Comparative Study of Volatile oil of Two Different Species Curcuma caesia and Curcuma longa Rhizome

The present study was undertaken to analyze the quality and purity of volatile oil obtained from different species Curcuma caesia and Curcuma longa of Zingiberaceae family. The colour, odour, solubility, refractive index and optical rotation of essential oil of both varieties were nearly same. Thin layer chromatography of essential oil of Curcuma caesia showed 8 different compounds at different Rf values while Curcuma longa showed 7 different compounds at different Rf values. The GC/MS studies showed up to 30 compounds were found in Essential oils of both varieties of plants but percentage of compounds were varies. In conclusion it appears that, in essential oil of both varieties there were no marked variations found. Hence both varieties of turmeric rhizome can be used for medicinal purpose for future prospects.