Acceleration of turmeric drying using convection and microwave‐assisted drying technique: An optimization approach

Curcuminoid Contents in Rhizomes of Some Zingiberaceous Plants Sold via Online Platforms: Influence of Species and Cultivation Location

Zingiberaceous plants are versatile and find application in various fields, including food, medicine, and cosmetics. Recently, turmeric and other Zingiberaceous plants have become readily available through online platforms. However, the quality, specifically the curcuminoid content, has not been adequately assessed. In light of this issue, this study is aimed at analyzing the curcuminoid contents, including bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin, using high-performance liquid chromatography. The analysis targets the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (ZM), Curcuma aromatica (CA), Curcuma wanenlueanga (CW), Curcuma zedoaria (CZ), and sixteen Curcuma longa (CL) samples sold on online platforms. The influence of species and cultivation locations was evaluated, compared, and clustered. The results indicated that CL exhibited the highest curcuminoid contents, followed by CA, CZ, ZM, and CW, respectively. Curcumin was not detected in CW, while bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin were absent in ZM. Cluster analysis revealed that CW was closely related to ZM, and CA was closely related to CZ, while CL was not closely related to either cluster. Among the sixteen CL samples, the most commonly found curcuminoids were curcumin, followed by bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin, respectively. Three samples contained curcuminoid contents of less than 5%, failing to meet the standard level specified in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Furthermore, ten samples had total curcuminoid contents higher than 10%, with three samples exceeding 15%. The top three samples with the highest total curcuminoid contents from different locations were as follows: Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province (17.02%); Phop Phra District, Tak Province (16.97%); and Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province (15.45%). Cluster analysis revealed that CL samples could be grouped into two major categories: low curcuminoid and high curcuminoid groups. This study offers valuable insights for consumers seeking high-quality rhizomes of Zingiberaceous plants with high curcuminoids, through online platforms. By focusing on the curcuminoid content, consumers can make informed decisions when purchasing Zingiberaceous plants online. This information not only aids in selecting superior quality rhizomes but also enhances the overall consumer experience by ensuring the potency and efficacy of the purchased products.

Maximizing Curcuminoid Extraction from Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Rhizomes via Environmentally Friendly Microwave-Assisted Extraction Technique Using Full Factorial Design

Curcuma aromatica Salisb. contains a high content of curcuminoids, which can be utilized for cosmetic purposes. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions of C. aromatica rhizomes in castor oil to maximize curcuminoid content using a simple and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted extraction method. A 32 full factorial design was employed, with two factors-microwave power and time-varying between 600-800 W and 30-90 s, respectively. Five responses were monitored, including extraction yield, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and total curcuminoid contents. The results demonstrated that increasing microwave power and time led to an increase in all five responses. The optimal condition, which simultaneously maximized extraction yield and total curcuminoid content, was achieved at a microwave power of 800 W for 90 s. This condition resulted in an extraction yield of 71.020%, bisdemethoxycurcumin content of 0.036%, demethoxycurcumin content of 0.210%, curcumin content of 0.080%, and total curcuminoid content of 0.326%. The computer program accurately predicted the results with a percentage error of less than 2%. Stability data revealed that the total curcuminoid content remained stable with a percentage remaining above 90% when stored at 4°C, 30°C ± 75%RH, and 40°C ± 75%RH for three months. In summary, this study successfully applied a full factorial design to maximize curcuminoid extraction from C. aromatica rhizomes using an environmentally friendly microwave-assisted extraction method for cosmetic purposes.

Utilization of UPLC-PDA and GC-MS/MS coupled with metabolomics analysis to identify bioactive metabolites in medicinal turmeric at different ages for the quality assurance

BACKGROUND

Available monographs often suggest measurement of curcumin or curcuminoids for quality control of turmeric-based medicines/products. However, one compound is not enough to indicate the quality of traditional herbal medicines due to the holistic approach. Furthermore, to ensure high quality of such products, good harvesting practice plays an important role in the quality control of turmeric raw materials.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to indicate quality markers of turmeric and to suggest optimum harvesting times for turmeric used for medicinal purposes by integration of Thai traditional medicine knowledge.

METHODS

Turmeric rhizomes at 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 months old were analyzed. UPLC-PDA was used for quantitation of curcumin. GC-MS/MS was used to obtain chemical profiles of turmeric volatile oil. PCA, Volcano plot, and HCA were performed to identify similarities or differences of the data.

RESULTS

Turmeric aged between 6 and 10 months old contained > 5%w/w of curcumin, which complied with Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2021. GC-MS/MS analysis suggested suitable chemical markers, namely Ar-turmerone, turmerone, curlone, and zingiberene, because they exhibited pharmacological activities related to the traditional uses of turmeric. Eucalyptol, santalene, β-caryophyllene, cis-β-farnesene, α-caryophyllene, curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and cis-sesquisabinene hydrate were also tentatively identified. Later, the multivariate analysis revealed that turmeric aged between 6 and 10 months old showed similar metabolite profiles.

CONCLUSION

Based on curcumin content and chemical profiles, turmeric aged between 6 and 10 months old are appropriate for uses in Thai traditional medicine. Our study suggests additional information in the quality control of turmeric to assure its efficacy, especially for uses in traditional medicines.

Curcuma longa L. Rhizome Essential Oil from Extraction to Its Agri-Food Applications. A Review

Curcuma longa L. rhizome essential oil is a valuable product in pharmaceutical industry due to its wide beneficial health effects. Novel applications in the agri-food industry where more sustainable extraction processes are required currently and safer substances are claimed for the consumer are being investigated. This review provides information regarding the conventional and recent extraction methods of C. longa rhizome oil, their characteristics and suitability to be applied at the industrial scale. In addition, variations in the chemical composition of C. longa rhizome and leaf essential oils regarding intrinsic and extrinsic factors and extraction methods are also analysed in order to select the most proper to obtain the most efficient activity. Finally, the potential applications of C. longa rhizome oil in the agri-food industry, such as antimicrobial, weedicide and a food preservative agent, are included. Regarding the data, C. longa rhizome essential oil may play a special role in the agri-food industry; however, further research to determine the application threshold so as not to damage crops or affect the organoleptic properties of food products, as well as efficient encapsulation techniques, are necessary for its implementation in global agriculture.

Investigation of the Interaction of Herbal Ingredients Contained in Triphala Recipe Using Simplex Lattice Design: Chemical Analysis Point of View

The aim of this work was to investigate the interaction of herbal ingredients contained in Triphala recipe (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica in equal proportion) using simplex lattice design. This work focused on chemical analysis of four phenolic compounds including gallic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid by validated high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of the extraction technique (decoction vs. infusion) and gamma irradiation was also examined. The combination index was used as a tool for determination of interaction of the ingredients contained in the herbal recipe. Results showed that the extraction technique and gamma irradiation slightly altered the content of some phenolic compounds as well as the combination index. The positive interaction seems to be found at the equal proportion of the three plants. This work scientifically supported the suitable formula of the Triphala recipe in the traditional use.