Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of bioactive compounds of <i>Curcuma longa</i> leaves extract

Abstract

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) is a unique plant that combines the properties of a spice, colorant, cosmetic, and drug. As a medicinal plant, it  is used by traditional healers in the treatment of ailments such as diabetic wounds, rheumatism arthritis, multiple sclerosis etc. This study  was carried out to determine the presence of potential bioactive compounds present in Curcuma longa leaves. The bioactive  compounds were extracted using the Soxhlet method of extraction and was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.  The presence of eleven chemical constituents was identified in the GC-MS analysis of Curcuma longa leaves aqueous extract. This  includes Cis-13- octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (28.40%), Cis- vaccenic acid (17.14%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (16.40%), n-  Hexadecanoic acid (15.59%), Heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, thylester (6.03%), Oleic Acid (6.02%) as well as compounds which were  identified at low level. The GC-MS analysis of Curcuma longa leaves extract showed the presence of bioactive constituents which could  have important medicinal properties. As a result, the presence of these bioactive constituents could be responsible for the therapeutic  properties of the plant which can be used to develop new antimicrobials.