Bio-activity in Flowers of Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br.- An Endangered Medicinal Plant from Thar Desert of Rajasthan (India)

Background: Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae), an endangered medicinal plant distributed in various habitats in semi-arid region of Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Present study is focused on the extraction of bioactive compounds from the flowers of this plant by Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using Methanol and chloroform as solvents. Methods: Flowers were collected from hilly and stony regions from xeric and harsh conditions of Indian Thar Desert of Rajasthan, during the month of July-September. The phytochemical compounds were investigated using Perkin-Elmer gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology library. Result: Maximum % area is found for 24-Norursa-3, 12-diene is present in maximum amount (26.25%) with retention time (RT) =39.441 min, followed by Tetracontane (20.68%) with RT=30.275min in the methanolic extract. Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol, acetate, (3.beta.)- is present in maximum amount (35.70%) with retention time (RT) =38.569 min, followed by Tetracontane (15.24%) with RT=29.678 min in the chloroform extract of flowers of Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. Conclusion: Flowers of Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. shows important pinpoint pharmacological activity. These bio-active constituents can be used by pharmaceutical or other drug designing industry to find a novel drug and pharmacologically active constituents justifying the use of this plant to treat many ailments.