Identification of Secondary Metabolites from Tridax procumbens using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Technique

Background: Secondary metabolites in plants help counteract biotic and abiotic stress and can be utilized in sustainable and eco-friendly farming. This study identifies secondary metabolites in the weed Tridax procumbens (coat buttons). Methods: Extracts (aqueous, methanol, hexane) were prepared from the stem with leaves, root and flower of Tridax procumbens and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Bioactivity was evaluated using Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Result: The aqueous extract revealed 8 compounds in the stem with leaves, 14 in the root and 10 in the flower. The methanol extract revealed 40 compounds in the stem with leaves, 31 in the root and 23 in the flower. The hexane extract revealed 20 compounds each in the stem with leaves and flower and 18 in the root. These compounds showed biocidal, bioactive and biodegradable properties with potential applications as pesticides, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants and more. Hence, Tridax procumbens shows promising applications in many fields.