GET THE APP
GC-MS Evaluation of Stem Bark Extract of Sterculia oblonga for Biomedical Potentials
..

Journal of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products

ISSN: 2472-0992

Open Access
Submit Manuscript arrow_forward arrow_forward ..

Research Article - (2024) Volume 10, Issue 4

GC-MS Evaluation of Stem Bark Extract of Sterculia oblonga for Biomedical Potentials

Patience Yake Nkom1, Esther Offiong Asuquo2*, Lynius Ashipu Bebiaundeye1 and Endurance Egwu Ukam3
*Correspondence: Esther Offiong Asuquo, Biomaterials and Bio-energy Research Group, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria, Email:
Author information
1Department of Chemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
2Biomaterials and Bio-energy Research Group, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
3Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria

Received: 01-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. jpnp-24-145188; Editor assigned: 03-Aug-2024, Pre QC No. P-145188; Reviewed: 15-Aug-2024, QC No. Q-145188; Revised: 22-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. R-145188; Published: 29-Aug-2024 , DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2024.10.312
Citation: Nkom, Patience Yake, Esther Offiong Asuquo, Lynius Ashipu Bebiaundeye and Endurance Egwu Ukam. “GC-MS Evaluation of Stem Bark Extract of Sterculia oblonga for Biomedical Potentials.” J Pharmacogn Nat Prod 10 (2024): 312.
Copyright: © 2024 Nkom PY, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

The stem-bark of Sterculla oblonga, which is a rich lignocellulosic material, was analysed using GC-MS chromatography in other to identify the bioactive compounds present in the plant and deduce its possible therapeutic potentials. The pulverized plant sample was extracted by maceration for 48 hours using ethanol solvent, after solvent recovery, the crude extract was used for the GC-MS analysis. Results revealed the presence of 12 bioactive compounds namely: 1-(Butylsulfanyl)-2-ethoxyethane 4-methoxyphenol (mequinol), 2,6-dimethoxy-phenol (Syringol), 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenol, 4,4,5,6-Tetramethyltetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-2-thione, n-Hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid), 1-Docosene, 14-methyl-8- hexadecen-1-ol, 1,19-Eicosadiene, Z-10-Tetradecen-1-ol acetate, 1-Nonadecene and Oleic Acid. These chemicals were further grouped into 5 viz organo-sulphur (2%), phenols (24%), alkaloids (2%), fatty acids/esters (22.18%) and hydrocarbons (8.66%). Because of the high percentage of phenolic compounds present, the ethanolic extract of stem-bark of S. oblonga could find useful therapeutic applications as antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic agents.

Keywords

Bioactive compounds • Stercula oblonga • Organo-sulphur • Phenols • Hydrocarbons

Introduction

The biopolymers called hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties, make up most lignocellulosic materials [1]. One of the most prevalent natural materials, lignocellulosic materials has favorable qualities like low density and biodegradability. They are also readily available, cheap, and environmentally friendly. Massive amounts of lignocellulose are extracted from agricultural waste, but only a small amount of that is used since lignocellulose's biotechnological significance is not well understood [2]. The amount of lignocellulosic content available in a material varies. Considering the enormous amount of chemical compounds available in the extract from these biopolymeric materials, there are countless prospects for the development of new drugs [3]. For instance, example aqueous extracts from willow leaves (Salix sasaf) have been reported to be effective against Guman carcinoma cells and have been tested in vivo and in vitro [4]; antimicrobial activity of Punica granatum has been reported to be effective against all test microorganisms [5]. The heavy dependency of people on traditional medicine for primary health care has prompted in-depth research into plants to enhance their curative properties [6]. Some common sources of lignocellulosic materials are shown in Figure 1.

pharmacognosy-natural-products-lignocellulosic

Figure 1. Common sources of lignocellulosic materials.

Yellow Sterculia, or Sterculia oblonga (Figure 2), is a commercial wood tree in the Malvaceae family that is found mostly in tropical rainforests in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. It is reported that the edible seeds have a pea-like flavor. They are best eaten roasted or raw. Handbags, hats, rope, paper, and other items are made from the bark's fibers. The wood can be used to build little furniture pieces, like cupboards, or matchsticks.

pharmacognosy-natural-products-sterculia-oblonga

Figure 2. Pictural view of Sterculia oblonga.

