DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN LEAF EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM TRAVANCORICUM GAMBLE- AN ENDANGERED TREE SPECIES USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND MASS SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Syzyium travancoricum, belongs to the family Myrtaceae, is a critically endangered tree species found in marshy swamps of Western Ghats. Syzygium travancoricum has long been revered as medicinal plant among the local population, owing to its valuable medicinal properties. However, the phytochemical constituents and biological activity present in the plant extract of Syzygium travancoricum have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study is to identify phytochemical components present in the ethanolic extract of the leaves from Syzygium travancoricum using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) technique. GC MS analysis of the ethanolic extract of the leaves from Syzygium travancoricum was performed using Nexis GC – 2030 and a Gas Chromatograph interfaced to a Mass Spectrometer. The purpose of this study was to identify the potential chemical constituents present in the leaf extract of Syzygium travancoricum. This analysis revealed that the plant extract contains many phytocomponents. It mainly consists of Diethyl azodicarboxylate (26.3%) whose byproducts are considered as a potent antiviral and antitumor agent. The plant extract also consists of other phytocomponents such as 1,3,6-Octatriene,3,7-dimethyl-(Z), Caryophyllene, Naphthalene,Decahydro-4a-methyl-1-methylene-7-(1- methylethyl)-, Bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene,4,11,11- trimethyl-8-methylene-, Caryophyllene oxide, Phytol, 1OE,12ZOctadecadienoic acid, 1H-Benzoimidazole,5-ethoxy-2-phenethylsulfanyl-, 1H-Pyrazole,4,5-dihydro-1,3,5-triphenyl-, Myrtenyl caprate, Squalene. The mass spectra of all the phytochemicals present in the plant extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. From this analysis, it is proved that Syzygium travancoricum plant extract contain many bioactive compounds. If this plant is protected from its extinction threats, it can be used in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fragrance industries.