Antioxidant activity of ethanolic rhizomes extracts of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker, Curcuma aromatica. and Zingiber zerumbet Sm.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is one of the causes of humans diseases, mainly due to an imbalance of oxidative compounds with protective antioxidants in the body. Therefore, for improving health, nowadays, natural products containing antioxidants are often used. Plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family have been known to contain lots of natural antioxidants. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethanolic rhizomes extracts of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker, Curcuma aromatic Salisb., and Zingiber zerumbet Sm. by using some different bioassay methods such as DPPH, ABTS•+, and reducing power. In addition, the content of total polyphenol and total flavonoid in the extracts were also investigated. The results showed that all of the extracts contained high amount of total polyphenol and total flavonoid components. Curcuma aromatic Salisb. and Zingiber zerumbet Sm. species provided the stronger antioxidant activity than Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker species in all the tested methods. In brief, this research reveals a great potential for application of these medicinal plants in food and pharmaceutical fields.