Phytochemical Investigation of Astragalus gombiformis Pomel (Fabaceae)

Abstract This study represents a contribution to the phytochemical investigation of Astragalus gombiformis Pomel, a wild desert species belong to family Fabaceae. It describes the phytochemical screening of wild and cultivated A. gombiformis parts and analyzes their volatile fractions by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Many chemical groups such as alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, quinones, terpenoids and flavonoids were detected. Leaves were the richest part. Nevertheless, nitro compounds were not found in any part of this species. Twenty seven volatile compounds were detected by chromatographic analysis in differentparts, and fruits seem to be the richest part. Many active volatiles were identified, at relatively high amounts, such as (Z,Z,Z) 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z) 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. The last compound, known by its antioxidant activity, was present in all parts. Further studies should be done to investigate the biological and toxicologic...