Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidative potential of essential oil isolated from Curcuma longa L. leaves

Author: Priya R. ; Prathapan A. ; Raghu K.G ; Menon Nirmala A.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: GC-MS; essential oil; Curcuma longa
From:Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012;(z2):695-699
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective: To determine the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of essential oil isolated from the leaves of Curcuma longa (turmeric). Methods: Chemical composition of the oil was analyzed using GC-MS. Antiperoxidative potential was evaluated using linoliec acid emulsion system. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using stable DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Results: GC-MS analyses showed that major compound present in the turmeric leaf oil is b-sesquiphellandrene (22.8%) followed by terpinolene (9.5%). Essential oil also exhibited reductive potential and antioxidant potential in linoleic acid emulsion system along with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging potential. Conclusions: The overall result suggests that turmeric leaf oil is capable of retarding oxidation reaction and free radical mediated damage and can be developed as a potent natural antioxidant.