to fatty acids. Totally, 8 minerals were identified of which copper and zinc were the main minerals. Analysis of lipid extracts revealed the presence of eight fatty acids. Antioxidant activity of the extracts showed that aqueous extracts had the highest IC50 value.   Discussions & Conclusions: The role of Carob fruit in the treatment of infertility can be due to the presence of many antioxidant compounds and their role in reducing oxidative stress in sperm and also the presence of nutrients as cofactors involved in the path of oxidative stress and also the presence of abundant fatty acids.