Gynochthodes ridsdalei, a member of the Rubiaceae family, is an endemic species found in the
southern-western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. This plant is used in traditional
medicines. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of G. ridsdalei leaves using
preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
analysis. Preliminary phytochemical screening involved the use of different solvents such as
petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Screening revealed the presence of
various compounds, including carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, proteins,
amino acids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides, in the leaf extract. GC-MS analysis of
the methanolic leaf extract was performed to obtain a more detailed profile of its constituents. A
total of 23 compounds were identified in the extract. The major constituents detected were n-
hexadecanoic acid (51%), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (3.63%), tetradecanoic acid (2.89%), 2-
butenedioic acid (Z)- dibutyl ester (2.60%), methyl glycocholate, 3TMS derivative (2.59%), and octadecanoic acid (2.21%). Mass spectra were interpreted using the National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) and Wiley Library databases. The analysis revealed that the leaves of G.
ridsdalei contain a significant amount of organic compounds. The findings highlight the potential
pharmacological and therapeutic relevance of this species.
Keywords: Gynochthodes ridsdalei, GC-MS, Phytochemicals, Therapeutic potential
Publication date: 01/02/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/February/MS_IJBPAS_2025_8664.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.2.8664
