GC-MS Analysis of n-hexane Extract from Seeds and Leaves of Phoenix dactylifera L.

Abstract

n-hexane extract of Phoenix dactylifera L (Date Palm) seeds and leaves was analyzed through capillary GC-MS. The compounds were identified by comparison of GC-MS spectrum with library searches. A total of forty one compounds were identified from date palm seeds and leaves. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were found to be the major components from seeds while leaves extract contain fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) along with an isopropyl ester of hexadecanoic acid. The seeds extract was also found to contain some steroids and terpenoids, It is the first report of isopropyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids found in date palm leaves. Altogether twenty seven compounds are reported for the first time from date palm.