Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis and Phytochemical Screening of Polyherbal Aqueous Leaves Extract (PALE)

Background: Polyherbal plant extracts which usually comprise of two or more plant parts often contain a wide array of key phytoactive constituents relevant in attaining greater therapeutic efficacy. The active constituents derived from individual plants are insufficient to provide attractive pharmacological action when compared to a combination of multiple herbs.

Objective: To conduct phytochemical screening of polyherbal aqueous leaf extracts (PALE) and analysis of compounds present in it by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Materials and Methods: The polyherbal extract was prepared from the combined aqueous extracts of leaves of Alchornea cordifolia, Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum using ratio 1:1:1 w/v. Phytochemical screening was done via standard analytical methods. The identification and characterization of compounds by GC-MS analysis was performed on gas chromatography system coupled with mass spectrometry.

Results: The phytochemical analysis of PALE revealed the presence of phenols, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins in varying quantities. GC-MS analysis of the extract depicts the presence of key bioactive compounds. Thirty-two bioactive compounds were identified with various retention time and % peaks. The major compounds identified in terms of % peak area are n-Hexadecanoic acid (6.72), Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (7.28), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (16.54) and 9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (12.92). Disulfide, dimethyl (0.04), 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (0.28), 1-Dodecanol (0.85), 10-Phenyldecanoic acid (0.12), 1-Hexadecanol (0.75), Methoxyacetic acid, pentadecyl ester (0.27), 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, phenylmethyl ester (0.16), Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) (1.09), were among the minor compounds identified in the extract. From the study, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid indicated the highest peak with a retention time of 20.556 minutes and % peak area of 16.54%.

Conclusion: The presence of the revealed bioactive constituents in PALE may suggest its nutraceutical, pharmacological and therapeutic relevance. Therefore, in view of the medicinal importance associated with the observed bioactive constituents, further studies on the toxicity level of the extract is advised subsequently.