Abstract
Abstract Curcuma longa L. is a famous spice cultivated in many countries with significant variations reported in its phytochemical contents and biological potential. For the first time, the present work is aimed to identify the major phytochemicals present in methanol:chloroform (MC) and petroleum ether (PE) extracts of Curcuma longa rhizome and leaves (by determining polyphenols and GC/MS analysis), and their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-protein denaturation potential. Results showed that the highest value (P < 0.05) of polyphenolic content was in MC extract of rhizome (51.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g) followed by 31.20 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g in MC leaves extract. The strong antiradical activity was evaluated in MC extract of rhizome with IC50 value of 92 ± 0.02 µg/mL. MC extracts of both the rhizome and leaves exerted a potent inhibitory effect against protein denaturation with IC50 values of 106.21 ± 0.53 and 108.06 ± 4.67 μg/mL (P > 0.5), respectively. GC/MS analysis showed that α-tumerone was the main component in the rhizome oil (32.44%), whereas in the leaf oil, palmitic acid was the prominent constituent (28.33%) and α-phellandrene recorded a comparable percentage (7.29). In conclusion, C. longa is a valuable source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory constituents, as indicated by its high polyphenolic content and by its considerable in vitro antiradical and anti-protein denaturation potential.
Highlights
Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) is a famous spice of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) with the tuberous rhizome widely used as food additives, cosmetic materials, and to cure many worldwide ailments [1]
C. longa rhizome pharmacological activities are frequently imputed to its major active molecules especially those concentrated in its yellow-orange dye which has antioxidant [3], antimicrobial [4], anti-inflammatory [5,6], anticancer [7,8], and wound healing [9] properties
The highest total polyphenol content (TPC) was significantly (P < 0.05) amounted to MC extract of rhizome 51.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g followed by 31.20 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g in MC extract of leaves
Summary
Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) is a famous spice of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) with the tuberous rhizome widely used as food additives, cosmetic materials, and to cure many worldwide ailments [1]. Some previous reports studied the chemical composition of leaves and rhizomes of C. longa from different regions like Reunion Island in France [15], the lower Himalayan region [16], Plains of Northern India [17], southwest Nigeria [18], and south of Brazil [19]. Their results showed significant variations in the phytochemical contents of C. longa cultivated in different countries, and these differences were reflected in its quality and biological aspects. The present work was designed to investigate phytochemicals, in vitro antioxidants against DPPH free radical activity, and in vitro anti-protein denaturation activity of C. longa rhizome and leaves cultivated in Sudan
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
