Comparative Nutraceutical Potential of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract

Background: Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Curcuma longa L. are widely used spices and medicinal plants, which have been reported to possess various nutritional and health benefits due to their bioactive components. Understanding the proximate and mineral profiles of these rhizomes can provide valuable insights into their nutraceutical potentials.

Methodology: The proximate and mineral composition of Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa were evaluated using standard laboratory procedures.

Results: The proximate analysis revealed that Z. officinale had the highest carbohydrate (40.13±0.12%), moisture (19.00±0.99%), crude fiber (2.58±1.16%) and crude fat content (12.47±1.01%), while C. longa had the highest ash (10.98±0.99%) and crude protein content (26.10±1.25%). On the other hand, the mineral analysis showed that C. longa had the higher concentrations of potassium (2,526.39±0.005 mg/kg), magnesium (71,543.85±0.007 mg/kg), calcium (5,963.14±0.003 mg/kg), sodium (6,083.64±0.006 mg/kg), iron (6,147.28±0.005 mg/kg), copper (4,891.54±0.003 mg/kg), zinc (812.11±0.002 mg/kg) and nickel (342.39±0.002mg/kg), while Z. officinale was found to contain higher concentrations of phosphorous (8,485.05 ± 0.008 mg/kg) and selenium (210.57 ± 0.05 mg/kg).

Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the nutraceutical potential of these rhizomes, providing a foundation for further studies and applications. Also, the findings in this study suggest that both rhizomes are rich in essential nutrients and minerals, with C. longa exhibiting higher concentrations of most minerals, except phosphorus and selenium.