Elucidation of Bioactive Compounds in Methanol Extract of Mitracarpus Vilosus Leaf using GC-MS analysis

Mitracarpus vilosus is widely used among the indegenes of Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State for the treatment of skin lesions. This study elucidated the phytochemical constituents in 80% methanolic leaf extract of Mitracarpus vilosus. Phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were carried out on the leaf extract. The qualitative analyses showed the presence of the following phytochemicals, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. The phytochemical screen did not reveal any flavonoids. However, Squalene 14.27%, n-Hexadecanoic acid 11.60%, 2-Octylcyclopropene-1-heptanol 8.43%, Octadecanoic acid 5.45%, 1,4-Naphthalenedione 3.19% were the first five major bioactive compounds revealed by GC-MS in the leaf extract. The results of this study validated the bioactive constituents in Mitracarpus vilosus which may be the justification for its use for the treatment of skin lesions and other ailments. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-14-04 Publication date:July 31st 202