GC-MS Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds Present in the Leaves of Citrus medica. L

Objective: The main objective of the present work is to analyse the phytochemical compounds present in the leaves of Citrus medica L using GCMS. Materials and Methods: The collected fresh young leaves of Citrus medica L were shade dried, grinded to fine powder and kept in dry conditions. The dried powdered leaf material was extracted successively with methanol in an orbital shaker for 24 hrs at room temperature. Whatman No.1 filter paper was used to filter the extract and the extractable substances were removed, at every 3 hrs interval. The combined extracts were then evaporated at 40°C on water bath and the dried extract was used for GCMS analysis Results: The methanolic extract of Citrus medica L confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides based on the presence or absence of colour changes. The sixteen chemical constituents identified from methanolic leaf extract of Citrus medica. L by GC-MS analysis were found to have various biological activities like anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. Conclusion: Thus the GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of Citrus medica. L showed a highly complex profile, containing approximately 16 components. This study may be useful to explore the pharmacological and biosynthetic activity of the plants further. The leaves were rich sources of valuable bioactive compounds and can be explored as nutraceuticals.