Phytochemical Analysis of Leaves of Wendlandia thyrsoidia (R. and S.) by GC-MS analysis

Abstract Plants serve as a basis of traditional medicinal systems for thousands of years. Wendlandia thyrsoidea (R. and S.) is one of the important medicinal plant belonging to family Rubiaceae and commonly called as showla or Ranper. It is large shrub or small tree with white fragrant flowers. Leaves simple, whorled or sometimes opposite, elliptic- lanceolate. Traditionally leaves of this plant are used in the treatment of bone fracture and arthritis. The present investigation was carried out to determine the chemical components in the leaves of Wendlandia thyrsoidea (R. and S.) by GC-MS technique. It is revealed that Benzene 1-methoxy-4-(2,2-dicyanoethenyl) (33.99%); n-Hexadecanoic acid (19.67%) and Squalene (21.21%) are found as major compounds and nine minor compounds such as 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3, 5- dihydroxy-6-methyl (4.25%); Pentadecanal (3.69%); Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.91%); Linolenic acid, methyl ester (0.34%); Phytol (2.59%); 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (1.83%); 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (4.56%); Octadecanoic acid (2.01%) and Hexadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (1.94%). Many of these phytocomponents have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic. hypocholesterolemic, antiandrogenic, antioxidant and analgesic properties which justify the folklore use of leaves in traditional system to cure various ailments.