Phytochemical and GCMS Profile of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb

Objectives: The use of herbal medicines in Indonesia is increasing. One of the material is Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. is a native plant from Indonesia and has spread to several countries due to its benefit in healing. Several reports have shown the potency of C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. rhizome for human health.
Methods: To disclose potential compounds of C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. rhizomes extract in providing therapeutic effect, an observational study was conducted. C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. rhizome was extracted using 80% ethanol and evaporated. The extract was examined by using phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analysis.
Results: From phytochemical screening, compounds of the extract were flavanoid, alkaloid, saponin and steroid/triterpenoid. From GC-MS analysis, 10 of 20 compounds of the extract had percentages higher than 1%. While in essential oil, 9 of 19 compounds had percentages higher than 1%. GC-MS results showed that Camphor (1.31%), Curcumene (11.16%), Isogermafurene (2.27%), Beta-curcumene (11.26%), Germacrone (5.66%), Cedrene (16.22%), Phenol (29.33%) were consisted in C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. extract and essential oil.
Conclusions: In conclusion, this study indicates that C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. contains several compounds that might have therapeutic effect.