Investigation of biomolecules from the fractions root extract of Medicago sativa using GC-MS

Investigation of biomolecules from the fractions root extract of Medicago sativa using GC-MS

Vaibhavi Savalia, Devang Pandya

Background: According to Ayurveda, Homeopathic, Chinese traditional system of medicine & modern research, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa, Family Leguminosae) is used as hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and in atherosclerosis, heart disease, cancer and in stroke. The root of Alfalfa can be used to prepare different formulation like powder, pill, or decoction for lowering cholesterol & lipid. Moreover, methanol extract of roots of M. sativa demonstrated significant inhibition of Angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Objective: So, the present study was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents present in the fractions of methanolic extract of the root of M. sativa by GC-MS analysis.

Materials and methods: Successive methanol extract was prepared by maceration using toluene, chloroform, and methanol. Fractions were isolated by flash chromatography from methanol extract. Chemo- profiling of selected fractions based on TLC was done using GC-MS. The interpretation of the results of GC-MS was ascertained using the database of the National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST) library. A detail literature survey was performed to find therapeutic use of phytoconstituents detected by GC-MS analysis.

Result: GC-MS of fractions of M. Sativa root methanol extract revealed the presence of a total of 28 phytoconstituents out of which, 16 were found medicinally important. Two of those phytoconstituents, didodecyl phthalate, and lupeol, as supporting evidence of antihypertensive activity. Another important phytoconstituent found was Cis-tris methoxy resveratrol, a potent anticancer agent, reported for the first time in M. sativa root.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the root of Medicago sativa contains the potential medicinal value, yielding various phytoconstituents that confirm the application of this plant in various ailments.