The Study on the Hexane and Ethanol Extracts Components in Difference Varieties of Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.)

Introduction:

Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) belongs to the family of Amaryllidaceae is one of the most important ornamental and aromatic plants which its secondary metabolites are being used in cosmetic, sanitary and perfume industries. Behbahan district belongs to Khuzestan province is one of the well-known narcissus production centers in Iran. Narcissus plants not only have ornamental value, but also have medicinal compounds such as alkaloids that have antiviral and anti-tumor properties. Numerous experiments have been identified the components of Narcissus essential oil and the most significant of aroma constituents have been reported as trans-β-Ocimene, Benzyl acetate, 1, 8-cineole, linalool and phenyl ethyl acetate. However, there is little information about Narcissus extract and the current study was performed to investigate the compounds of ethanol and hexan extracts in different varieties of narcissus. 

Materials and Methods:

This research was conducted in randomized complete design to evaluate components of hexane and ethanol extracts of five narcissus varieties (Shahla, Meskinack, Porpar, Panjegorbai and Gol sefied) which are grown in Behbahan district. The fresh flowers of narcissus were extracted using tow solvents; hexane and ethanol. In the hexane extraction method, 10 g of the fresh flowers were weighed from each variety and poured into Erlenmeyer, and then 100 ml of hexane was added to each one and left at room temperature for 10 days. After extraction, the solvent was filtered and the extract was concentrated by vacuum rotary and absolute was obtained. Then 10 times of ethanol was added to the absolute of each variety and kept at -4 °C to precipitate the wax. After precipitation, the supernatant was separated and concentrated again by rotary and then the components were detected by GC/MS. In the ethanol extraction method, also 10 g of the fresh flowers were also weighed from each variety and poured into Erlenmeyer, and then 100 ml of ethanol was added to each one and left at room temperature for 10 days. After extraction, the solvent was filtered and the extract was concentrated by vacuum rotary and absolute was obtained. The rest of the steps are similar to the hexane method which is described above. 

Results and Discussion:

According to the results, the maximum amount of hexane extract (1.3%) and the minimum amount (0.9%) were observed in variety of Shahla and in Porpar, respectively. According to the results obtained from the analysis of the extract by GC/MS, approximately 7 to 12 compounds have been identified in narcissus varieties. Benzyl acetate, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, trans -β-Ocimene, Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1, 3 Dimethyl ethyl benzene were the most important components. In ethanol extract, the maximum amount of ethanol extract (6.2%) and the minimum amount (4.8%) were recorded in variety of Shahla and in Porpar, respectively. Interestingly, more compounds were identified in ethanol than hexane extract. The most important compounds were 2-butoxy ethanol, 1, 8-Cineol, Benzyl alcohol, trans-β-Ocimene, Linalool, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, Benzyl acetate, Benzene ethanol and Benzene which were recorded in all varieties of narcissus. 

Conclusion:

In general, the results showed that there is a significant difference in terms of yield, number and percentage of chemical compounds of hexane and ethanol extracts of different varieties of narcissus. According to the results, the maximum amount of hexane and ethanol extract was obtained in Shahla while the minimum amount was observed in Porpar. Benzyl acetate, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, trans-β-Ocimene, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1, 3 Dimethyl ethyl benzene are the most important components of both extracts. In order to isolate extract components and report exclusive compounds, further experiments are recommended. Keywords: Benzyl acetate, Extract, Gas chromatography, Linalool, Narcissus, Organic Solvents