GC-MS, FT-IR, and ICP-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in the Methanolic Leaves Extract of Thalictrum foliolosum

Background: There are many therapeutic effects of medicinal plants that are used in treating and preventing a variety of diseases. Recently medicinal plants contain many bioactive compounds which are playing an important role in the health sector. The use of herbal medicine is based on the fact that herbal medicines are safe without any ill effects on human health and are easily accessible at minimum cost. However, there is an urgent need to assure the quality and efficacy of the product. Objectives: The main objective of current study directed to characterize possible the phytochemical compounds and mineral elements present in the methanolic leaves extract of the Thalictrum foliolosum plant by using GC-MS, FTIR, and ICP-MS analysis to ensure quality of this medicinally important herb and for a better understanding of its pharmacological claim. Materials and Methods: Thalictrum foliolosum was collected in July and August from the Hatu peak at an elevation of 3400 m in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The fine powder of the plant leaf was extracted with methanol at room temperature for 8 hr. The chemical analysis of bioactive compounds of Thalictrum foliolosum has been evaluated using GC-MS, FTIR and ICP-MS. Results: GC-MS analysis disclosed the presence of 48 compounds which shows various medicinal activities. The major phytoconstituents were Octacosanol (22.37%), Diethyl Phthalate (22.32%), Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, ethyl ester (6.14%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (4.11%) and many more which exhibited antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The compounds found in the extract were compared with mass spectra from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The crude extract was analyzed in a spectrometer Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 and characteristic peaks were recorded indicating various functional groups such as phenol, alkanes, alcohol, amides, and amines are present. The ICP-MS technique was simultaneously used to trace the mineral element and the result revealed the presence of important micronutrients including manganese (1,770.517 ppb), ferrous (22,604.753ppb), zinc (4,322.423 ppb), chromium (491.231), copper (7,048.321ppb) and potassium (450,067.837ppb). These mineral element acts as cofactors for more than 3000 enzymes that regulate various metabolic pathways in the living system. Hence our study provides a huge platform to screen out these bioactive compounds and mineral elements which are used to treat various lethal and lifestyle diseases. Conclusion: The current study reveals that the methanolic leaves extract of Thalictrum foliolosum contains various phytoconstituents which were responsible for various biological activities. The relative concentration of bioactive compounds and mineral elements is reasonable and can be considered for medical purposes.