Volatile oil analysis of aerial parts of Boerhavia coccinea (Mill.)

Abstract

Volatile oil of the aerial part of Boerhavia coccinea was obtained by Clevenger-type apparatus, the chemical components were analysed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Twenty constituents were recognised in the oil which accounted for 98.05% of it. This was characterised by high level of ethers (29.85%), while most dominant compound was phytol (24.02%). The essential oil of B. coccinea mainly consisted ethers and alcohols, which is being reported for the first time.

Keywords:

• Boerhavia coccinea
• essential oil
• phytol

Acknowledgement

Authors acknowledge the use of J-laboratory facilities, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in essential oil isolation.