Component Analysis of White Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Extract and Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rubra) Extract

Abstract

Ginger is believed to be a multifunctional medicinal plant that can be used for the treatment of various diseases. Ginger contains large quantities of essential oils, hence, it is possible to use it for pharmacological purposes. Ginger has two varieties, white ginger and red ginger. Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy as a complementary therapy. The aim of this research was to analyze the differences of chemical content in extracts of white ginger and red ginger. Samples of white ginger and red ginger were extracted by using a Soxhlet extractor with n-hexane as a solvent. Extracts were further analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Samples of white ginger and red ginger were obtained at yields of 1.26% and 1.32% respectively. Content of linalool, borneol, zingiberene, and zingerone were significant difference which are higher in red ginger than in white ginger.