Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of Heliotropium ovalifolium Forssk. root and aerial part extracts

In the history of folk medicine Heliotropium ovalifolium plant used to cure for inflammation, poison bites, skin and nervous disorders. The roots and aerial parts extracted by n-hexane and subjected to analysis using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Various constituents identified. Root extract was identified by abundance of hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (24.50%), methyl stearate (15.61%), oxiraneoctanoic acid, 3-octyl,methyl ester (12.29%), 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (10.17%) and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, methyl ester (7.29%). While aerial parts extract showed eight alkane compounds which were identified as major constituents (62.89%) out of these compounds was heneicosane which showed high percentage (34.14%) and consider as a bioactive molecule. The present study revealed that the fatty acids in H. ovalifolium may be explored for manufacturing industrial products and pharmaceutical agents.