A PROCESS FOR PREPARING XANTHORRIZOL FROM <i>CURCUMA XANTHORRIZA</i> ROXB. AND NOVEL USES OF THE SAME

摘要

The present invention provides a process for preparing xanthorrizol from Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb. and novel uses of the same. The process for preparing xanthorrizol comprises the steps of: obtaining crude extract having antimicrobial activity from crushed Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb. lysate by the aid of solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave extraction or ultrasonic extraction; applying the crude extract to chromatography to obtain active fraction; acetylation of the active fraction to change its polarity and applying to chromatography to isolate an acetylated single compound; and, deacetylation of the acetylated single compound to give xanthorrizol having antibacterial activity. Since xanthorrizol has a potential antibacterial activity over a broad spectrum of microorganisms under a wide range of temperature, it can be practically applied to antibacterial agent, tooth paste, oral cleanser, chewing gum, soap and cosmetics which require the antibacterial activity.