Identification of heat-resistant chemical components of Ferula elaeochytris root extracts by gas chromatographymass spectrometry

Abstract

Purpose : To determine the chemical composition of Ferula elaeochytris , a plant with traditional medicinal uses, and to investigate its potential benefits. Methods : Ferula elaeochytris specimens were collected from Engizek plateau of Kahramanmaras, Turkey in early June 2017, and dried in a cool and dry place at room temperature. Once dried, they were ground into a powder using a plant grinder. A Soxhlet extractor was employed for extraction of the powdered roots using diethyl ether solvent for 4 h, and then subsequently evaporated using a rotary evaporator. The extract was analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal the components of F. elaeochytris. Results : Khusinol, ferutinin and beta-ionone, components with anti-inflammatory phytoestrogen, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities, were found in high levels (25.9, 13.9 and 22.9 %, respectively in F. elaeochytris root extract, In addition α-pinene, which has anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, hypoglycaemic and anticarcinogenic effects, was found at lower levels (12.9 % or less). Conclusion : The results reveal the presence of some therapeutically beneficial components of F. elaeochytris root extract, including compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Keywords : Ferula elaeochytris, Khusinol, Ferutinin, Beta-ionone, Anti-inflammatory Phytoestrogen, Antiproliferative, Antioxidant