Essential oil from Curcuma phaeocaulis Val.: Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities via integrated multi-omics analysis in a zebrafish tail fin amputated model

Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. is a widely accessible herbal remedy in the Chinese medicinal materials market, yet research on the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of its essential oil (ZTO) components remains somewhat limited. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory properties of the ZTO. The chemical composition of the ZTO was analyzed by employing gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and its anti-inflammatory properties were utilized using a zebrafish tail fin amputation model. The systematic regulatory effects on gene expression and metabolic levels were detected and analyzed using multiomics analysis, including transcriptomics and metabolomics. Thirty-five compounds were identified in ZTO, with curzerene being the main component, comprising 37.90% of the total. ZTO demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties by reducing neutrophil migration in zebrafish tail fin amputation models. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses showed that ZTO modulates inflammation through multiple pathways, aiding in the restoration of homeostasis and energy balance. These findings deepen our understanding of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ZTO and highlight its potential in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the need for further research to enhance the use of C. phaeocaulis Val. and related industrial products.