Chemical composition of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken

Abstract

Natural chemicals with medicinal qualities are an endless source of chemical molecules, making them a valuable source of pharmacologically active molecules. Humans have always looked for these plants, not only for food but also for medicinal purposes. Bryophyllum pinnatum is a succulent perennial herb native to Africa and Asia. The plant is traditionally used in northern Nigeria to treat and manage various ailments. To date, no studies have been carried out on the chemical composition of B. pinnatum in northern Nigeria. The study examined the chemical composition of B. pinnatum leaves in northern Nigeria. Soxhlet extraction was used to extract the essential oil using three different solvents (dichloromethane, hexane and hexane-acetone). The chemical composition of the essential was identified with Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Thirty-five compounds were identified from the essential oil extracted with dichloromethane, twenty-five from the essential oil extracted with hexane, and twenty-three from the essential oil extracted with hexane-acetone. But the three solvents were found to be dominant by Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The study provides the first chemical composition of B. Pinnatum, which can be fully utilised by industry and pharmaceutical companies. Further studies are needed to ascertain each identified compound's pharmacological and industrial usage.