Chemical studies on some Myristica spp. and Curcuma longa
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Date
1987
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University of Kelaniya: UK(ML).
Abstract
This thesis is comprised of two parts. Part I of the thesis deals firstly with chemistry of the phenolics of M.dactyloides seed kernel.A new arylalkanone, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-9-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)nonan-1-one and five other ary]alkanones namely 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A-D were isolated for the first time from M.dactyloides seed kernel. Apart from 1-(2,6 dihydroxyphenyl)-tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A, the other four compounds are reported for the first time from M.dactyloides. Oleic (27.7 percent) and myristic (18.1 percent) acids were found to be the major components in the fatty acids of M.dactyloides. Since the phenolics and fatty acids were found to be different to that of M. fragrans these two parameters could be used to detect the adulteration of nutmeg with M.dactyloides. Antibacterial studies revealed that except 1-(2,6-dihydroxy phenyl tetradecan-1-one other compounds at a level of 5 mg ml-l were effective against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. All compounds at the same concentration had no effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Secondly, variation of the yield and chemical composition of the nutmeg oil with agro-ecological conditions were studied during the major and minor harvesting seasons. Results showed that the physical parameters (optical rotation and refractive index) of the nutmeg oil from different agro-ecological zones were not significantly different. If the chemical composition of the oils are compared, it is found except in the zones of WM2 and WM!, there are no significant variation depending on the agro-ecological zones. Oils from WM1 (92.0 percent) contains more monterpenes than that of WM2 (78.9 percent). Part II of the study deals with the effect of maturity on some chemical constituents of turmeric rhizome. The variation of curcumins (I, II, III) content with maturity monitored by TLC-UV spectrophotometry and a technique based on TLC-UV densitometry developed during this study. The ratios of curcumins 1:11:111 in Sri Lankan turmeric was found to be approximately 9:3:4. Maturity did not affect this ratio. Advanced maturity resulted in a decline in curcumin content (percent w/w). Maximum curcumin per bush was attained about 9 month after planting. Curcumin content in mother rhizome was found to be slightly lower than that of fingers Essential oil content and composition varied significantly with maturity, sesquiterpenes (particularly turmerone and ar-turmerone) increased with maturity while monoterpenes (notably 1,8- cineole and alpha-phellandrene) declined in both mother sets and finger rhizomes. The optimum time for harvest to obtain maximum yield of essential oil was found to be 7.5 - 8.0 months.
Description
Dissertation: M.Phil., University of Kelaniya: UK(ML), 1987.
Keywords
Plants, medicinal
Citation
COORAY, NF, Chemical studies on some Myristica spp. and Curcuma longa, University of Kelaniya UK(ML), 1987: xv, 178p.