Abstract

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC (GCMS) STUDIES ON THERAPEUTIC POTENTIALS OF COSTUS AFER KER GAWL LEAVES

Cynthia E. Ogukwe*, Chris O. Akalezi, Basil N. Anukam, Idika D. Idika and Emmanuel A. Awosu

Abstract

The ethanol leaf extract of Costus afer was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, column chromatography and GC-MS analysis to ascertain the compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as claimed by herbalists and traditionalists. The presence of Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids, Terpenoids and Anthraquinones were indicated in the phytochemical screening. Eluent fractions from the moderately polar solvent of the column chromatography generated Gas Chromatogram that had 6 prominent peaks indicated that the prevailing compounds were oxirane hexadecyl (4.09%), n-Hexadecanoic acid(3.68%), 9-octadecenoic acid (z)- methyl ester(3.08%), 6-octadecenoic acid (z)- (13.49%) and two pentacyclic compounds identified as Cycloursan-3-ol, acetate (36.17%) and lupenone (39.50%). The two pentacyclic compounds confirmed the presence of steroids and validates the use of C.afer leaf for antiinflammatory therapy and as an antidote for acute toxicity in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Costus afer, GC-MS, lupenone.