Structural Exploration of Secondary Metabolites from Rhaphidophora decursiva by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and GC-MS Techniques

Abstract

Rhaphidophora decursiva, an ornamental plant of the Araceae family, exhibits immense biological properties. For example, it can be used for the treatment of colon cancer, skin diseases, and malaria, as well as an activating agent to enhance blood circulation. A detailed literature survey revealed that only a limited number of alkaloids and lignins have been identified from this genus. Therefore, the current study aimed to conduct detailed phytochemical analyses of Rhaphidophora decursiva using hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques. The leaf extracts were prepared by refluxing the leaves of Rhaphidophora decursiva in various solvents (n-hexane, methanol, and 20% hydromethanol). Prior to mass spectrometric analyses, preliminary assessments of these extracts were performed to ascertain the classes of compounds and the types of sugars present. Mass spectrometric analyses led to the tentative identification of twenty four phytochemicals from this plant. Fourteen of these phytochemicals were identified by using the negative ionization mode of HPLC DAD-ESI-MS whereas the GC-MS analysis assisted in the characterization of the remaining ten phytochemicals. The identified compounds seemed to have connections with significant biological outcomes. The exploration of biologically significant phenolics and hydrocarbons illustrated that the plant is enriched in phytochemicals. It can be used as a potential candidate for further research to use in various life-saving drugs.