Unlocking terpenoid treasures of rhizome and leaf volatiles of Curcuma caesia Roxb through 1D and 2D GC × GC TOFMS analysis

The current research employed advanced GC × GC TOFMS analysis for comprehensive profiling of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from rhizomes and leaves of Curcuma caesia (black turmeric) for the first time. The study revealed a total of 151 constituents, including 97 and 114 previously undocumented compounds in rhizome and leaf oils, respectively. Sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes emerged as the predominant components, accounting for more than 60% of each oil. The predominant constituents of C. caesia rhizome EO include curzerenone (11.45%), eucalyptol (7.56%), curzerene (4.56%), epicurzerenone (4.23%), camphor (3.59%), ar-turmerone (2.59%) whereas camphor (6.59%), heptacosane (4.26%), curzerenone (3.85%), epicurzerenone (3.7%), curzerene (3.46%), eucalyptol (2.69%), α-farnesene (2.67%) were found in leaf EO. Notably, this work resolved co-eluted compounds and identified novel components, shedding light on the rich chemical diversity of C. caesia. These findings laid the foundation for further research into its chemical profile and potential applications in drug discovery.