Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidative potential of essential oil isolated from Curcuma longa L. leaves

To determine the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of essential oil isolated from the leaves of Curcuma longa (turmeric). Chemical composition of the oil was analyzed using GC-MS. Antiperoxidative potential was evaluated using linoliec acid emulsion system. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using stable DPPH and ABTS free radicals. GC-MS analyses showed that major compound present in the turmeric leaf oil is b-sesquiphellandrene (22.8%) followed by terpinolene (9.5%). Essential oil also exhibited reductive potential and antioxidant potential in linoleic acid emulsion system along with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging potential. The overall result suggests that turmeric leaf oil is capable of retarding oxidation reaction and free radical mediated damage and can be developed as a potent natural antioxidant.