GC MS/MS analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Alcoholic Seed Extract of Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam

Introduction: Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam. (GU) belonging to the family Malvaceae, commonly called Bastard Cedar is native to tropical American countries. It was introduced into India more than 100 years ago. Methods: In the present study, alcoholic seed extract of Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam. was subjected to GC MS/MS analysis and chemical compounds were characterized. Results: Totally sixteen compounds were characterized. Chemical analysis of the extract showed that it includes bioactive compounds like D-Asarinin (65.02 %), 2,6-Bis (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo (3.3.0) octane (20.12 %), 1-Dodecanone, 2-(imidazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl) (7.54 %) and o-Anisic acid, tridec-2-ynyl ester (3.33 %) as major constituents. Minor components such as Vitamin E, γ – Tocopherol, Ergost-5-en-3-ol, (3β), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester is also present. Conclusion: Based on the above results, the seeds of this plant could posse’s oxygen (92.27 %), hydrocarbon (0.19 %) and nitrogen (7.54 %) derivatives of volatile principle. This is the first-time report on the composition of seed of GU.


INTRODUCTION
Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam.(GU) is wildly distributed in tropical America from Mexico to the northern part of Argentina and the middle part of Brazil.It has been naturalized to the local climatic conditions.This species has high economic importance.GU grows to 30 m in height and 30-40 cm in diameter with a rounded crown and drooping foliage.Bark is grey or greybrown becoming furrowed and rough with age.Young branches are covered with stellate hairs.Leaves are simple, alternate, with serrate margins, 5-7 cm long.Flowers are yellow-brown, about 1 cm long in 3-5 cm long axillary inflorescences.The fruit is a round or elliptic 5 celled capsule that opens at the apex.When the fruit is ripe, it is black and contains 40-80 seeds, each 3-5 mm in diameter.There is approximately 100 g of clean seed in 1Kg of fruits and 1,50,000 clean seeds per Kg. 1 The use of the plant is well documented in the traditional literature as a remedy for various ailments, such as bronchitis, burns, diarrhoea, asthma, inflammation, alopecia, diuretic, astringent and veneral diseases. 2revious investigations of the chemical composition of GU have indicated the occurrence of flavon-3-ol procyanidins, 2 nitrile and a glucoside, menisdaurin. 8

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The fruits of Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam. was collected and dried at 60 °C for 24 hrs.The dried fruits were pulverized manually to remove the seeds.The seeds were purified and stored in air tight container.
The GU seed was extracted with ethanol and analyzed through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry for identification of different components. 12e analyses of the alcoholic extract were run on 436-GC Bruker operating in the EI mode at 70 eV, equipped with a split/splitless injector (280°C).Column BR-5MS (5% Dimethyl polysiloxane), 30 m × 0.2 mm ID × 0.25 µm df).Oven temperature was programmed as follows, 110°C hold for 3.50 min, then increased upto 200°C at the rate of 10°C per min with no hold, then increased upto 280 °C at the rate of 5°C per min for 12 min hold.Carrier gas (1 ml/min), Split 10:1, Sample injected was 2 µl and Injector temperature was 280°C.Total GC running time was 40.50 min.TQ Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer detector and Software MS Work station 8 was used for the analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The different compounds identified in the alcoholic extract of GU, along with their molecular formulae, molecular weight and the % peak area are listed in Table 1.A total of 16 compounds were identified and the structures of these compounds are predicted in Figure 1.Their GC-MS/ MS chromatogram has been shown in Figure 2.Among the various compounds identified, 2,6-Bis(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo (3.3.0)octane, commonly known as D-Asarinin, Vitamin E, γ -Tocopherol have been reported to possess antihypertensive, oxidative stress management 13 and hyperlipidemic activities. 14urther, some phytosterols like Ergost-5-en-3-ol, (3β)-, commonly known as Campesterol is known to inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol. 15Stigmasterol, a precursor in manufacturing of semisynthetic progesterone and vitamin D 3 , also an intermediate in biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens and corticoids. 16,17β-Sitosterol, a potential dietary phytosterol for prevention and therapy for human cancer. 18

CONCLUSION
The present study was focused on characterization of bioactive compounds of alcoholic extract of seeds of GU by GC MS/ MS analysis and the 16 compounds identified are responsible for the various pharmacological actions shown by GU.Therefore, the above results confirmed Gauzuma ulmifolia Lam. as a new valuable component for food and nutraceutical applications in the promotion of health. 11