Infrared Spectroscopy and Microorganisms Associated with African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica) Seeds Sold in a Municipal Market in Imo State, Nigeria

This work evaluated the infra-red (IR) spectra of the oil extract from African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) seeds, popularly called ‘ehuru’ in the eastern part of Nigeria – among the Igbos. The microbial analysis of the dried ‘ehuru’ seeds was also carried out in order to ascertain the prevailing bacteria and fungi on the outer coat of this invaluable seed as sold in the market. Monodora myristica oil extract was obtained through soxhlet extractor using ethanol of Analar grade. About 15 g of the extract (oil) was obtained after assessing 400 g of the ground dried seeds of the sample. Infra-red analysis of the oil extract was evaluated. The IR spectra of the extract indicated that the sample contained the following functional groups: phosphate esters, ketones, amides, amines, amino acids, ammonium salts, alkenes, phenols, alkanes, ether, lactams and carboxyl groups. There is no doubt that the presence of these chemical functional groups in Monodora myristica seed conferred to its antimicrobial quality, therapeutic potentials, and its use as food additive (spice). Common microorganisms associated with the dried ‘ehuru’ seeds were bacteria - Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp.; fungus - mucor sp. The presence of these microorganisms on the seed might have been introduced as a result of exposure to unhygienic conditions by local handlers and frequent touching by buyers.