Abstract

IDENTIFICATION OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS PRESENT IN EARLY FRACTIONS OF ROASTED COCONUT SHELLS BY GC-MS TECHNIQUE AND ITS APPLICATION IN ANTI-BACTERIAL & ANTI-FUNGAL ACTIVITY

Mr. Rajendra Prajapati and Dr. Satish Kolte*

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the probable components present in the aqueous solution of coconut shell extract using the GC-MS method, as well as to evaluate its antibacterial and antifungal activities. Method: A crude aqueous extract was obtained by subjecting small pieces of dried coconut shells to extraction in an earthen pot, following a method outlined in a patent. The extract was subsequently purified and collected at half-hour & one-hour interval and labelled as A and B which were further subjected to GC-MS analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed via the agar cup diffusion method. Results: The GC-MS analysis of the crude aqueous solution revealed the presence of several compounds, including Phenol, beta-Methylene-cyclobutane ethanol, Guaiacol, 3-Ethyl-3-Hepten, Cresol, 1,2-Benzedial, 2-Methoxyresorcinol, Syringol, 4-Methyl Syringol, and 1,2,3-Trimethoxy-5-methyl-Benzene. Both extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the test organisms K. pneumoniae, B. clausii, MCc 2412, L. plantarum, and S. aureus. In the antifungal study, notable activity was observed against Candida albicans (MCC1151) by both sample A and Sample B. Conclusion: This study concludes that the crude aqueous solution of coconut shell presents a potential new source of disinfectant and antiseptic, attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals and bioactive compounds such as Phenol, Guaiacol, Cresol, and Resorcinol.

Keywords: Cocos nucifera, GC-MS Technique, Crude aqueous solution, Agar cup diffusion method.