Evaluation of the Phytochemical Profile of Ipomoea aquatica Whole Plant Extract by GC-MS

Abstract

The resurgence of interest in natural pharmaceuticals has been driven by the belief that natural medicine is healthier than synthetic medications. Plants, including Ipomoea aquatica (I. aquatica), are being investigated for their potential as medicinal agents. The study aimed to discover bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of Ipomoea aquatica Whole Plant Extract using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Ipomoea aquatica is a perennial herb distributed across Ceylon, India, Africa, Tropical Asia, and Australia. The plant's active ingredients, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, have numerous biological features, including anti-diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anticancer effects. The extract was prepared by macerating the plant material in 500 mL of methanol solution for 8 days at room temperature. The extract was then filtered and collected. The extract solution was reduced to 20 mL by evaporating the solvent at ambient temperature. The GC-MS analysis was used to analyze various compounds. The study highlights the importance of understanding the biological properties of plants in the pharmaceutical industry.