GC/MS Analysis of Chemical Compounds Soluble in n-Hexane and Petroleum Ether From Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds

Background and Objective: Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), belonging to the Fabaceae family, is an ancient medicinal herb with various pharmacological effects, including hypoglycemic properties. This study aims to analyze the chemical compositions of non-polar extracts from fenugreek seeds sold in Omdurman, Sudan and Al-Madina, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Fenugreek seeds were obtained in April 2022 from markets in Omdurman, Sudan and Al-Madina, Saudi Arabia. The seeds were macerated separately for 48 hrs in n-hexane and petroleum ether solvents. The chemical compositions were analyzed using GC/MS on a QP-2010 Shimadzu spectrometer, with identification based on retention times and mass spectra from the Wiley Library. Results: The n-hexane extract, Sudan sample of Trigonella foenum-graecum contains oleic acid (9.09%) and butylphosphonic acid, di(4-octyl) ester (8.72%) as major components, while petroleum ether extract contains O-cymene (27.69%) and Gamma-Terpinene (23.92%) as major components. Saudi Arabia samples, n-hexane extract contains 9-octadecanamide (Z)- (17.14%) and stearic acid (13.51%), while petroleum ether extract contains D-Limonene (36.46%) and Gamma-sitosterol (10.95%) as major constituents. Conclusion: The petroleum ether extract of fenugreek seeds from Sudan is rich in Gamma-terpinene and O-cymene, whereas the extract from Saudi Arabia is rich in D-limonene and Gamma-sitosterol.