Abstract

GC-MS ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA

A. Pauline Fatima Mary* and Dr. R. Sagaya Giri

Abstract

Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) is an important medicinal herb found as a weed throughout India. It has long been used in different systems of medicine in the treatment of cancer, leprosy, asthma, wound, insect and snake bite, dandruff, hepatitis, renal disorders, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders, malaria, fever, cough, diabetes, dysentery, toothache etc.,. The powdered leaves were subjected to phytochemical screening and were found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins, Phytosterols and Terpenoids. To determine the bioactive components of ethanolic leaf extracts of A. aspera by GC-MS analysis were carried out. Twenty five compounds were identified. Some important compounds are; 9-Octadecenamide, (Z) (21.15%), Squalene (19.04%), Phytol (7.06%), Phenol, 4,6-di (1,1dimethylethyl) 2-methyl- (6.50%), à–Amyrin (4.33%), Cyclopropane, nonyl- (3.37%), Dibutyl phthalate (3.19%) etc.,. Some of the identified compounds have been reported to possess various biological activities such as Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Pesticide, Fungicide, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera, Antifungal activity, Bioactive compoounds, Phytochemical.