Phytochemical Characterization, Curcuminoid Quantification by HPLC, and Biological Activities of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Zingiber cassumunar and Curcuma longa Prepared by Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction
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Abstract
Zingiber cassumunar and Curcuma longa are widely used medicinal plants in Southeast Asia, with therapeutic properties attributed to curcuminoids, phenolics, and flavonoids. This study evaluated the effects of solvent type and ultrasonic pretreatment on extraction efficiency and phytochemical composition. Herbal powders were extracted using water and ethanol under ultrasonic conditions. Extraction yields were determined, and phytochemical contents were analyzed using HPLC for curcuminoids and UV–VIS spectrophotometry for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The results demonstrated that extraction efficiency was significantly influenced by solvent selection. Ethanolic extraction produced higher yields and significantly greater concentrations of curcuminoids, phenolics, and flavonoids compared to aqueous extraction. Curcuminoids were predominantly detected in ethanolic extracts, with Curcuma longa showing the highest content (13.951% w/w). Similarly, TPC and TFC were markedly higher in ethanolic extracts (412,105.51 mg GAE/kg and 659,001.92 mg QE/kg, respectively), whereas aqueous extracts showed limited recovery due to poor solubility of hydrophobic and semi-polar compounds in water. The enhanced recovery observed with ethanol was attributed to improved solvent penetration and solubilization capacity, further enhanced by ultrasonic cavitation, which promoted cell wall disruption and mass transfer. Additionally, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Z. cassumunar and C. longa demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages) and antioxidant activity (reduction of intracellular ROS), regardless of solvent type. Overall, the combination of ethanol and ultrasonic pretreatment was identified as a more efficient, less solvent-intensive method for maximizing phytochemical extraction than conventional maceration, supporting its application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and herbal pharmaceuticals.
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