Using GC-MS for natural product analysis in Nigeria: Problems and prospects

Abstract

The absence or idle state of analytical equipment such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometers and chromatographic techniques has constrained natural products research in Nigeria. Presently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has become the more easily available method in Nigeria for the identification of natural products in extracts. This method is sometimes fraught with non-reproducible results and the identification of non-natural or biosynthesized compounds. Several of the extracts analyzed are not volatile, some of the analysts are not competent and certified reference standards are hardly used. These coupled with poor library or database matches and data processing among others lead to the identification of compounds not recognizable from the extract or plants materials under study. This review discusses some of the problems involved in the use of this method for dereplication studies of plant extracts in Nigeria and makes some suggestions for improvement.