CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SCENT FROM STEMS AND FRUITS OF Rhipsalis baccifera (J. Miller) Stearn

Abstract

Rhipsalis baccifera is an epiphytic plant from the Cactus family. In Mexico it is used to treat health problems such as hair loss, diabetes and fractures; however, there is no research on its biological activity. The non-volatile and volatile compounds were separated by organic extraction, hydro distillation, dynamic aeration and solid phase micro extraction. The volatile fraction of R. baccifera was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Secondary metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids and saponins were identified and localized to among plant organs. The extract obtained by hydro distillation contained aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, monoterpenes, acids and alkanes. Dynamic aeration showed that the chemical composition of the volatile fraction of stems and fruits is different between the two organs. By this technique, metabolites such as ketones, alcohols, alkanes, monoterpenes, aromatic compounds and an ester were detected. Even with variation in their specific compositions, D-limonene was the major component in both organs with 47.34 and 18.8 % in stems and fruits respectively. R. baccifera has secondary metabolites that can sustain its broad range of biological activities.