Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of phytoconstituents isolated from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia albosanguinea (Ridl.) Loes.

This study aimed to investigate the compounds isolated from the rhizome extract of Boesenbergia albosanguinea. The extraction was performed using Soxhlet extraction of the dried powdered rhizome, following a polarity gradient of n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol. The phytochemicals were purified using chromatography techniques, and their structures were confirmed through spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR, and MS) and comparison with existing literature. Additionally, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. The isolation process successfully yielded eight phytochemicals belonging to various classes, including phenylpropanoid, chalcones, kavalactone, flavanones, flavonol, and flavone. These compounds were identified as elemicin (1), panduratin A (2), isopanduratin A (3), 5,6-dehydrokawain (4), pinostrobin (5), pinocembrin (6), kaempferol (7), and luteolin (8). Among these, luteolin (8) and kaempferol (7) demonstrated the most potent lipoxygenase inhibitory activity, with percentage inhibitions of 88.5% and 86.2%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of B. albosanguinea as a natural source of lipoxygenase inhibitors, particularly in comparison to previously studied plant-based inhibitors. The strong inhibitory effects of luteolin (8) and kaempferol (7) underscore their relevance in the development of anti-inflammatory and nutraceutical formulations. This study contributes to the growing body of research on Boesenbergia species, offering a foundation for further pharmacological and industrial applications. KEY WORDS: Zingiberaceae, Boesenbergia albosanguinea, Constituent, Flavonoid, Lipoxygenase Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(6), 1167-1176. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i6.11