The dried wood of Steculia oblonga has been reported to contain 11.5 – 12.4% furfural; 36.2 – 46.32 cellulose; 19.8-21.2% pentosans; 18.2-22.7% lignin; and 1.3-3.2% ash [7]. Ezeonu CS and Ejikeme CM [8] also reported that S. oblonga contain tannins, 124 mg/100g; flavonoids, 3.4%; alkaloids, 10%; cyanide, 1.66 mg/100g; lipids 4.8%; phenol, 620 mg/g; and oxalate, 1.31 g/100g. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of essential oil from S. oblonga shows that the plant contains 33 compounds ranging from simple compound like p-xylene to very complex compounds like diisoctylphthalate [9]. Report on petroleum spirit extract showed that the plant contains 25 natural products which include 2-myristgnoyl pantetheine; D-limonene, limonene-b-0l, pivalate, chalestan-3-Ol, 2-methylene-, (3 , 5 ), cis-13-eicosenoic acid, Hexadecane, I, l-bis(dedecyloxyl), Z-plytol, and 17-pentatriacontene [10]. This study aimed to analyze the ethanolic extract of S. oblonga stem bark via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine their probable usage in pharmacology and ascertain their phytochemical composition.

Methodology

Plant sample

The fresh stem bark of yellow sterculia (Sterculia oblonga) was collected from the rain forest of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The identification and authentication of the plant sample was done by the Herbarium Unit of Botany Department, University of Calabar. It was washed clean with distilled water, air-dried, crushed into tiny pieces, and stored at room temperature in air-tight containers for further studies.

Extraction

The maceration method of extraction was used in this study because of its easy method, no heat involved, suitable for thermally sensitive materials, inexpensive installation and maintenance costs. A total of 850 g of the dried plant was extracted sequentially using ethanol by cold maceration for 48 hours. The resulting solution was filtered and concentrated to dryness using rotary evaporator.

Determination of the secondary metabolites of the crude extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

The identification of the individual compounds of the ethanol crude extract was done by standard method using a GC-MS analyzer. The components were identified by correlating the masses of the generated spectra to those of the library's reference mass spectra.

Results and Discussion

Results in Table 1 show the yield of the three extracts and the calculated percentage yield for the three extracts. Gas chromatogram of ethanol extract of S. oblonga stem bark is presented in Figure 3. The GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in ethanol extract of sterculia oblonga stem bark and pharmacological potentials of the phyto-compounds in the ethanolic extract of S. oblonga stem bark are presented in Table 2 and Table 3 respectively.

pharmacognosy-natural-products-chromatogram

Figure 3. Gas chromatogram of ethanol extract of Sterculia oblonga stem bark.

Table 1: Percentage yields of extract.
Solvent Weight of Plants (g) Weight of Extract (g) Colour of Extract Texture of Extract Percentage Yield (%)
Ethanol 1200 13.21 Green Sticky 11

Table 2: GC-MS results of secondary metabolites in ethanol extract of Sterculia oblonga stem bark.
S/N Retention Time Peak Area (%) Molecular Formula MW Name of Compound
1. 3.37 1 C8H18OS 162 1-(Butylsulfanyl)-2-ethoxyethane
2. 4.6 1.56 CH3OC6H4OH 124 4-methoxyphenol (mequinol)
3. 7.72 0.9 HO(CH3O)2C6H3 154 2,6-dimethoxy-phenol (Syringol)
4. 10.48 1.12 C9H12O4 184 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenol
5. 12.95 0.93 C8H15NOS 173 4,4,5,6-Tetramethyltetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-2-thione
6. 13.55 9.98 C16H32O2 256 n-Hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid)
7. 16.74 1.14 C4H8O2 308 1-Docosene
8. 17.92 2.75 C17H34O 254 14-methyl-8-hexadecen-1-ol
9. 18.25 1.53 C20H38 278 1,19-Eicosadiene
10. 19.99 8.8 C16H30O2 254 Z-10-Tetradecen-1-ol acetate
11. 20.19 3.24 C19H38 266 1-Nonadecene
12. 20.64 3.4 C18H34O2 282 Oleic Acid

