Identification of Bio-Active Compounds in Hexane Extract of Plagiochasma intermedium Lindenb. & Gottsche (A-Liverwort) Using UV, FT-IR and GC-MS Techniques

The presence of phytochemicals has been identified from the liverwort Plagiochasma intermedium, belonging to the family Atoniaceae. The objective of this study was to analyse and identify the bioactive compounds from whole thallus hexane extract of P. intermedium using UV-Vis, FT-RI and GC-MS spectroscopy techniques. Preliminary phytochemical screening of this extract was also done by using the standard methods, this study revealed the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites. Spectral data of UV-Visible analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. FT-IR spectra absorption peaks displayed distinct vibrational stretching including C-H, C-O, and (CH2)n bending indicated the presence of lipophilic substances, like alkanes, alcohols, fatty acids, terpenes, fatty acid esters, and phytosterols. GC-MS analysis of hexane extract of this plant thalli indicated the presence of 36 volatile bioactive compounds including pentane, 2,4-dimethyl- (65.30%), n-hexane (18.87%), pentane, 2-methyl- (4.31%), and pentane, 3-methyl- (2.75%) in major quantity. The findings of the present study revealed that this research is the initial documentation of the presence of various kinds of bioactive compounds in P. intermedium, and all of which are known to have a variety of biological activities therefore, the current study suggests that this bryophyte can be used as a valuable source of new herbal drug discovery for the benefit of human society.