Quantitative analysis of stigmasterol and α-Amyrin in three antidiabetic medicinal plants using GC-MS/MS

Abstract

Traditional medicinal systems in India frequently employ Costus igneus N.E.Br., Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken, and Ficus benghalensis L. for the management of diabetes mellitus; however, systematic comparative quantitative evidence supporting their bioactive sterol content remains limited. The present investigation aimed to comparatively quantify two pharmacologically significant phytomarkers, stigmasterol and α-amyrin, in chloroform extracts of the leaves of C. igneus and B. pinnatum, and of the aerial roots of F. benghalensis, using a validated GC–MS/MS method operating in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode. Qualitative GC–MS profiling confirmed the presence of both analytes in all samples. Quantitative analysis revealed that C. igneus leaves contained the highest concentration of stigmasterol (4580±310 µg/kg), whereas F. benghalensis aerial roots were particularly rich in α-amyrin (3250±250 µg/kg). B. pinnatum exhibited moderate yet appreciable levels of both compounds. The distinct quantitative patterns observed suggest that although these plants share ethnomedicinal use in diabetes management, their chemical contributors may differ significantly. The findings establish a comparative phytochemical baseline that may guide future pharmacological validation and standardisation efforts.