Phytochemical profiling of aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Objective: Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) is a monocotyledon belonging to the family Poaceae (grass family). It is an excellent forage in the tropical and subtropical regions and the major livestock feed in West Africa, particularly for cattle, dairy and sheep. In this work, the leaves of Pennisetum purpureum (Schumach) commonly called elephant grass, were subjected to phytochemical screening using gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Methodology: Aqueous extract of Pennisetum purpureum were assessed using gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Result: In this study gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of remarkable natural bioactive components in aqueous extract of Pennisetum purpureum. The major constituents are 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid) (18.89%), Cis-13-octadecenoic acid (15.74%), 1,2-benzisothiazole (6.69%), 11-octadecenoic acid (5.53%), oleic acid (5.01%). The bioactive components in the aqueous extract of Pennisetum purpureum have favourable medicinal characteristics such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and also serve as surfactant, stabilizers, capping and coating agent in nanoparticle synthesis. Conclusion: The phytochemical profiling of aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with important medicinal properties.