Analysis of phytochemical composition of Bersama abyssinica by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry

Abstract

Bersama abyssinica has been reported to possess a varied range of therapeutical and pharmacological applications due to presence of bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical present in the Bersama abyssinica leaf, stem bark and root bark methanolic fraction using Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 24 phytocompounds were identified from leaves whereas 21 compounds from stem bark and 19 from root bark. The classes of compounds identified include; terpenes, vitamin, carotenoid (rhodopin), flavonoids, steroid, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Most of the identified compounds were previously reported to possess antimicrobial, antitumor, antiseptic, preservative, and insecticidal and antioxidant activities. Bersama abyssinica leaf methanolic fraction had higher amount of compounds. The most abundant metabolites to all fractions are 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-, 1,2,3-benzenetriol, 2,3-dimethylfumaric acid, 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid, ethyl ester; levoglucosenone, 2,5-dimethoxythiophenol and D-Melezitose recorded in leaves, stem bark and root bark of Bersama abyssinica.