Abstract

Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb found throughout India. Its rhizomes are substituted for turmeric and used externally to treat bruises, sprains, skin eruptions, infections and to improve complexion. Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the rhizomes yielded three new homosesterterpenoids characterized as 5, 9, 13, 17, 20- pentamethyl-n-heneicos-cis-3-en-6b, 7b, 8b-triol (curcusesterterpene A); 5, 9, 13, 17, 20- pentamethyl-n- heneicos-cis-6-en-2b,4b,5a-triol (curcusesterterpene B); 5, 9, 13, 17, 20- pentamethyl-n-heneicos-cis-3-en-6β, 7β, 9α-triol (curcusesterterpene C) along with the known compounds n-nonacosan-1-ol and curcumin. The structures of these phytoconstituents have been elucidated on the basis of structural data analysis and chemical reactions.