Analysis of chemical components from “white turmeric” (Curcuma sp.) fraction with antioxidant activity by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS)

Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) is a large rhizomatous herb genus found in tropical and subtropical areas. The biological activities of Curcuma species have been extensively studied. This research concentrated on rapidly determining the phytochemicals with antioxidant activity from Curcuma sp. with the aid of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). In this study, the antioxidant activity of Curcuma sp. extract and fractions were determined by DPPH assay. Overall, fraction F3 had the highest antioxidant property (IC50 = 20.91 µg/mL), which was then analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS in negative electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. LC analysis was performed on an ExionLCTM UHPLC system, and mass spectrometric analysis was conducted on an X500R QTOF mass spectrometer (AB SCIEX, USA). The data were analyzed using SCIEX OS software version 1.2.0.4122 (AB SCIEX, USA). The characterization of three types of curcuminoids from Curcuma sp. was discussed and distinguished by ESI-MS/MS analyses. As a result, 13 curcuminoid compounds from the best bioactive Curcuma sp. fraction were successfully identified. This study laid a foundation for isolating specific antioxidant phytochemicals from Curcuma sp.