Phytochemical Screening and Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Heliotropium indicum Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts

Abstract

Aim: Heliotropium indicum is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of H. indicum. Methods: Fresh H. indicum leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried and then pulverised. Aqueous and ethanolic extractions were performed using the cold maceration technique according to established protocols. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, as well as GC–MS characterisation of both extracts, were carried out using standard procedures. Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that both extracts contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, fixed oils and fats, terpenoids, phytosterols and phlobatannins, although only the ethanolic extract contained proteins and amino acids. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract contained higher levels of flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins than the aqueous extract, whereas the aqueous extract showed higher tannin and carbohydrate contents. Fifty-four (54) bioactive compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract, while forty (40) bioactive compounds were identified in the aqueous extract through GC–MS analysis. These identified bioactive compounds have been reported to have several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiandrogenic, anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, hypercholesterolaemic and hepatoprotective activities. Conclusion: The presence of these health-promoting bioactive compounds in H. indicum aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts supports the therapeutic use of this plant in traditional medicine and could be further explored in the development of novel therapeutic compounds that may help in managing several diseases.