Table 3: Pharmacological potentials of the phyto-compounds in the ethanolic extract of Sterculia oblonga stem bark.
S/N Name of Compound Class of Phytochemical Major Function Pharmacological Activity
1. 1-(Butylsulfanyl)-2-ethoxyethane Organo-sulfur Antibiotic and antidiabetic agent Anti-cancer agent [11], fertility activity
2. 4-methoxyphenol (mequinol) Phenol Antimicrobial Diabetic Wound dressing [12], cosmetic preservative [13]
3. 2,6-dimethoxy-phenol (Syringol) Phenol Antimicrobial Antitermitic activity [14]
4. 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenol Phenol Antimicrobial Anti-invasive cancer agents [15], Antiplasmodial activity [16]
5. 4,4,5,6-Tetramethyltetrahydro-1,3-oxazin-2-thione Alkaloid Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Cosmetics, anti-cancer and anti-cholesterol activity [17]
6. n-Hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid) Fatty acids/ Ester Anti-inflammation Anti-inflammation [18], Cytotoxic activity [19]
7. 1-Docosene Hydrocarbon Antimicrobial Antibacterial [20], antioxidant [21] and antifungal activity [22]
8. 14-methyl-8-hexadecen-1-ol Hydrocarbon - No therapeutic report
9. 1,19-Eicosadiene Hydrocarbon Antimicrobial Antidiabetic activity
10. Z-10-Tetradecen-1-ol acetate Ester sex pheromone Sex attractant [23]
11. 1-Nonadecene Hydrocarbon Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer [24]
12. Oleic Acid Fatty acid Antimicrobial; Anti-inflammatory Anti-inflammation, modulation of leukocytes activity [25,26]

The GC-MS analysis of the stem-bark of S. oblonga showed the presence of twelve (12) different phytochemicals including organo-sulphur compounds (2%), phenols (24%), alkaloids (2%), fatty acids/esters (52%) and hydrocarbons (20%) (Figure 4) From the results, it is safe to say that the stem-bark of Sterculia oblonga contains very high amount of fatty acids/esters, followed by phonols, and hydrocarbons. The presence of these compounds sums up the effective use of the plant in many pharmacological applications such as wound healing, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and sex stimulant activities.

pharmacognosy-natural-products-phytochemicals

Figure 4. Percentage composition of phytochemicals identified in the crude ethanolic extract of Sterculia oblonga stem bark.

Organo-sulfur compounds have shown antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and may be beneficial in fighting infections [27,28]. A study by Kamenetsky R, et al. revealed that organosulfur compounds could have fertility potential [27]. Other therapeutic applications of Organosulfur compounds include: Anti-cancer [11], antioxidant activity [29]. However, the GC-MS chromatogram of the stem-bark of S. oblonga revealed only 2% of organo-sulfur content.

The presence of phenolic compounds in medicinal plants contributes significantly to their therapeutic potential. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other bioactive properties that can help prevent or alleviate various health conditions. By consuming plant-based foods rich in phenolic compounds or using herbal remedies derived from these plants, individuals may benefit from the protective effects against oxidative stress-related diseases [30].

Plants rich in alkaloids continue to be valuable sources of bioactive compounds with diverse medicinal properties that contribute to human health and well-being. Many medicinal potentials of alkaloid compounds including antioxidant activity [31], and antidiabetic activities have been reported [32].

The most significant amount of phytochemicals present in the bark of S. oblonga stem is fatty acid/esters. This suggests that the plant could be a great source of health essential oil if properly extracted. The oils may help lower the adverse effects of diabetes and blood pressure [33].

Plants containing hydrocarbons have shown potential therapeutic implications in various fields, primarily because of the existence of secondary metabolites that can exhibit medicinal properties. Some plants produce hydrocarbons that possess antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory properties [34] and anti-cancer potentials [35].

Conclusion

The bark on the stem of Sterculia oblonga revealed the existence of twelve (12) different phytochemicals including organo-Sulphur compounds (2%), phenols (24%), alkaloids (2%), fatty acids/esters (52%) and hydrocarbons (20%). The presence of these compounds makes the plant a suitable choice for variety of therapeutic applications as far as herbal medicine is concerned.

References

  1. Lobo, Flávia CM, Albina R. Franco, Emanuel M. Fernandes and Rui L. Reis. "An overview of the antimicrobial properties of lignocellulosic materials." Molecules 26 (2021): 1749.

    2. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  2. Ojo, Abidemi Oluranti. "An overview of lignocellulose and its biotechnological importance in high-value product production." Fermentation 9 (2023): 990.

    3. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  3. Cos, Paul, Arnold J. Vlietinck, Dirk Vanden Berghe and Louis Maes. "Anti-infective potential of natural products: How to develop a stronger in vitro ‘proof-of-concept’." J Ethnopharmacol 106 (2006): 290-302.

