GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds present in the methanolic extract of Talinum fruticosum L.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and identify potential bioactive compounds present in the methanolic extract of Talinum fruticosum L. (Talinaceae), a leafy vegetable valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Methods: Fresh leaves of T. fruticosum were extracted using methanol, and the extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to identify major classes of phytoconstituents. Further characterization of bioactive compounds was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, flavones, phenols, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, and terpenoids. GC–MS analysis revealed 19 bioactive constituents, including Z,Z-4,16-octadecadien-1-ol acetate, meso-2,5-dimethyl-3,4-hexanediol, N-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, E-2-octadecadecen-1-ol, trichlorodocosyl silane, and undecane. These compounds are reported to exhibit significant pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusion: The findings support the traditional use of T. fruticosum as a medicinal plant and highlight its potential as a natural source of therapeutically active compounds. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize individual components and assess their pharmacological efficacy through in vivo investigations.