Phytochemical Studies and Antimicrobial Screening of Non/Less- Polar Fraction of Psoralea corylifolia by Using GC-MS

Psoralea corylifolia is a well-known medicinal plant, traditionally used against several diseased conditions. The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of P. corylifolia seeds. Non/less-polar fraction of methanolic seed extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( GC-MS ) for phytochemical analysis. A total of fourteen compounds were identified which include aromatic, sesquiterpenes, furocoumarins, sterols, fatty acid and their methyl esters. The predominant compounds were epoxycaryophyllene ( 3 ), isopsoralen ( 6 ), psoralen ( 7 ) and bakuchiol ( 9 ). Identification of these compounds was also strongly supported by Kovat’s Retention Indices. Furthermore, the n -hexane soluble fraction showed significant antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains. P. corylifolia seeds represented a unique chemical composition with considerable antimicrobial activity which not only validates their traditional medicinal uses but also indicates their potential as a source of natural antimicrobial compounds.