GC–MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Platycerium bifurcatum Leaf Extracts and their Phytomedicinal Significance

Background: Absorption of bioactive compounds from administered plant sections remains the underlying principle of phytomedicine Methods: Mature leaves of P. bifurcatum from University of Port Harcourt Botanical Garden were dried for 14 days at 23 ºC to a constant weight, pulverized to fine powder using Binatone BLG450 blender and 10g staple-sealed in three Whatman no.4 filter papers were extracted in different Soxhlet extractors using hexane, methanol and dichloromethane as solvents. The extracts were concentrated and their bioactive compounds determined using GC-MS. Results: This study revealed 4,8-Dimethylbicyclo [3.3.1] nonane-2,6-dione of 4.492% concentration in hexane extract as most predominant aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and imines. Prominent amongst alkanes alkanes, cycloalkanes and bromoalkanes was Hexadecane of 2.252% concentration in dichloromethane extract. Pentadecanoic acid 14-methyl ester and 5-Eicosene (E) in hexane and dichloromethane extracts of concentrations 18.575% and 4.912% were highest esters/ethers and alkanes. While 9,10-Anthracenedione,1-amino-2-methyl of concentration 1.385% in hexane extract was most prominent amongst pyrazolones, pyrazolidinones, organosilicons and quinones.  Phthalic anhydride of 2.356% concentration in dichloromethane extract was the highest anhydride. Prominent amongst the cyclic and heterocyclic hydrocarbons is 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol of 10.078% and 5.111% concentrations in dichloromethane and methanol extracts. 3-Eicosyne of 1.909% concentration in hexane extract was the highest alkynes and alkyl halides, while 10.047% and 24.654% of Neophytadiene in dichloromethane extract and 9-Octadecenoic acid, (E) in methanol extract were highest terpenes and carboxylic/fatty acids observed in this study. Conclusion: The presence and medicinal relevance of these bioactive components observed in this plant extracts supports its application in traditional and phytomedicinal practices and presents it as a potent medicinal plant of vital pharmaceutical relevant compounds.