GC-MS characterization of n-hexane soluble compounds of Cyperus rotundus L. rhizomes.

Cyperus rotundus L., popularly known as nutgrass or nagarmotha, is commonly used in the traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders. In the present study, n-hexane extract from rhizomes of C. rotundus (HCR) was analyzed for its constituents using GC-MS technique. The rhizomes were collected, washed, shade dried and powdered. N-hexane extract was prepared by cold percolation method and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. It was subjected to Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) for the identification of components thereon. Preliminary phytochemical screening of HCR revealed the presence of phenolics, sterols and terpenoids. GC-MS data indicates the presence of twenty seven low polar components in HCR. The major identified molecules include hentriacontane (7.15%), triacontane (6.12%), nonacosane (5%), octacosane (4.38%), octadecane (2.35%), hexadecane (2.32%), eicosane (1.56%), pentatriacontane (1.43%), 9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (1.37%), Heneicosane, 3-methyl- (1.27%), α-cyperone (1.25%), heptadecane (1.15%) and gamma-Sitosterol (1%). As some of these constituents are known to possess anticancer activity, HCR could be used as an active therapeutic ingredient.

Phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of some plants commonly used in Indian traditional diet.

Dietary antioxidants are known to play a key role in combating the cellular oxidative stress imposed by the free radicals as well as in inhibiting the undesirable changes in nutritional quality of food. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant properties and the major phytoconstituents of some plants regularly used in Indian traditional diet. Methanolic extracts of Costus igneus, Foeniculum vulgare, Leucas aspera, Muntingia calabura, Physalis minima and Sauropus androgynus were prepared by maceration. Antioxidant activities were assessed using phosphomolybdenum method and ferric reducing power assays. Total antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts ranged between 4.89 μg/ml to 46.0 μg/ml ascorbic acid equivalents for the tested extracts. F. vulgare methanolic extract possessed maximum antioxidant activity. This investigation revealed the potential antioxidant activity of the tested extracts and therefore, their use in the regular diet will be helpful in combating free radical associated health effects. Also, antioxidant rich formulations can be prepared using these plant materials.