GC/MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Some Medicinal Plants

Abstract

In this study the oils from six plants of medicinal attributes (Acacia seiberiana, Acacia alata, Leucaena leucocephala, Pongamia pinnata , Delonix regia and Cassia auriculata) have been investigated by GC.MS and the antimicrobial activity has been screened. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry has been used for the identification and quantification of Acacia seiberiana oil. The analysis revealed the presence of 22 components dominated by 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (31.21 % ). Acacia seiberiana oil has been screened for antioxidant activity against stable DPPH radicals .The oil exhibited weak antioxidant activity. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis of Leucaena leucocephala oil showed the presence of 18 components dominated by 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (38.70 % ). The oil did not exhibit any antioxidant activity. GC/MS was conducted for Acacia alata oil. The analysis revealed the presence of 23 components. Major constituent being 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (22.73 % ). Acacia alata oil has been screened for antioxidant activity against stable DPPH radicals.The oil exhibited very weak antioxidant activity. GC/MS was conducted for Pongamia pinnata oil. The analysis revealed the presence of 15 components dominated by 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(53.58%). The oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. Analysis of Cassia auriculata oil revealed the presence of 16 components . Major component being 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (33.02 % ). The oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. GC/MS for Delonix regia oil showed the presence of 16 components dominated by 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (34.07 % ). The oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.