Detection of polyisoprenoids in the roots and stems of coastal grasses using a two-dimensional thin layer chromatography (original) (raw)

Coastal plants are known to produce secondary metabolites including polyisoprenoid alcohols. Coastal plants have been shown to have phytomedicinal, biological, and pharmacological properties. The present study reports the detection of polyisoprenoids composition from roots and stems of selected coastal medicinal grasses, Cyperus rotundus, Distichlis spicata, and Spinifex littoreus. A two-dimensional thin layer chromatography (2D-TLC) method was used to analyse the content and distribution of polyisoprenoid alcohols (polyprenols/dehydrodolihols and dolichols) in coastal grasses. The presence of polyprenols and dolichols in the roots and stems were identified and grouped into two types. Type-I, showing a preponderance of dolichols over polyprenols, was detected in the roots of C. rotundus and D. spicata. Type-II, displaying the existence of both polyprenols and dolichols, was traced in S. littoreusroots and the stems of C. rotundus, D. spicata, and S. littoreus. The diversity of polyisoprenoids in the root and stem tissues even in the same species, suggesting the chemotaxonomic criterion of polyisoprenoids in coastal grasses.