Quantitative GC-MS and HPLC Profiling of n-hexane and Methanol Extracts from Curcuma zedoaria Leaves for Biomedical Applications

Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae), locally known as Temu putih or Kunyit putih, is widely used in Malaysia as a spice, flavouring agent, and postpartum remedy, often in combination with other medicinal plants. However, limited studies have explored the phytochemical composition of C. zedoaria leaves, particularly using extracts of varying polarities, despite the importance of this approach in capturing the full spectrum of bioactive compounds. HPLC analysis facilitated the detection of 18 polar constituents, notably flavonoids and coumarins, which are recognised for their therapeutic potential. In parallel, GC-MS profiling identified a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites, with the n-hexane extract yielding 37 compounds. In contrast, the methanol extract revealed 22 distinct peaks by GC-MS, reflecting a diverse range of phenolic derivatives and oxygenated diterpenes. Comparative results indicated distinct phytochemical patterns influenced by solvent polarity. These findings suggest that C. zedoaria leaves, often overlooked in favour of rhizomes, represent a substantial source of pharmacologically relevant compounds. This research contributes to expanding the phytochemical knowledge of the species and supports the valorisation of foliar biomass in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.