Morphological, phytochemical and anti-microbial studies on selected indigenous Curcuma species and the establishment of their in vitro culture

Date

4-2003

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Cell Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Lourdes B. Cardenas

Abstract

Three distinct types of Curcuma L. rhizomes (yellow, orange and white) were phytochemically tested and bioassayed to verify their botanical identites. Morphological attributes proved insufficient to accomplish the task. Thin layer chromatography showed that bismethoxycurcumin was the predominant curcuminoid in orange turmeric rhizome. This and other morphological features indicate this to be Curcuma domestica Valet. The yellow rhizome phytochemical profile revealed the marked presence of xanthorrhizol and was thus assigned the name Curcuma xamhorrhca Roxb. Curcurninoids were not detected in white turmeric. However, anti-microbial activity was noted in the hands corresponding to curcuminoids in TLC bioautography tests. Phytochemical results support the morphological similarities of white turmeric with Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Roscoe. It showed the most potent anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. There were no anti-microbial activities observed for Escherichia colt in all the Curcuma species tested. Initial in vitro cultures proved that callus capable of curcumin production can be initiated in orange and yellow turmeric rhizome explants. Root formation was also noted in young orange rhizome cultures.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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