Simple and Rapid Method for Identification of Curcuma Longa Rhizomes by Physicochemical and HPTLC Fingerprint Analysis

Curcuma longa L. rhizomes are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases. The rhizomes of C. longa L. is commonly known as Haldi or Turmeric. Haldi is of special importance to human with the discovery that its rhizome powder, when added to various food preparations, preserves their freshness and imparts a characteristic flavors. The Indian system of medicine comprises of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. In these systems many medicine are made up of C. longa rhizomes. In Ayurveda, turmeric has been used internally as a stomachic, tonic, blood purifier and externally in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999 had given a detail protocol for quality contol of single herbal drugs, but very little literature is available for detailed standardization of single plant drugs. We have developed simple and rapid identification method for authentication of C. longa rhizome. Physicochemical parameters and HPTLC fingerprint analysis of C. longa rhizomes were also carried out. The drug was also extracted with solvent of increasing polarities like n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, absolute ethanol and commercial ethanol (80%) for extraction of curcuminoids. The results indicated that ethyl acetate and acetone were most suitable solvent for maximum extraction of curcuminoids from C. longa rhizomes. The study revealed different analytical parameters of the crude drug which will be useful in identification of genuine drug and control of adulterations.