Comparative GC-MS Profiling of n-Hexane Extracts from the Heartwood and Small Branches of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f.

Background

Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f. (Red Sandalwood) is an important medicinal plant known for its diverse bio active compounds. Evaluation of its phytoconstituents is essential for ensuring its therapeutic potential and quality. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques are effective tools for profiling natural products.

Objectives

The present study aims to comparatively analyze and identify the major phytochemical constituents present in the n-hexane extracts of heartwood and small branches of Pterocarpus santalinus using GC-MS.

Materials and Methods

The n-hexane extracts were prepared using liquid-liquid extraction based on polarity and analyzed through GC-MS technique.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed several bioactive compounds, with 19 compounds identified in the heartwood and 8 compounds in the small branches, Four compounds were common to both extracts, resulting in 23 unique compounds. Including lipids, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids. Homopterocarpin was identified as the major compound in both extracts with peak areas of 63.78% and 13.26%, respectively. Other compounds such as tetradecanoic acid, 3-hexadecanol and isopropyl myristate were also detected in both samples. Additionally, Pterocarpin (4.56%) was found as a major compound in the heartwood extract. These compounds are associated with antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

The comparative analysis indicates significant similarity in phytoconstituents between the heartwood and small branches, suggesting that small branches may serve as a potential alternative source to heartwood, subject to further pharmacological validation.