The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(6):448-455 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14605
GC–MS profiling of acetone extracts of Andrographis paniculata: identification of bioactive compounds with pharmacological potential
Pragya Shrivastava1 , Kush Kumar Nayak2 , Zenu Jha3 , Varaprasad Kolla1
1. Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Raipur- 492001, Chhattisgarh, India
2. School of Studies in Biotechnology, Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Baster, Jagdalpur- 494001, Chhattisgarh, India
3. Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur- 493225, Chhattisgarh, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 17th November, 2025 / Accepted: 13th January, 2026 / Published : 30th January, 2026
Background: Medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive compounds vital for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications. In particular, traditional herbal remedies especially in India utilize leaves of plant, extracts containing a wide variety of secondary metabolites as flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids that differ among species. Analytical methods as Gas Chromatography?Mass Spectrometry (GC?MS) are widely employed to detect and quantify these metabolites in plant extracts. Objective: The aim of this study was to profile the bioactive constituents present in the acetone extract of leaf of Andrographis paniculata plant by using GC?MS, and to assess their potential therapeutic properties for possible pharmaceutical applications. Materials and Methods: The leaf plants of A. paniculata were collected and subjected to extraction using acetone as the solvent. Analysis was performed with an Agilent Technologies Mass Hunter GC/MS system, using version B.07.05.2479 for acquisition. The obtained chromatograms were compared with standard reference libraries to identify component compounds are secondary metabolites. Results: Several phytochemicals were detected including piperine, octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), and hexadecenoic acid (palmitic acid). These compounds are known to possess diverse biological activities. Piperine is used antimicrobial, possible anticancer adjuvant. Octadecanoic acid (stearic acid) and hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid): associated with antioxidant, anti?inflammatory, antimicrobial or metabolic effects in various studies. The presence of these metabolites suggests A. paniculata acetone extract is rich in bioactive secondary metabolites with multiple therapeutic potentials. Conclusion: The GC–MS analysis of A. paniculata leaf acetone extract revealed bioactive compounds like piperine, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, indicating strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. These findings validate the plant’s traditional medicinal use and suggest its promise as a natural source for developing therapeutic drugs.
Medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculate, GC–MS analysis, Bioactive compounds, Secondary metabolites, Pharmacological potential
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Shrivastava P, Nayak KK, Jha Z, Kolla. GC–MS profiling of acetone extracts of Andrographis paniculata: identification of bioactive compounds with pharmacological potential. J Phytopharmacol 2025; 14(6):448-455. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2025.14605
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