The chemical composition of essential oil obtained from fresh seeds of Picralima nitida by hydrodistillation was analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). A total of forty-three compounds were identified. The main constituents of the oils were sabinene (12.34%), terpinen-4-ol (10.82%), α-selinene (10.78%), β-caryophyllene (8.77%), β-selinene (7.75%), α-terpineol (7.70%), α-pinene (7.25%), cymene (6.94%), eudesmol (6.27%), β-cuvebene (6.10%), β-pinene (6.04%) and α-humulene (5.78 %). The essential oils of Picralima nitida seed may possibly find applications in therapy as an anticancer agent and antifungal based on the earlier studies on some of the compounds present in the essential oil. However, the oil should be scientifically evaluated in order to maximize its medicinal value.
