Chemicals behind the use of Strombus tricornis opercula in traditional sudanese perfumery and medicine

Abstract

Strombidae is one of the major molluscan families in Sudan and due to their opercula, has tremendous economic value. In traditional Sudanese homemade perfumes and body care cosmetics, Strombidae family operculum is one of the main ingredients. Their fumigation generates a charming odor preferred by Sudanese people, used for body smoke baths by married women. Moreover, these fumes are believed to treat several gynecological disorders. In this study, we attempted to confirm the presence of volatiles with pleasant odors and compounds with pharmaceutical importance in the Strombidae opercula. Volatiles from the smoke and soak extracts of the burned opercula were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, polar components from the methanol extract of opercula powder were isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and UV spectra. The elemental and metal contents were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). GC-MS analysis revealed several phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and other functional fragrant and volatile constituents. Further, two compounds were purified from the methanol extract of Strombidae opercula, and named compounds B and D, which were identified as cyclo-(Tyr-Gly) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, respectively. ICP-MS analysis revealed the presence of various elements and metals at different levels. These findings support the historical and traditional practices and usage of the Strombidae opercula in therapeutic and esthetic products. The opercula contains many biologically active compounds and produces smoke containing volatile scent compounds, which might provide alternative pharmaceuticals and cosmetic ingredients that can cooperate to improve the manufacturing of numerous medical products.