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Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Gc-Ms), and Identification of Active Insecticidal Compounds of Hura Crepitans L. (Sandbox Tree) Leaf, Bark and Root

Igiri Igiri Irem, Akpan Edidiong Udo, Inyang Attah Pius, and, Okpa Eyu Festus

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical composition, identifying and quantifying the constituents GC-MS of Hura crepitans L. leaf, bark and root extracts. Leaf, bark and root of Hura crepitans were obtained from the University of Calabar campus. 20 gm each of the pulverized two weeks air-dried samples were extracted in (1:1) 100 ml of methanol and dichloromethane. An aliquot of each concentrated extract was used for qualitative phytochemical analysis and the second part for Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of the phytochemicals analysis reveals the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and total polyphenols. Other compounds also present were; carotenoids, terpenoids, sterols, steroids, sesquiterpene lactones, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and anthracyanins. The GC-MS results of the three extracts revealed a total of 65 volatile compounds with the leaf having 42 compounds and the bark and the root have 10 and 13 compounds respectively. Among the GC-MS compounds, 9 in the leaf with average percentage purity and composition of (45. 11 and 2.28) %, 1 in the bark; percentage purity and composition (27 and 0.16) % and 7 in the root with percentage purity and composition of (24 and 2.96) % respectively were identified to either have insecticidal activity or been an active component of already branded insecticides.

Keywords

Hura crepitansphytochemicalsaverage percentage purityGC-MS.

References

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