Pharmaceutical potential of traditionally fermented Bambusa balcooa shoots from Assam: a GC-MS-based profiling of bioactive compounds

This study explored the bioactive compounds and pharmaceutical potential of traditionally fermented Bambusa balcooa shoots from Assam, India, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Young shoots were harvested and fermented for 10–15 days following indigenous practices. GC–MS analysis identified 28 volatile bioactive compounds, including ketones (47.35%), esters (26.08%), and sesquiterpenes (10.04%), with 2-undecanone (36.85%) and dodecanoic acid, ethenyl ester (12.41%) as dominant constituents. Nine compounds were evaluated for their pharmaceutical activities. Notably, 2-undecanone and nerolidol exhibited strong antimicrobial and anticancer effects, while n-hexadecanoic acid showed potent antitumour and immune-boosting properties. Compared with other fermented bamboo shoots from Northeast India, the higher levels of nerolidol and undecanone in B. balcooa indicate a stronger potential for anticancer and antiparasitic effects, based on literature evidence. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of fermented Bambusa balcooa shoots as functional foods rooted in Assam's ethnic cuisine, advocating their incorporation into pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.