Bioactivity of Temu Giring (Curcuma heyneana) Rhizome Extract in Stimulating Antioxidant Enzymes, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of temu giring ( Curcuma heyneana ) rhizome extract as an antioxidant, particularly in mitigating the toxic effect of lead (Pb) exposure, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial agent. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Anti-cancer potential was determined via Alamar Blue assay on HepG2 liver cancer cells. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using disc diffusion method against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans , followed by minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) determination. In vivo evaluation was conducted on male Balb/C mice divided into five groups: P1 (control), P2 (Pb 100 mg/L), P3–P5 ( C. heyneana extract 100, 200, and 300 mg/L + Pb). After 35 days, liver and kidney tissues were collected to assess oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) and histological changes. Results: C. heyneana extract showed strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC 50: 79.73 mg/L), moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (IC 50: 100.5 mg/L), and fair antibacterial effects (MBC ~ 250 mg/L). It also exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. albicans (MFC: 7.8 mg/L). In vivo , 100 mg/L of C. heyneana significantly reduced MDA and increased SOD and CAT ( P < 0.05) in liver and kidney tissues compared to the Pb-only group. Histological analysis revealed reduced necrotic and swollen cells, with a higher percentage of normal hepatocytes in the treated groups. Conclusions: The findings support C. heyneana rhizome extract as a promising natural agent with strong antioxidant capacity, moderate anticancer potential, and antimicrobial effects. It demonstrates protective effects against Pb-induced oxidative damage, suggesting its therapeutic relevance in oxidative stress-related conditions.