GC-MS ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE UNSAPONIFIABLE FRACTION FROM SESBANIA SESBAN L. (MERR)

Abstract

Analytical characterization was undertaken for the Unsaponifiable matter (USM) fractionated from the petroleum ether extract of Sesbania sesban using GC-MS technique.  Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL Gas chromatograph equipped with Elite-5 capillary column and helium as carrier gas at a flow rate of 1ml/min was used for separation of the bioactive compounds. It was further analyzed using turbomass spectrometer operated in EI mode. Interpretation of mass spectrum was done using the database of National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST), WILEY8, and lipid library of American Oil Chemists’ Society. The identification was made based on retention time, mass fragmentation pattern, peak intensity, molecular formula and molecular weight. GC-MS profile of bioactive fraction of unsaponifiable matter (USM), showed the presence of six major compounds including squalene, various sterol and phytol. The literature study revealed that the major identified phytosterols present in the fractions possess has cholesterol reducing agents, weak estrogenic activity and few of them were even used as precursor in the manufacture of many hormone used in contraceptives.