Metabolomics of Above and Below Ground Parts of Commelina benghalensis an Amphicarpic Weed Using GC–MS

Abstract

Commelina benghalensis L. is an amphicarpic species of family Commelinaceae. Individual plants differentiate aerial and subterranean shoots, each bearing flowers, fruits and seeds. In the present investigation GC–MS analysis of ethanol extracts of the aerial and subterranean shoots and flowers of the species was accomplished for plants of two populations. In the aerial shoots and flowers respectively 49 to 55 and 52 to 59 compounds were detected. Comparatively their corresponding ranges in the subterranean counterparts were 60–69 and 68–85. This was achieved by comparing the chromatograms and peak values of the unknown compounds with entries in NIST database. n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, octadecanoic acid, isopropyl linoleate, lidocaine etc. are few of the compounds common to shoots and flowers of both the flowering systems. Although results also revealed differences in the nature and quantity of compounds in the two, yet it could not provide any leads to the reason for subterranean flower differentiation. Nonetheless perusal of literature revealed enormous biological activities associated with these compounds. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, diuretic, cancer preventive and antibacterial properties. Thus, on this basis Commelina benghalensis can be recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.