Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of ethyl acetate root bark extract of Strychnos innocua (Delile)

Background Majority of phytochemicals have been known to bear valuable therapeutic activities such as insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonstipative, spasmolytic, antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. Strychnos innocua is straight-stemmed tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae and can grow up to 18 m tall. The plant is used for various pharmacological purposes. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of root bark of S. innocua using GC-MS analysis. The root bark was collected, air-dried and then crushed to powder. Standard extraction method (maceration) was used to obtain the ethyl acetate extract. The GC-MS was carried out on the extract using GC 7890B, MSD 5977A, Agilent Tech. Results Thirty-seven compounds were identified among which dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate showed the highest peak area (31.03%) and monomethyl pimelate showed the lowest peak area (0.39%). The major compounds identified were cyclooctane (methoxymethoxy), 2,4-dimethylheptanedioic acid dimethyl ester, azelaic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, butyl 8-methylnonyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, 9,15-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, cis-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester and ethyl oleate. Conclusions In conclusion, these phytoconstituents might be responsible for the medicinal efficacy of the root bark of S. innocua and can be used as a source therapeutic drug.