GC-MS ANALYSIS OF FATTY ACIDS AND ESTERS IN THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Sphenocentrum jollyanum
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Abstract
Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a highly valued West African medicinal plant traditionally used for fever, inflammation, and as a stimulant. While previous research focused on its alkaloids, this study aimed to characterize the lipophilic fraction, specifically fatty acids and their esters, in
the ethanolic stem extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified nineteen fatty acids and ester constituents, confirming that this fraction
accounts for approximately 75% of the total measured semi-volatile content. The major components were derivatives of C18 fatty acids, occurring as native glycerides and alkyl esters. Key
compounds identified included the triglyceride 9-Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester
(triolein, 13.46%), the diglyceride Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl bis(ester)
(distearin, 11.92%), and (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (9.93%). The presence of numerous
ethyl esters was attributed to transesterification catalyzed by the ethanol solvent during extraction. The profile is notably rich in monounsaturated oleic acid derivatives. This high concentration of anti inflammatory lipids provides a strong biochemical justification for the plant's traditional use in managing inflammatory conditions. The findings significantly expand the phytochemicalknowledge of S. jollyanum and establish a foundational chemical profile essential for
the quality control and standardization of its herbal preparations.
the ethanolic stem extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified nineteen fatty acids and ester constituents, confirming that this fraction
accounts for approximately 75% of the total measured semi-volatile content. The major components were derivatives of C18 fatty acids, occurring as native glycerides and alkyl esters. Key
compounds identified included the triglyceride 9-Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester
(triolein, 13.46%), the diglyceride Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl bis(ester)
(distearin, 11.92%), and (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (9.93%). The presence of numerous
ethyl esters was attributed to transesterification catalyzed by the ethanol solvent during extraction. The profile is notably rich in monounsaturated oleic acid derivatives. This high concentration of anti inflammatory lipids provides a strong biochemical justification for the plant's traditional use in managing inflammatory conditions. The findings significantly expand the phytochemicalknowledge of S. jollyanum and establish a foundational chemical profile essential for
the quality control and standardization of its herbal preparations.
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