Screening of the Alcohol Fraction of <i>Ferula akitschkensis</i> B. Fedtsch. ex Koso-Pol. by GC/MS Method
Authors: Jumabayeva A. M. , Kozhamzharova A. S. , Ibragimova L. N. , Terninko I. I. , Surbeeva E. S. , Sakipova Z. B. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Innovative technologies, new approaches to the creation of medicines, a combination of classic technological methods with the latest trends makes pharmaceutical production a direction with positive dynamics of development. But along with the emergence of new synthetic drugs, as well as biotech products, the use of herbal raw materials for the production of medicines remains relevant. Phytopreparations have a number of undeniable advantages over synthetic drugs and are the drugs of choice in different age groups, including for preventive medicine. The flora of Kazakhstan is distinguished by the presence of endemic plants with a sufficient source of raw materials, which creates the prerequisites for their phytochemical profiling and the subsequent development of phytopreparations. In this regard, Ferula akitschkensis B. Fedtsch. ex Koso-Pol., which is widespread in Kazakhstan, is distinguished by the accumulation of various classes of biologically active substances (flavonoids, coumarins, essential oils) and has experience in folk medicine.

Aim. To study the component composition of ethanol extracts of Ferula akitschkensis roots by GC/MS using the Wiley 7th edition, NIST’02 library and to predict the pharmacological activity of identified compounds using the PASS Online web resource

Materials and methods. Ethanol extraction of roots was obtained by extraction of raw materials with 80 % ethanol in the ratio of raw materials : extractant 1 : 10 and under ultrasonic exposure at a frequency of 15–25 kHz for 10–20 min, followed by separation of the extract from the meal. The obtained extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in full current scanning mode. The obtained mass spectra were interpreted using the Wiley 7th edition and NIST’02 libraries. To predict the biological activity of the identified compounds, the PASS Online web resource was used.

Results and discussion. The composition of the ethanol extract of the roots of Ferula akitschkensis B. Fedtsch. ex Koso-Pol. is characterized by a metabolomic profile of compounds that differs from other members of the Ferula genus. Thus, o-cymene, the oxygen derivative of p-cymene – thymol and 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol accumulate in the roots. These compounds can form a marker profile of the roots of Ferula akitschkensis and be used for species identification within the genus Ferula. The prognostic evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the identified compounds of Ferula akitschkensis showed the presence of an effect on metabolic and biochemical processes, in particular, the creation of a proton potential on the mitochondrial membrane, catalysis, redox processes, and stabilization of cell membranes. In addition, antispasmodic, fibrinolytic, and antioxidant activities can be predicted for the roots of Ferula akitschkensis. And in the focus of creating potential drugs based on the raw materials of this species of Ferula, it is advisable to consider the development of dermatological and carminative drugs.

Conclusion. Study of the phytochemical profile of ethanol extracts from the roots of Ferula akitschkensis B. Fedtsch. ex Koso-Pol. by GC-MS made it possible to establish the presence of o-cymene and p-cymene derivatives – thymol and 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol. These compounds make up the marker profile of the roots of Ferula akitschkensis and can be used to identify the species within the genus Ferula, since thymol is not the main component of the essential oil of other representatives of this genus. Prediction of the pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in silico showed the possibility of using Ferula akitschkensis raw materials in complex therapy as a means of improving tissue respiration in conditions accompanied by a violation of redox processes in the body. It has been shown that potential medicinal candidates based on the roots of Ferula akitschkensis will be characterized by antispasmodic, fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects. The development of dermatological drugs may also be in the focus of scientific groups due to the anti-eczematous activity of most compounds of the ethanolic extract of the roots of Ferula akitschkensis.