Therese Jose, Renji Varghese, Jinu John and Rogimon P. Thomas
Abstract
Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb, a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is a medicinal plant utilized in traditional Asian and European therapeutic systems and also contributes to ecosystem stability by enhancing plant diversity and supporting soil and microfaunal communities. The study aimed to assess phytochemicals, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of Curcuma zanthorrhiza. The experiments were conducted in polar and non-polar solvents. The extraction of phytochemical constituents was done with powdered rhizomes using ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method, while anti-inflammatory effects were assessed through the in vitro sheep red blood cell (SRBC) membrane stabilization assay involving both heat-induced and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. Preliminary phytochemical screening in Ethanolic and Hexane extracts revealed the presence of Flavonoids, Tannin, Steroids, Terpenoids, and Carbohydrates. The antimicrobial assay conducted against four bacterial strains (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and two fungal strains demonstrated notable zones of inhibition for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The extracts also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by stabilizing erythrocyte membranes and inhibiting hemolysis under both heat and hypotonic stress conditions. Based on the results, it can be inferred that Curcuma zanthorrhiza will provide valuable insights into its medicinal properties, thereby contributing to the advancement of natural products in research and drug discovery.