Comparative GC–MS Profiling of Smilax Zeylanica and Argemone Mexicana: Phytochemical Characterization and Potential Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for novel bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of Smilax zeylanica L. and Argemone mexicana L. leaves using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), with particular emphasis on metabolites associated with antimicrobial potential. Fresh leaves of both plants were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted separately using petroleum ether through Soxhlet extraction. The concentrated extracts were subjected to GC–MS analysis, and constituent identification was performed by comparing retention times, molecular masses, fragmentation patterns, and mass spectra with the Wiley and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) databases. GC–MS analysis revealed a diverse array of phytoconstituents in both medicinal plants. The S. zeylanica extract contained 15 identified compounds, including D-limonene, ascaridole, citral, carotol, longifolene, caryophyllene, trans-geranylgeraniol, phytol, fatty acids, ar-turmerone, and squalene. The A. mexicana extract exhibited a broader chemical profile comprising 30 identified compounds and derivatives, including phytol, n-hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, methylated fatty acids, longifolene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, and squalene. Several identified metabolites have previously been associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The findings demonstrate substantial chemical diversity in both plants and provide a basis for further pharmacological investigation. Future studies involving antimicrobial assays, compound isolation, toxicity evaluation, and mechanistic validation are necessary to establish the therapeutic significance of these phytoconstituents.