Comparison of the Chemical Compositions of Two Different Non-polar Extracts of Heliotropium sudanicum Aerial Parts from Sudan

Aim: Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is a widely spread genus of plants found in the Central and Northern parts in the Sudan and used for the treatment of inflammations, and rheumatism from ancient times. The aim of this work is to provide answers to impending research questions on compounds present in petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts of the aerial parts of H. sudanicum.

Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts was performed by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer. Various constituents were identified after matching their mass fragmentation pattern with data available in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer library of National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST).

Results: Petroleum ether extract of H. sudanicum was characterized by abundance of 1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (33.99%), Squalene (20.94%) , Phytol (7.62%) and Hexatriacontane (7.49%). The constituents of the extract were fatty acid derivatives (15.24%), hydrocarbons (8.41%) and terpenoids (28.56%). H. sudanicum n-hexane extract was characterized by abundance of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,methyl ester (15.14%), 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (14.67%), Cholesterol (11.12%), Fucosterol (10.30%), gamma.-Sitosterol (9.59%) and1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (7.73%).

Conclusion: The resulted compounds in this study provide evidence for the utilization of the plant as alternative natural resource of medicinal and industrial interest. To best of our knowledge this is the first report that directly compares the two extraction solvents for active compounds from Heliotropium sudanicum aerial parts shows that petroleum ether should be the solvent of choice.