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Abstract
Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat fever, inflammation, jaundice, tumors, and metabolic disorders. Its pharmacological potential is thought to arise from bioactive secondary metabolites, yet comprehensive profiling of stem extracts remains limited. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic stem extracts using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Dried stem material of S. jollyanum was extracted sequentially with water and ethanol. Extracts were analyzed using GC–MS, and compounds were identified by matching mass spectra to the NIST library. Retention times, relative peak areas, and compound identities were documented, with particular attention to unsaturated fatty acid derivatives. GC–MS detected 33 and 34 compounds in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The aqueous extract was dominated by inositol, 1-deoxy- (43.45%), along with α-methyl mannofuranoside, phytol acetate, and five unsaturated fatty acid derivatives, including methyl and ethyl oleate, oleamide, and 9-octadecenal. The ethanolic extract contained a higher proportion of lipophilic compounds, including triolein (13.46%), squalene (7.35%), methyl and ethyl oleate, oleamide, and 10-undecenoic acid methyl ester. Overall, unsaturated fatty acids and their esters accounted for over 30% of the total peak area in both extracts. S. jollyanum stems are a rich source of pharmacologically relevant UFAs (Unsaturated fatty acids), sugar alcohols, and bioactive lipids. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts provide complementary phytochemical profiles, supporting the plant’s traditional medicinal applications and highlighting its potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Further studies are warranted to isolate individual compounds and validate their therapeutic effects.
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