Phytochemical Evaluation of Aerial Parts of Eryngium Billardieri growing in Iran

Introduction: Eryngium plants represent the most diverse species within the Apiaceae family, with approximately 250 species. Numerous species of Eryngium, including Eryngium campestre and E. foetidum, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. E. billardieri was selected for this study due to its purported applications in traditional Iranian medicine, as well as the absence of prior research on the chemical constituents within this plant. Materials and methods: The aerial parts of the plant were extracted by n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol (MeOH) by a Soxhlet apparatus. The MeOH extract was exposed to C18 Sep-Pak fractionation cartridge by a step gradient of MeOH-H2O. Further purification was performed by preparative HPLC and the purified compounds were separated to be elucidated with H NMR and C NMR results. The essential oil was obtained by the Clevenger apparatus. The n-hexane extract was transformed into methyl ester through a process involving saponification and esterification and the obtained essential oil and fatty acids were analyzed using a flame ionization detector (FID) and a DB-1 capillary column. Results: The 40% methanol extract led to the identification of two compounds such as decursine and Chlorogenic acid. The essential oil composition analysis yielded the following results: approximately 92% of the essential oil compounds were identified. The predominant compounds were isofenchol (36.85%), germacrene D (7.69%) and gurjunene (6.67%). The analysis of methyl esters revealed the presence of four fatty acid compounds: oleic acid with 27.2%, elaidic acid with 6.91%, palmitic acid with 4.62%, and stearic acid with 2.55% of the total area. Conclusion: Two substances (decursine and chlorogenic acid) were isolated from the methanol extract, and oleic acid was isolated and identified from the n-hexane extract. Concerning the phytochemical potential inherent in this genus and specifically in this plant, further extensive research in this domain is warranted.