Distribution of phytoestrogenic diarylheptanoids and sesquiterpenoids components in Curcuma comosa rhizomes and its related species

ABSTRACT

Abstract Curcuma comosa Roxb., Zingiberaceae, a phytoestrogen-producing herb with vernacularly named "Wan Chak Mod Loog" in Thailand, has been traditionally used for treatment of gynecologic diseases and sold as food supplement in the market. However, similar rhizomes of its related species may lead to the confusion in the uses of this plant. This study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents of different Curcuma spp. that used as "Wan Chak Mod Loog". Characteristic major compounds were isolated and identified. Phytochemical analysis of 45 Curcuma samples representing Curcuma sp., C. latifolia, and C. comosa were analyzed and compared with their phylogenetic relationship inferred by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis. Phytoestrogen diarylheptanoids were found in all samples of C. comosa while sesquiterpenoids including hepatoxic zederone were found in C. latifolia and Curcuma sp. samples.