Identification of methyl salicylate as the principal volatile component in the methanol extract of root bark of Securidaca longepedunculata Fers.
Securidaca longepedunculata Fers (Polygalaceae) is commonly used as a medicine in many parts of Africa and shows promise for protecting stored grain against insect pests. Analysis of a methanol extract of the root bark by gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) showed a major component accounting for over 90% of the volatile material. This was identified as methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate (methyl salicylate) by comparison of the GC retention times and mass spectrum with those of synthetic standards. This conflicts with an earlier report that the major component is methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. Two minor components had mass spectra characteristic of 2-hydroxybenzoate esters and were identified as methyl 2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzoate and its benzyl analogue, again conflicting with an earlier report.
Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK.
T K
TK
Jayasekara
P C
PC
Stevenson
S R
SR
Belmain
D I
DI
Farman
D R
DR
Hall
D001565:Benzoates / Q000032:analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D000432:Methanol; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D029608:Polygalaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D012459:Salicylates / Q000032:analysis*; D012997:Solvents; D014835:Volatilization
D001565:Benzoates; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012459:Salicylates; D012997:Solvents; C033069:methyl salicylate; D000432:Methanol