GC-MS and LC-MS: an integrated approach towards the phytochemical evaluation of methanolic extract of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] leaves.

Pigeon Pea is a well-received traditional nutritious and medicinal plant in India since ancient times. The plant is identified for its impressive pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic and anticancer properties. The metabolites from Pigeon Pea leaves methanolic extract were identified using hyphenated instruments namely Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopic (LC-MS) method. GC and LC chromatogram showed proper separation and presence of several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oils, alkaloids, and coumarins. LC-MS investigation reported the presence of Selidin (coumarin) and Tamarixetin (monomethoxyflavone) in the Pigeon Pea Leaves. The present investigations have demonstrated that methanolic extract of Pigeon Pea leaves exhibited impressive antibacterial activity against E. coli and antifungal activity against C. albicans with MIC values 50 μg/ml 250 μg/ml respectively. The extracts studied here have demonstrated to be a new remedial source used against diseases caused by these microorganisms.