GC-MS Analysis and Biological Activities of Trigonella hamosa L. and Alocasia odora (Lodd.) Spach

The phytochemical composition and biological activities of whole plant extracts of Trigonella hamosa and Alocasia odora were investigated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling and in vivo bioactivity assays. GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse range of bioactive compounds in both ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The ethanolic extract of T. hamosa contained 29 phytoconstituents, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (18.62%), benzoic acid (12.47%), and several fatty acids being predominant. Its methanolic extract identified 24 compounds, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (15.33%), methyl β-d-galactopyranoside (11.25%), and benzoic acid (9.47%). A. odora ethanolic extract showed 16 compounds, with benzyl nitrile (14.92%), benzoic acid (12.13%), and 1,2,3-benzenetriol (10.74%) as major components, whereas the methanolic extract revealed 19 compounds, including benzoic acid (13.81%), 1,2,3-benzenetriol (11.32%), and sulfur-containing compounds. Both plants' extracts exhibited significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. In acetic acid-induced writhing tests, methanolic extracts of T. hamosa and A. odora reduced writhing by 71.6% and 68.4%, respectively, compared to control. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, a dose-dependent inhibition was observed, with methanolic extracts showing 63.2% (T. hamosa) and 59.7% (A. odora) edema reduction at the highest dose. Similarly, in charcoal meal tests, methanolic extracts reduced intestinal transit by 65.1% and 60.8%, respectively. Overall, the methanolic extracts of both plants demonstrated superior bioactivity across all tested models, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disturbances.