Saurav S Gaikwad, Akanksha M Adsare and Mansi S Salunke

Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) is a medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds and traditional therapeutic applications. While its phytochemical properties have been widely explored, limited research has been conducted on its protein and amino acid content, which play a crucial role in its nutritional and medicinal value. This study aimed to estimate the protein and amino acid content in different parts of Curcuma caesia (leaves, rhizomes, and roots) across different seasons. Using the Lowry method for protein estimation and the ninhydrin-based method for total amino acid quantification, we observed significant seasonal variations in both components. The highest protein content was found in leaves during the monsoon (78.45 mg/g dry wt.), while rhizomes showed peak protein levels in winter (71.34 mg/g dry wt.). Similarly, the amino acid content was highest in leaves during the monsoon (7.281 mg/g dry wt.). These findings indicate that seasonal changes influence the biochemical composition of Curcuma caesia, affecting its potential applications in pharmaceuticals, and herbal medicine. Understanding these variations can help optimize the harvesting time for maximum medicinal and nutritional benefits, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific validation.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2025.v14.i1c.15244

Pages: 243-247  |  288 Views  89 Downloads