Analysis of Phytochemical Composition in Washingtonia filifera Leaves Using GC-MS

Abstract

The study aimed at identify the phytochemical compounds in the leaves of Washingtonia filifera using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Washingtonia filifera was selected for this study due to several key factors that enhance its importance as a research topic. First, it is an ideal model for studying the adaptation of plants to arid and semi-arid environments. It has a unique ability to withstand high temperatures and drought, which makes it suitable for studying the physiological mechanisms and environmental strategies. Its widespread use in landscaping and environmental reclamation, understanding its biological characteristics may contribute to improving its cultivation and management practices in urban and desert environments.  It was conducted at the shade house of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, on Washingtonia filifera trees belonging to the Arecaceae family. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds in the leaves of Washingtonia filifera using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of more than forty phytochemical compounds in the ethanolic extract of Washingtonia filifera leaves. The identified phytochemicals with their relative abundance were as follows: Pelletierine 1.513%, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- 4.275%, Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester 1.034%, beta-D-Glucopyranoside methyl 14.672%, Loliolide 2.92%, n-Hexadecanoic acid 4.634%, Phytol 20.834%, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, (Z, Z, Z-) 3.053%, and Vitamin E 16.61%.The present study revealed that the extract of Washingtonia filifera leaves consists of a variety of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds, some of which are novel and may be isolated, evaluated, and verified for their medicinal and biological activities, thus potentially being used as a therapeutic botanical source