International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

Comparative Studies on the Phytochemical Properties of Tumeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiberofficinale Roscoe)

Ifeoma Perpetua Oragwu¹, Nkechi Perpetua Maduekwe ^2
1 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu . Unversity, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
² Departments of Medical Microbiology, Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria

Abstract: Tumeric(Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizomes, both from Zingiberaceae family, had been studied for their physico/phytochemical and bioactive compositions, as a natural source of anti-microbial drugs. The active ingredients in turmeric and ginger were isolated using different solvents, such as, chloroform, ethanol, hexane and benzene, while rotary evaporator was used to separate the moisture contents, which were 12.38 and 11.15 % for both tumeric and ginger respectively. Ash contents were 7.45 % and 7.20 %, while, specific gravity were 0.34 % and 0.25 % for both tumeric and ginger respectively. Coumarin, the major content of tumeric was identified in all the solvent extracts, while, polyphenol was presence in ginger extracts. Saponin, terpenoids, and anthocynins, were found to be present in all the solvent extracts of both turmeric and ginger. Carbohydrates, protein and alkaloid contents were tested using standard methods. Protein was identified in turmeric extract, but, not in ginger. The phyto-chemicals and bioactive compositions of tumeric and ginger have proved them source materials for drug formulations and antimicrobial agents, to fight against some pathogens and maintain some health challenges.

Keywords: Tumeric, ginger, phyto-chemicals, anti-microbial, solvent-extraction.

1. Introduction

Recently, there is renewed scientific interest in investigation, isolation, identification and characterization of plants’ bio-active chemicals, to combat disease causing pathogens, that had proved resistance to already existing drugs, (Ali, 2008).Hence, researches and innovations on new anti-microbial agents from natural origins are of paramount importance. Formulation and development of unharnessed herbal concoctions, as a means of synthesizing new and improved antimicrobial pharmaceutical products is the major target of this research work. Studies had shown that the rate of resistance of microbes to already existing drugs and increased adulterated ones in our health systems had imposed great threat to human health. It had been expected that some phytochemical compounds from natural sources could be extracted, processed and used in the formulation of drugs for most allopathic or

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