International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition

Authors
Nda-Wonodi W, Nwauche K T, Ibiama B G

Abstract
Poly- herbal bitters are composed of numerous groups of chemical compounds extracted from herbs and roots and are characterized by their bitter taste. Currently, the use of poly-herbal bitters presumed to cure various types of diseases has been on the increase. This study, evaluates the bioactive compounds of two brands of poly-herbal bitters sold in Port- Harcourt using GC-MS analysis. The result revealed that the GC-MS spectral showed different peaks, identifying the presence of 17 bioactive compounds. The bitter composition of the prevailing compounds expressed are Pentadecanoic acid (22±0.18%), Methyl stearate (25 ±1.84%), Bis 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (34 ± 0.39%), Oleic acid (15± 0.30%), 9-Octadecanoic acid (31 ± 0.08%), Cyclodecane (11 ± 0.09%), diethyl phthalate (16 ± 0.14%), phthalic acid ( 21 ± 0.07%), Cyclotetredecane ( 23 ± 0.08%), and the (% Area) are 5.17, 5.68, 8.15, 1.20, 4.19, 0.90, 0.75, 1.94, 0.92, and 1.49 respectively. Only these 9 compounds identified have established and documented pharmacological use and supports the advertised usage of the formulations. Based on the upsurge in the quest to determine whether the consumption of poly- herbal remedy mixtures are safe, further research should be done with specific biomarkers.