Investigation of chemical composition of Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle

Abstract

ilanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle is a source of various classes of biologically active compounds. This determines its phytotoxic, fumigant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic action. However, the scientific literature lacks information about its chemical composition and prospects for use in medicine. The aim of the work. The study of the qualitative and quantitative composition of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle leaves and fruits by GS / MS analysis. Identify possible future prospects for the use of the test plant in medical practice as a source of potential medicines. Materials and research. The object of research is Ailanthus altissima leaves and fruits. The tincture was obtained by maceration, the raw material was extracted with methyl alcohol at room temperature for 10 days. Qualitative and quantitative determination of active compounds was carried out on a gas chromatograph “Agilent 7890B GC System” (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA) with mass spectrometric detector “Agilent 5977 BGC/MSD” (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and chromatographic column DB-5ms (30 m × 250 μm × 0,25 μm). Results. In the course of the study, 35 biologically active compounds were identified in the leaves and 41 – in the fruits of Ailanthus altissima. It has been found that the main components of leaves are phytol – 21.15 %, hexadecanoic acid – 8.53 %, α-tokospiro A – 8.14 %, 2-C-methyl-myo-inositol – 7.78 %; the main components of fruits are α-tocopherol – 13.35 %, vaccenic acid – 11.42 %, butyric acid 2-ethylhexyl ester – 9.77 %. α-tocopherol is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions. It is for the first time when chemical composition of Ailanthus altissima leaves and fruits was established with GS/MS. 35 biologically active compounds in leaves and 41 in fruits of the studied object were identified. The main components of the leaves are phytol – 21.15 %, hexadecanoic acid – 8.53 %, α-tocospiro A – 8.14 %, and these of the fruits comprise α-tocopherol – 13.35 %, vaccine acid – 11.42 %, 2-ethylhexyl ester of butanoic acid – 9.77 %. The results can be used to create new potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keywords

• ailanthus altissima
• phytochemicals
• gas chromatography