Identification of n-Hexane Fraction Constituents of Archidium ohioense (Schimp. ex Mull) Extract Using GC-MS Technique

Aims: To screen for the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents in hexane fraction of Archidium ohioenseusing the GC-MS technique.
Study Design: Phytochemical screening via GC-MS technique.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, between September 2013 and June 2014.
Methodology: The whole plant material was collected, sundried, pulverized and extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol for 48 hours using cold extraction method. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo on rotary evaporator to yield the crude extract. The crude extract was partitioned with saturated n-hexane to afford the hexane fraction. The hexane fraction was analyzed via GC-MS technique. Identification of the constituents was done by comparing the mass spectrum fragmentation pattern of each of the constituents (head to tail) with those stored in the database of National Institute Standard and Technology 11 (NIST11.L) library.
Results: The GC-MS analysis of A. ohioense revealed the presence of thirty eight compounds (phytochemical constituents). Three components appeared to be most prominent which constitute 60.03% of the total hexane fraction. The three major compounds are: pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (19.03%), 9, 12- octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (21.66%), and 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z, Z, Z) (28.39%).
Conclusion: GC-MS analysis of the hexane fraction of A. ohioense afforded three major constituents identified as: pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester, 9, 12- octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, and 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z, Z, Z).These compounds have been reported to exhibit various biological activities, hence hexane fraction of A. ohioense could serve as a source for these bioactive compounds.