HPTLC Analysis And Antioxidant Activity Of Indian Medicinal Plants Curcuma Zedoaria, Curcuma Caesia And Curcuma Amada

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and curcumin content of ethanolic extracts of three Curcuma species: Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma caesia, and Curcuma amada. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and proteins in varying intensities across the species. Antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide scavenging assays, with Curcuma caesia exhibiting the highest activity in all models, followed by C. amada and C. zedoaria. Curcumin content was quantified using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), and C. amada showed the highest curcumin concentration (7.91%), despite not exhibiting the strongest antioxidant activity. The results suggest that antioxidant effects are likely due to a combination of phytoconstituents rather than curcumin alone. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Curcuma caesia as a rich source of natural antioxidants and validate the traditional use of these plants in herbal medicine.