    4. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  4. Nassr-Allah, Amr A., Ahmed M. Aboul-Enein, Khalid M. Aboul-Enein and David A. Lightfoot, et al. "Anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activity of some Egyptian medicinal plants." J Med Plants Res 3 (2009): 799-808.

    5. Google Scholar

  5. Gil, María I., Francisco A. Tomás-Barberán, Betty Hess-Pierce and Adel A. Kader. "Antioxidant capacities, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and vitamin C contents of nectarine, peach, and plum cultivars from California." J Agric Food Chem 50 (2002): 4976-4982.

    6. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  6. Sasidharan, Sreenivasan, Y. Chen, D. Saravanan and K. M. Sundram, et al. "Extraction, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from plants’ extracts." Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 8 (2011).

    7. Google Scholar

  7. https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/plant-resources-of-tropical-africa-71-timbers-1
  8. Ezeonu, Chukwuma S. and Chigozie M. Ejikeme. "Qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemical contents of indigenous Nigerian softwoods." New J Sci 2016 (2016): 5601327.

    9. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  9. Morah, Frank NI and Emmanuel A. Bisong. "Chemical composition and testosterone level enhancing property of Sterculia oblonga leaf essential oil in male albino rats." Public Health 6 (2019): 100024P16FM2019.

    10. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  10. Morah, Frank NI and Emmanuel A. Bisong. "Chemical composition of Sterculia oblonga leaf petroleum spirit extract and its testosterone level enhancing property in male albino rats." Int J Chem Biochem Sci 19 (2021): 89-93.

    11. Google Scholar

  11. Shoaib, Shoaib, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Mohammed Ghazwani and Umme Hani, et al. "Prospective epigenetic actions of organo-sulfur compounds against cancer: Perspectives and molecular mechanisms." Cancers 15 (2023): 697.

    12. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  12. Abdelbasset, Walid Kamal, Safaa M. Elkholi, Khadiga Ahmed Ismail and Hasan S. AL-Ghamdi, et al. "Mequinol-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan electrospun wound dressing as a potential candidate to treat diabetic wounds." Cellulose 29 (2022): 7863-7881.

    13. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  13. Almeida, R. S. R., M. M. Taccini, L. F. de Moura and U. L. Ceribelli, et al. "Potential of pyroligneous extract of Eucalyptus wood as a preservative of cosmetic and sanitizing products." Waste Biomass Valorization 10 (2019): 1111-1118.

    14. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  14. Oramahi, Hasan, Tsuyoshi Yoshimura, Elvi Rusmiyanto and Kustiati Kustiati. "Antifungal and antitermitic activities of vinegars from two biomass resources at different pyrolytic temperatures." J Appl Bio Sci 14 (2020): 26-38.

    15. Google Scholar

  15. Parmar, Virinder S., Suman Gupta, Kirpal S. Bisht and Shubhasish Mukherjee, et al. "Synthesis and X-ray structure of 2-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenol: A potent anti-invasive agent against solid tumours." Acta Chemica Scandinavica 50 (1996): 558.

    16. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  16. Verotta, Luisella, Mario Dell'Agli, Andrea Giolito and Marco Guerrini, et al. "In vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts of Tristaniopsis species and identification of the active constituents: Ellagic acid and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-(6 ‘-O-galloyl)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside." J Nat Prod 64 (2001): 603-607.

    17. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  17. Dardouk, Fareed, Hallah Arandi and Mohammad Makharzeh. "Extraction of Corn silk and its applications in healing and cosmetics’." (2019).

    18. Google Scholar

  18. Aparna, Vasudevan, Kalarickal V. Dileep, Pradeep K. Mandal and Ponnuraj Karthe, et al. "Anti‐inflammatory property of n‐hexadecanoic acid: Structural evidence and kinetic assessment." Chem Biol Drug Des 80 (2012): 434-439.

    19. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  19. Ravi, Lokesh and Kannabiran Krishnan. "Research article cytotoxic potential of N-hexadecanoic acid extracted from Kigelia pinnata leaves." Asian J Cell Biol 12 (2017): 20-27.

    20. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  20. Keke, Collins Obinna, Winifred Njideka Nsofor, Francis Koku Ras Kumabia and Godian Chima Iloabuchi, et al. "GCMS and FTIR analysis of ethanol and methanol leave extract of Urena lobata (Caesar weed) for bioactive phytochemical constituents." J Drug Deliv Ther 13 (2023): 99-115.

