GC-MS Characterization of Quinoa Extracts for Cancer Intervention

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is regarded as one of the most complete food sources for humans for its high nutritional value and resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought, cold and salt. In this study, an attempt has been made at characterizing extracts of three varieties of Quinoa using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of the three varieties have been obtained by sequential Soxhlet extraction. Derivatization with N, O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% TMCS and mass spectra interpretation of chromatograms of the extracts has aided in the identification of bio compounds in Quinoa. Compounds with antitumor/ anticancer properties will be tested for their effect on the growth and development of different cancer cell lines. The identified compounds of quinoa may support the therapeutic uses of quinoa