Phytochemical Analysis of Volatile Compounds from Two Varieties of Leucaena Leucocephala (Taramba and Wondergraze) Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Method

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala var. Taramba and Wondergraze, leguminous trees native to Central America, have excellent potential as a fodder crop for livestock. The volatile constituents of L. leucocephala varieties Taramba and Wondergraze from Malaysia have not yet been reported. This information is crucial for understanding the value of this species. In this study, the volatile constituents of the methanolic extract of L. leucocephala (var. Taramba and Wondergraze) fresh leaves were determined, as well as those after being ensiled for 30 days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse volatile compounds in fresh and ensiled samples, identifying over 20 volatile compounds. The volatile compounds of both Taramba and Wondergraze varieties showed different patterns, such as α-tocopherol and thiophene, while β-amyrin and campesterol were only present in Wondergraze and Taramba, respectively. However, the main constituents, such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecadienoic acid, and β-sitosterol, were similar. In the ensiled samples, we observed the disappearance of some volatile compounds present in the fresh sample and the identification of additional volatile compounds, such as linoelaidic acid and α-tocospiro B. Additionally, these results revealed that some volatile compounds in the Taramba and Wondergraze varieties have been shown to possess various important biological activities.