    21. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  21. More, Kamlakar, Sunil Tayade, Prashant Gawande and Surendra Manik, et al. "Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. leaves and seeds: GC-MS based metabolic profiling." Indian J Nat Prod Resour 13 (2022): 163-169.

    22. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  22. Jabeen, N., A. Javaid and E. Ahmed. "Antifungal activity and phytochemical profile of chloroform soluble fraction of Datura metel fruit." J Anim Plant Sci (2022): 1085-1091.

    23. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  23. Jacobson, Martin, Kiichi Ohinata, Derrell L. Chambers and William A. Jones, et al. "Insect sex attractants. 13. Isolation, identification, and synthesis of sex pheromones of the male Mediterranean fruit fly." J Med Chem 16 (1973): 248-251.

    24. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  24. Banakar, Prabhanna and M. Jayaraj. "GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds from ethanolic leaf extract of Waltheria indica Linn. and their pharmacological activities." Int J Pharm Sci Res 9 (2018): 2005-10.

    25. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  25. Sales-Campos, Helioswilton, Patricia Reis de Souza, Bethanea Crema Peghini and Joao Santana da Silva, et al. "An overview of the modulatory effects of oleic acid in health and disease." Mini Rev Med Chem 13 (2013): 201-210.

    26. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  26. Dilika, F., P. D. Bremner and J. J. M. Meyer. "Antibacterial activity of linoleic and oleic acids isolated from Helichrysum pedunculatum: A plant used during circumcision rites." Fitoterapia 71 (2000): 450-452.

    27. Google Scholar

  27. Kamenetsky, R., I. London Shafir, F. Khassanov and C. Kik, et al. "Diversity in fertility potential and organo-sulphur compounds among garlics from Central Asia." Biodiver Conserv 14 (2005): 281-295.

    28. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  28. Petropoulos, Spyridon, Francesco Di Gioia and Georgia Ntatsi. "Vegetable organosulfur compounds and their health promoting effects." Curr Pharm Des 23 (2017): 2850-2875.

    29. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  29. Micová, Marianna, Judita Bystrická, Ján Kovarovič and Ľuboš Harangozo, et al. "Content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in garlic (Allium sativum L.)." Acta Agric Slove 111 (2018): 581-595.

    30. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  30. Kumar, Naresh and Nidhi Goel. "Phenolic acids: Natural versatile molecules with promising therapeutic applications." Biotechnol Rep 24 (2019): e00370.

    31. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  31. Gan, Jin, Ying Feng, Zhao He and Xian Li, et al. "Correlations between antioxidant activity and alkaloids and phenols of maca (Lepidium meyenii)." J Food Qual 2017 (2017): 3185945.

    32. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  32. Tiong, Soon Huat, Chung Yeng Looi, Hazrina Hazni and Aditya Arya, et al. "Antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of alkaloids from Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don." Molecules 18 (2013): 9770-9784.

    33. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  33. Silva, A. P. D. S., Wanessa Almeida da Costa, MdLAR Salazar and Bezerra P. do Nascimento, et al. "Commercial and therapeutic potential of plant-based fatty acids." IntechOpen 5 (2018): 73-90.

    34. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  34. Perumal Samy, Ramar, Gautam Sethi, Vincent TK Chow and Bradley G Stiles. "Plant-based hydrocarbon esters from Tragia involucrata possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities." Infect Disord Drug Targets 13 (2013): 141-153.

    35. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  35. Al-Saraireh, Yousef M., Ahmed MM Youssef, A. Z. Alsarayreha and Tayel A. Al Hujran, et al. "Phytochemical and anti-cancer properties of Euphorbia hierosolymitana Boiss. crude extracts." J Pharm Pharmacogn Res 9 (2021).

    36. Google Scholar, Indexed at

Awards & Nominations

50+ Million Readerbase

GC-MS Evaluation of Stem Bark Extract of Sterculia oblonga for Biomedical Potentials

Journal Highlights

Google Scholar citation report
Citations: 606

Journal of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products received 606 citations as per Google Scholar report

Citation image
Journal of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products peer review process verified at publons
Publon image

Indexed In

Related Links

PMC/PubMed Indexed Articles
Alarm Odor Compounds of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Exhibit Antibacterial Activity
 

Open Access Journals

arrow_upward arrow_upward