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GC–MS Analysis of Persicaria bistorta: Uncovering the Molecular Basis of Its Traditional Medicinal Use

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Abstract

Persicaria bistorta is a perennial herb used traditionally in treating various ailments, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding. In this study, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis to identify the chemical composition of Persicaria bistorta. The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. Among those, the most important from medicinal points of view are ethyl oleate (3%), cyclotetradecane (4.74%), dodecanoic acid (4.69%), hexadecanoic acid (5.61%), tetradecane (5.25%), cis-13-octadecenoic acid (10.91%), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (32%). The GC–MS analysis of ethanolic fraction of Persicaria bistorta involved in antibacterial activity showed about 18 compounds. Among those, the most important from a medicinal and nutritional point of view are bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (42.20%), 6-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, (Z)- (10.37%), ethyl oleate (6.84%), hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (6.67%), and methyl ester and oleic acid (5.27%). Reported biological antibacterial activity has shown that the main compound determined in both extracts was bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which has higher peak area percentage in ethanolic extract than in ethyl acetate fraction. Some oily compounds important for health because of their cis-conformation were also revealed in the given study like ethyl oleate and oleic acid. Overall, results suggest that Persicaria bistorta may have therapeutic potential and warrant further investigation. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Persicaria bistorta as a natural medicine and determine its active compounds’ mechanisms of action.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Sabir Khan & Amina Arif

  2. Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University College of Conventional Medicine, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan

    Shafia Arshad

  3. Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

    Imran Masood

  4. School of Medical Lab Technology, Minhaj University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    Saba Abbas

  5. Department of Zoology, Govt. College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan

    Asma Waheed Qureshi

  6. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Gulab Devi Educational Complex, Ferozpur Road, Lahore, Pakistan

    Asia Parveen

  7. School of Biochemistry, Minhaj University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    Zeemal Seemab Ameen

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Khan, S., Arshad, S., Masood, I. et al. GC–MS Analysis of Persicaria bistorta: Uncovering the Molecular Basis of Its Traditional Medicinal Use. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 196, 2270–2288 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04580-0

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