Phytochemical analysis of bioactive compounds in ethanolic extract of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br.

The present study was carried out to analyze the possible active constituents present in the ethanolic extract of stem bark, leaves, and seeds of Sterculia quadrifida (Sterculiaceae). S. quadrifida is locally known as "Faloak" in East Nusa Tenggara Province and commonly used in traditional medicine to treat hepatitis. Its parts were collected from Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara province. Chemical compounds were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Fifteen compounds are identified in stem bark, twenty-one compounds in leaves, and fourteen compounds in seeds that can contribute to the medicinal quality of the plant. The prevailing compounds are Tributyl acetyl citrate (35.66%), 2,6,10,14,18,22-Tetracosahexaene (20.64%) and Hexadecanoic acid (48.84%). A minor component, such as Vitamin E, is also present. Hexadecanoic (synonym - Palmitic acid) acid has been reported to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]