Abstract

• In this study, Curcuma longa L. rhizomes were collected from six regions (Mawlamyine in Mon State, Kawkareik in Kayin State, Taungyi in Southern Shan State, Ann in Rakhine State, Aunglan in Magway Region and Pathein in Ayeyarwaddy Region) of Myanmar. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of C. longa revealed the presence of glycoside, carbohydrate, α-amino acid, flavonoid, terpenoid, steroid, saponin, tannin, phenolic compound. Alkaloid and reducing sugar were absent. The powdered samples were extracted with petroleum-ether (60-80 C) and followed by 95 % ethanol. Percent curcumin and colour value were determined by UV–visible spectrophotometry. The percent curcumins and color values of C. longa were found to be 0.37 % and 62 in Mon State, 0.57 % and 96 in Southern Shan State, 2.27 % and 383 in Rakhine State, 2.94 % and 477 in Magway Region, 3.39 % and 570 in Ayeyarwaddy Region, and 3.8 % and 640 in Kayin State. Curcumin (Rf = 0.44, m.pt = 175 ºC) was isolated from ethanol extract of C. longa of Kayin State by column chromatography.