Phytochemical Profiling and GC–MS Identification of Volatile Constituents from Zaleya decandra (Aizoaceae) Ethanol Extract

Abstract

Background: Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) is a key technique for identifying volatile phytoconstituents in plant extracts. Objective: To extract and profile volatile and non-volatile phytochemicals from Zaleya decandra (Aizoaceae) leaves using Soxhlet extraction, column chromatography, phytochemical screening, UV–Vis quantitation, and GC–MS analysis. Methods: Dried, coarsely powdered plant material (70 g) was extracted with ethanol (350 mL) in a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 h, yielding a crude extract (15.45% w/v). The extract was fractionated by column chromatography into three fractions, which underwent preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content (expressed as mg GAE/g), total alkaloid content (mg A/g), and total flavonoid content (mg rutin/g) were quantified by UV–Visible spectrophotometry. GC–MS analysis was performed on the extract to identify volatile constituents. Results: Preliminary screening showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and glycosides. Quantitative estimations indicated higher alkaloid content (16.37 mg A/g) compared with total phenolics (2.56 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (0.24 mg rutin/g). GC–MS profiling identified six major compounds: 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol; Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-,(n-); 4-Nonanone,8-methyl-; Eugenol; Humulene; and E-7-Octadecene — reported here as novel identifications for this plant. Conclusion: Ethanol Soxhlet extraction followed by chromatographic fractionation and GC–MS analysis effectively profiled phytoconstituents of Zaleya decandra; the extract showed a predominance of alkaloids and several volatile compounds (including eugenol and humulene) not previously reported for this species, supporting GC–MS as a suitable technique for phytochemical identification.