Physico-Chemical Properties of Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith. Flowers
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Abstract
Introduction and objective: Dala in Thai, scientifically known as Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith, belongs to the Family Zingiberaceae. It has been reported that dala is an antioxidant and has medicinal properties to cure hives and other skin diseases. However, the standard methods for quality control of this plant have not been established in Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of E. elatior flowers.
Methods: Twelve samples of E. elatior flowers were obtained from natural sources in Thailand and compared to the authentic sample received from the Herbarium Laboratory. Samples of E. elatior flowers were preliminarily examined for chemical properties using color reaction. Chemical identification was performed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method and their physico-chemical properties were also determined.
Results: Of all 12 flower samples, based on the color reactions of the preliminary chemical examination, 11 were positive when tested for flavonoids and phenolic as well as amino acids; and based on the TLC method, they were positive to flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. As for their physico-chemical property tests including gravimetric method, their mean amounts + SD for moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble extractive and 95% ethanol-soluble extractive were 9.05 ± 2.79%, 9.34 ± 0.53%, 0.20 ± 0.06%, 19.87 ± 3.45% and 13.24 ± 1.90% w/w, respectively.
Discussion: One sample of E. elatior flowers collected from Betong district in Yala province had a chromatogram different from the other 11 samples. It had one chemical compound, but chlorogenic acid was not detected, possibly due to differences in species, herb age, harvest time, soil conditions, mineral contents, terrain or climate.
Conclusion and recommendation: The results have led to the establishment of a monograph that contains standard specifications of dala flowers in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia, which will be used as a reference in the country.
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