GC-MS analysis unveil bioactive compounds in salicylic acid-enhanced cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp)

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an economically significant native African food legume crop that offers cheap protein and vital nutrients and is also known to contain some bioactive compounds of therapeutic value. Meanwhile, salicylic acid is a plant bioregulator that plays a prominent role in promoting growth, yield, and nutraceutical value in plants. The present study aims to investigate some bioactive compounds in cowpea that are pre-treated with salicylic acid. Cowpea seeds (Ife-BPC) that were treated/untreated with salicylic acid were ground into powder and extracted with methanol; thereafter, bioactive constituents were determined using GC-MS. The GC-MS identified 43 bioactive compounds from the extract of cowpea treated with salicylic acid, while 27 bioactive compounds were obtained from the extract of cowpea without salicylic acid treatment. This study showed that salicylic acid could be used to optimize the bioactive compounds of Vigna unguiculata and hence increase its therapeutic potential and health benefits.