Analysis of bioactive components of acetone rhizome extract of black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) through Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia) is commonly known as kali haldi and it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. This herb is available throughout north-east, central India, Papi Hills of East Godavari, West Godavari, and Andhra Pradesh. In the traditional system of medicine, fresh and dried rhizomes of Curcuma caesia are used in treating leucoderma, asthma, tumours, piles, bronchitis, bruises etc. The plant was therefore investigated for its bioactive components. The acetone rhizome extract was investigated using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Fifty six compounds were identified in C. ceasia rhizome extract by GC MS. The major compounds identified were 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4- methyl acid (7.68 %), 4,5,6,6a-Tetrahydro - 2(1H) - pentalenone (7.92 %), trans-2-Decen-1-ol (4.04 %), 5-Benzofuranacetic acid (3.85 %), Hexadecanoic acid (2.59 %), 3,9-Dodecadiyne (2.55 %) and n- Decanoic acid (2.51 %). In the present study, major seven compounds from the acetone rhizome extract of C. caesia were identified by Gas chromatography - Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The biological activities of each of the identified phyto-components range from antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumoral activities. The research findings have shown that the rhizome of C. caesia is extensively rich in secondary metabolites. These findings have provided scientific basis to the ethnomedical usage of the plant.