GC MS ANALYSIS OF PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OFPTEROBRYOPSIS PILIFOLIA (DIXON) MAGIL TO IDENTIFYCHEMICALS THAT OFFER ANTIFEEDANT PROPERTIES INBRYOPHYTESMEENU MATHEW AND ABRAHAM MATHEWAbstract Phytochemicals from the bryophyte Pterobryopsis pilifolia was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with petroleum ether as solvent. The extract was concentrated using rotary evaporator. TLC analysis of extract displayed several fluorescent bands under UV Light. GC MS analysis of theextract revealed the presence of several volatile compounds, many of which are not seen in higherplants. Bryophytes thus can be used as a source of novel phyto chemicals of potential applications. Many of these chemicals, especially phthalates have several mutagenic and foetal toxic properties. Presence of these compounds might be the reason for the antifeedant property of Pterobryopsis pilifolia and that of bryophytes in general. |