GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY OF N-BUTANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF CARICA PAPAYA

Crude extract of carica papaya leaf was defatted with n-hexane and subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning by successively using solvents of increasing polarity, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Carica papaya extract in the various solvents were separately tested for antibacterial activities and the n-butanolic fraction was found to be most active against the test organism. The fraction obtained from the n-butanolic extract of C. Papaya by subjecting it to column chromatography and thin layer chromatography successively was analysed with GC-MS. GC-MS analysis was done to determine the compounds or group of compounds in the plant extract which may substantiate its use in herbal medicine. GC-MS of carica papaya leaf extract showed eight peaks, indicating the presence of eight compounds. Three of these compounds were identified based on the molecular structure, molecular mass and calculated fragments. The identified compounds are ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (vitamin C), Oleic acid ethyl ester (9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester) and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid). Vitamin C is known to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptic (reduction of pains within neurones) activities. Moreover vitamin C has antibacterial activities and also enhances the quality of spermatozoa. Fatty acids and their esters like stearic acid and oleic acid ester are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. They interfere with bacterial growth and survival. Fatty acids and their esters have been identified as the active ingredients in herbal medicines and their presence in carica papaya leaf extract validates its use in traditional medicine.