Comparative GC-MS analysis on phytochemical constituents in Tinospora cordifolia stem (TCS) aqueous extract by different extraction techniques

Abstract

The present study was designed to identify the phytochemical profile and yield of Tinospora cordifolia stem aqueous extracts obtained by Soxhlet extraction and Boiling methods. The Soxhlet extraction had a higher percentage yield (14.89%), when compared to the Boiling method (6.7%). Further, GC-MS analysis of the Soxhlet extract identified 19 phytoconstituents viz., alcohols, esters, alkaloids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The major compounds were Glycerin (25.08%), Inositol, 1-deoxy-(15.81%) and 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-(9.79%), along with other potent bioactive compounds such as Desulphosinigrin and Columbin. These metabolites have been reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer effects. On contrary, the extract obtained by Boiling method contained 13 compounds, with Inositol, 1-deoxy-(75.30%) being the major compound followed by other polar carbohydrate derivatives. In conclusion, the Soxhlet extraction method not only enhanced the yield but could also extract a diverse spectrum of therapeutically significant phytochemicals. The presence of compounds such as columbin, desulphosinigrin and ferulic acid derivatives deciphers the potential of T. cordifolia stem as a promising source in the treatment and management of oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, inflammation and cancer.