GC-MS Profiling of different fractions of Physalis minima Linn., leaves

Abstract

Objective: To explore the volatile bioactive compounds present in different fractions of methanolic crude extract of Physalis minima by GC-MS analysis.

Method: The leaves of Physalis minima were extracted by soxhlation technique. The crude methanol extract thus obtained was fractioned with n-hexane, chloroform and ethanol. Gas chromatography Mass spectroscopy was used for the chemical profiling of different fractions of Physalis minima. The volatile bio-actives were further identified by their peak areas in GC-MS field. An extensive literature review has been carried out for determining the pharmacological use of the identified constituents.

Results: A total of 35, 40, and 38 components were found in n-hexane, chloroform and ethanol fractions with a total peak area of 97.35%, 97.24%, 98.16% respectively. The major phytoconstituents identified include dodecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- methyl ester, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester, 2,6-Dodecadien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl- (Z,E) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester that possess appreciable anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Also, phytol, often used as precursor in vitamin E preparation was identified in n-hexane fraction.

Conclusion: Thus, the GC-MS analysis of the Physalis minima leaf fractions showed an enriched presence of various bioactive constituents possessing proven anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory activities.