Adaptogenic Active Fraction’ in Krachai-Dam (Kaempferia paviflora Wall ex Baker) Hexane Extract of Rhizomes

Abstract

    The objectives of this research were to identify the adaptogenic active faction in Krachai-dam (Kaempferia paviflora) rhizomes to be used as fundamental data to create the chemical markers. The cultivars with high adaptogenic compounds had been selected to establish a standard for quality control (QC) of rhizomes and their products. The active extract was also tested for their toxicity by forced swimming mice. The experiment was performed to determine the active extract and fraction from the rhizomes. The adaptogenic active extract was also tested for acute anti-stress activity as well as its acute toxicity. The separation conducted by silica gel column chromatography could yield the adaptogenic active fraction from the same test. Which was also tested its toxicity. It revealed that the rhizome’s hexane extract could significantly prolong the swimming time period of mice. In addition, such an extract also possesses acute anti-stress activity. The extract was found safety as demonstrated by an oral (LD₅₀)  with its value higher than 2,000 mg/kg. Based on the process of separating and testing the fractions from hexane extract, the terpenoids-rich fraction was the adaptogenic active fraction that had no toxicity in mice’s organs.