Chemical Composition of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Annona squamosa L. and A. muricata L. (Annonaceae) Using GC-MS Analysis

Ethanolic seed extracts of Annona squamosa L. (sweetsop) and A. muricata L. (soursop) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to determine their phytochemical constituents. Results of GC-MS analysis showed that ethanolic seed extract of A. squamosa was predominantly saturated and unsaturated fatty acids or their esters consisting of hexadecanoic (palmitic) acid, cyclopentadecanone, butyl octadecadienoate, ethyl oleate and octadecenoic acids. Compounds present in A. muricata include dodecanoic (lauric), tetradecanoic (myristic), ascorbic acid dihexadecanoate, octadecenoic acid, ethyloleate and oleoyl chloride. The main chemical constituents identified in this study may be responsible for the reported repellent or anti-feeding effect of the extract on the Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and could offer an alternative source of natural insecticide against subterranean termites.