GC-MS Profile of Centella asiatica Ethanolic Extract

Abstract

Centella asiatica is a plant commonly found in Indonesia which contains a complex array of phytochemicals, including terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids; and has been used to treat skin conditions. This study aims to determine the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of C. asiatica. The plant used was obtained from Yogyakarta. GC-MS was used to profile the extract, and the data was processed using Agilent software and compared against the NIST database. The results showed two highest peaks with the highest similarity index: a peak with retention time of 17.1808 minutes, predicted to be geraniol; and a peak with a retention time of 7.015 minutes, predicted to be tetraethyl silicate. Tetraethyl silicate is a synthetic compound used as an insulator, a cross-linking agent, binder, and a starting material in the synthesis of various chemical compounds. Therefore, the presence of this compound’s peak can be assumed to be a result of contamination. Geraniol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, can be synthesized via both the mevalonate and MEP pathways. The synthesis of C. asiatica triterpenoids, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, can also occur via the same pathways. Therefore, it is unsurprising that other terpenoids were also found in the extract. The composition of C. asiatica essential oil varies depending on its growing location. Essential oil from C. asiatica growing in grasslands and agricultural lands in Nepal shows a relatively high geraniol content. In contrast, the one grown in South Africa is more dominated by sesquiterpenes such as humulene and caryophyllene.

Keywords: Centella asiatica, phytochemical profile, GC-MS