GC-MS Analysis of n-hexane Extract of Roots of Aerva lanata (Linn) Juss. ex. Schult.

Abstract

Context: The roots of the plant Aerva lanata are extensively used in Indian System of Medicine to cure urinary stones, antidiabetic, diuretic and used as demulcent. Aim: To investigate the phytoconstituents from the n-hexane extract of the roots of Aerva lanata using GC-MS analysis. Materials and Methods Roots of Aerva lanata was extracted by Soxhlet extraction method using n-hexane. The chromatogram was recorded by injecting the extract by splitless injection mode into the GC MS 5975 C Agilent equipped with a QP- 5000 (quadrupole) Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometer. Results: 23 phytoconstituents were identified by close matches with standard MS spectra and compared with NIST- 11 and WILEY library data from n-hexane extract. The major compounds reported are oleic acid (21.68%), γ-sitosterol (10.67%), Stigmasterol (5.13%), 3-β,5-α-stigmast-7-en-3-ol (4.23 %) and other constituents were found to be in traceable quantities. Conclusion: GC-MS analysis of roots of Aerva lanata revealed certain interesting facts of presentation of various phytoconstituents. The presence of various phytoconstituents contributes to the medicinal activity of the plant.