New cinnamyl ester and polyalcohol derivative from the rhizomes of Curcuma oligantha var. oligantha.

Curcuma oligantha Trimen var. oligantha (Zingiberaceae) is an erect perennial herb with white flowers spotted yellow at the throat of the labellum. It is distributed in Sri Lanka and Karnataka (1, 2). The Curcuma rhizomes are large, tuberous, orangered and aromatic and substituted for turmeric. The rhizomes are prescribed to treat bruises, sprains, skin eruptions, infections and to improve complexion (3). The rhizomes of this species were not investigated chemically. This paper describes isolation and structure elucidation of two new phytoconstituents from the rhizomes of C. oligantha var. oligantha.