GC-MS analysis of Sapindus marginatus seed extract in petroleum ether

Abstract

The seeds of Sapindus marginatus are commonly called as Ritha (Soapnuts) and belong to Sapindaceae family. Soapnuts are being considered and used major commercial ingredient in cosmetics, detergents as well as in many other products. Further, the various parts of S. marginatus are well known for their medicinal properties. Therefore, we sought to analyse chemical constituents present in the seeds of S. marginatus by GC-MS. The seeds were processed for oil extraction by Soxhlet extraction technique using the solvent as petroleum ether at 60 ͦC -80 ͦC, around twenty two percent oil was recovered from seeds sample. In findings more than 40 compounds were found. Among which six main monounsaturated compounds have been discussed according to their retention time (RT), %age of peak area, molecular formula and molecular weight. Moreover, GC-MS study revealed the presence of cis-Vaccenic acid (C18:1), cis-13-Octadecenoic acid (C18:1), trans-13-Octadecenoic acid (C18:1) at RT 22.18 and its peak area 40.48 %. These compounds were present in high amounts whereas cis-13-Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), cis-11-Eicosenoic acid (C20:1) and cis-10-Nonadecenoic acid (C19:1) at RT 23.56 and peak area 7.74 were present in low amounts in seed oil. These are prominent components present in the seed oil. Further, these compounds have various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-hypercholesterolemic activity etc. Therefore, we conclude that the seeds of S. marginatus can be used for medicinal purposes.