Exploring Guggulsterone Isomer Diversity in Commiphora mukul: A TLC and FTIR Investigation

Abstract

The resinous extract derived from Commiphora mukul, known as gum-resin, possesses significant therapeutic properties. This gum-resin has been widely recognized for its potential in treating various ailments including obesity, liver disorders, ulcers, inflammation, and even cancer. By employing diverse solvents like ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, and hexane, the crude extracts obtained from Commiphora mukul resin were subjected to qualitative analysis to detect the presence of E- and Z-guggulsterone compounds. This analysis involved employing both Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). The separation of E- and Z-guggulsterone through Thin Layer Chromatography was executed using different solvent systems, namely ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, and hexane. This separation was carried out through two distinct extraction methods: method-1 (Soxhlet) and method-2 (Cold extraction). The outcomes of these analyses were particularly informative. The results obtained through TLC and FTIR underscored the presence of pure compound secondary metabolites, specifically the steroids E-Z guggulsterone. Remarkably, the active compounds of E and Z guggulsterone were successfully detected within all four diverse extracts derived from Commiphora mukul.