Chemical composition and antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from Boesenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze

Abstract

Importance of the work: Boesenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze is a medicinal plant in the family Zingiberaceae. Currently, there are no known published reports on the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils from the roots and rhizomes of B. longiflora. Objectives: To investigate the chemical composition of the essential oils from the fresh roots and rhizomes of B. longiflora and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase activities. Materials & Methods: The chemical composition was investigated of hydrodistilled essential oils from the fresh roots and rhizomes of B. longiflora using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The scavenging potential of the essential oils was evaluated based on 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and copper chelating, as well as anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities. Results: β-Phellandrene and γ-terpinene was the main component in the essential oils from the roots and rhizomes, respectively. Main finding: Both these essential oils had strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the positive controls.