GC–MS Analysis and Biological Activities of <i>Trigonella hamosa</i> L. and <i>Alocasia odora</i> (Lodd.) Spach

The phytochemical composition and biological activities of whole plant extracts of Trigonella hamosa and Alocasia odora were investigated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling and in vivo bioactivity assays. GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse range of bioactive compounds in both ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The ethanolic extract of T. hamosa contained 29 phytoconstituents, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (18.62%), benzoic acid (12.47%), and several fatty acids being predominant. Its methanolic extract identified 24 compounds, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (15.33%), methyl β-d-galactopyranoside (11.25%), and benzoic acid (9.47%). A. odora ethanolic extract showed 16 compounds, with benzyl nitrile (14.92%), benzoic acid (12.13%), and 1,2,3-benzenetriol (10.74%) as major components, whereas the methanolic extract revealed 19 compounds, including benzoic acid (13.81%), 1,2,3-benzenetriol (11.32%), and sulfur-containing compounds. Both plants' extracts exhibited significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. In acetic acid-induced writhing tests, methanolic extracts of T. hamosa and A. odora reduced writhing by 71.6% and 68.4%, respectively, compared to control. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, a dose-dependent inhibition was observed, with methanolic extracts showing 63.2% (T. hamosa) and 59.7% (A. odora) edema reduction at the highest dose. Similarly, in charcoal meal tests, methanolic extracts reduced intestinal transit by 65.1% and 60.8%, respectively. Overall, the methanolic extracts of both plants demonstrated superior bioactivity across all tested models, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disturbances.