Rapid Screening of Adulterants of Mesua ferrea L. by FTIR and GC-MS Techniques

Nagkesar, derived from the stamens of Mesua ferrea L., is frequently substituted with unripe fruits of Cinnamomum tamala T. Nees & Eberm. and fruits of Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. both knowingly and unknowingly in the Indian markets. The goal is to establish a reliable method for distinguishing between the genuine plant and its substitutes by leveraging the unique spectral characteristics revealed by FTIR and GC-MS analyses. Powdered plant samples underwent Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum analysis using the Bruker, Germany Vertex 80 FTIR System with a 3000 Hyperion Microscope. The samples were scanned from 4000 to 440 cm-1, and the recorded peak values of the plant materials were documented. Additionally, Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted on the soxhleted methanolic extract of stamens of Mesua ferrea L., unripe fruits of Cinnamomum tamala T. Nees & Eberm., and fruits of Dillenia pentagyna Roxb...Chromatograms obtained were studied, and compound identification was accomplished by comparing the spectrum of unknown compounds with that of known compounds. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the presence of various functional groups, including alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkenes, carbonyls, alkyl halides, and aromatic compounds in all plant samples, each with peaks at distinct absorptions. FTIR analysis revealed unique spectrum patterns facilitating the differentiation of the adulterants. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified the presence of specific compounds such as 2-Propanone, 1- hydroxy (C3H6O2), Hexanoic acid, 2- methyl (C7H14O2), 1b, 4a- Epoxy-2H-cyclopenta[3,4] cyclopropa[8,9]cycloundec[1,2-b]oxiren-5 (1aH0-one, 2,7,9,19- tetrakis (acetyloxy) decahydro-3,6,8,8,10a- pentamethyl (C28H38O11), Furanacetic acid, 4- hexyl-2,5-dihydro-2,5-dioxo (C12H16O5), Formicacid,3,7,11-trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-yl ester (C16H26O2) in the stamens of Mesua ferrea L., serving as potential indicators for detecting adulteration. The spectral fingerprints established a clear distinction between the genuine Mesua ferrea L. and its potential adulterants. The variations observed in the FTIR and GC-MS chromatograms provide robust criteria for identifying and confirming the presence of adulteration in Nagkesar samples.