Identification of compounds in hexane extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and their comparison with selected over the counter products

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze hexane extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina(Ee) roots and to compare their chemical composition with some selected over the counter (OTC) products. Selection of the OTC products was based on their usage in treating stomach ailments, similar to the usage of E. elephantina in some regions of Southern Africa. A gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and a Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR) spectrometer were used for data acquisition. OTC products included dulcolax, fish oil, imodium, senokot, stool softener, castor oil, and triphala. GC/MS results indicated that E. elephantina roots contained hexadecanoic, 9,12-octadecadienoic, 9-octadecenoic, and octadecanoic acids as major components, making up about 3 mg fatty acids/g E. elephantina roots. The OTC products contained at least two fatty acids in common with E. elephantina, namely, hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids. Principal component analysis of the FTIR/ATR data indicated high similarities between E. elephantina roots and senokot or triphala, and the least similarities between E. elephantinaand fish oil, castor oil, and stool softener. Key words: Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR) spectrometry,Elephantorrhiza elephantina, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), hexane extracts, fatty acids, over the counter (OTC) products.