GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extracts of Smilax china and Salix alba and their antioxidant activity

Abstract

Smilax china L. familySmilacaceae and Salix alba L. familySalicaceae areplantsthathavebeentraditionally used to treat various ailments in Indian and Chinese medicine. A quantitative estimation of the methanolic extracts of these plants was performed by GC-MS analysis to obtain insight into its phytoconstituents responsible for therapeutic action. Theantioxidantpotentialofthemethanolextractsof Smilax china MESC and Salix alba MESA wereassessed with DPPH by using a UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 517 nm. The prevailing compounds found in MESC were lactam sugars including 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-dihydroxy-3 2H -furanon 1.40% , 1,5-anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2,3-diulose 4.33% , and alpha-methyl-1-sorboside 1.80% ; the two alkaloids found were 1,4-methane-4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydro10,10-dimethyl cyclohepta[d] pyridazine 0.87% and 1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine 0.54% ; terpenes included deltacadinene 0.39% , terpineol, + -cedrol 22.13% , 3-thujanol 0.77% , and 9,10-dehydro-cycloisolongifolene 0.34% ; fatty acids included cis-vaccenic acid 4.98% and telfairic acid 1.10% ; esters included 1,2,3-propanetriol diacetate 7.56% , 7-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester 1.77% , eicosanoic acid, and methyl ester 0.95% ; and glycerol included 1,2,3-propanetriol 28.75% . The interesting compounds found in MESA were reducing sugars like D-allose 4.40% and pyrogallol 10.48% , alkaloids like caffeine 63.49% , and esters like methyl octadecanoate 0.53% . Both fractions revealed considerable antioxidant activity. The reported existing phenolic compounds and terpenes are responsible for the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts.