Isolation, characterization of lignan compound Pinoresinol in Iraqi Mesembryanthemum Cordifolium

Among the Aizoaceae family, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium remains significantly understudied regarding its therapeutic properties despite its abundance. This large family is mostly native to Southern Africa and counts at least 120 genera. M. cordifolium's traditional anti-inflammatory and antidepressant uses are scientifically supported. Its antioxidant, analgesic and cytotoxic properties and promising antidepressant activity, highlight its significant pharmacological potential, warranting further research. This study addresses this research gap by conducting the first investigation into the phytochemical components of Iraqi M. cordifolium and the isolation of a key compound. For 24 h, the entire plant powder, 100 g, was immersed in 100 mL n-hexane to remove any fat. After that, the defatted plant material was extracted with eighty-five percent methanol using the Soxhlet apparatus until it was entirely exhausted. The extract undergoes sequential liquid-liquid fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity: petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate, using a separatory funnel. This process allows for the separation of compounds based on their differential solubility in immiscible solvents. The results of the phytochemical analysis show that the methanolic crude extract contains steroids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Pinoresinol compound was identified using the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pinoresinol was isolated using preparative layer chromatography (PLC) and its identification was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Analyses revealed that the plant contains lignan compounds with useful medicinal properties, so additional research into the M. cordifolium plant is necessary because it contains a wealth of components with promising health benefits for humans.