Characterization of Some Phytochemicals from Sudanese Medicinal Plants and their Biological Activity

Abstract

This study was designed to study the constituents of the oils of some Sudanese medicinal plants and to assess their antimicrobial effect. The GC-MS analysis of Azadirachta indica oil revealed the presence of 29 components. Major constituents are : 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(37.20%) ; methyl stearate(20.42%) ;hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(19.13%) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(12.60%). At a concentration of 100mg/ml the oil showed moderate activity against Escherichia coli .The GC-MS analysis of Gerwia tenax seed oil showed 12 components dominated by : 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (51.69%) ; hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(18.83%) ; 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(16.41%) and methyl stearate(9.33%). The oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.It also showed significant anticandidal activity. The GC-MS analysis of Citrus aurantifolia oil revealed the presence of 24 components. Major constituents are: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(34.23%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(26.24%); 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester(14.09%) and methyl stearate(10.66%). The oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The GC-MS analysis of Lawsonia mermus seed oil showed 49 components dominated by: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(34.15%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(14.00%);and methyl stearate(7.50%).The oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The GC-MS analysis of Senna italic revealed the presence of 19 components. Major constituents are: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(40.27%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(20.06%); 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(17.32%); and methyl stearate(13.47%);The oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. In the GC-MS analysis of Carthamus tinclorius oil 24 components were detected, dominated by: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(51.13%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(13.49%); methyl stearate(9.05%); and 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(7.99%);This oil showed moderate antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.