Taxonomy, phytochemical and bioactive compounds and potential use as material with different drying methods of Alpinia latilabris Ridl. new record from Thailand

Abstract

Alpinia latilabris Ridl., a new record from Thailand, has great potential for use as a material for food and traditional medicine. Dried samples preserve the quality and avoid the degradation of phytochemicals. The aim here was to determine the taxonomy and changes in the phytochemical and bioactive compounds when using different drying methods as well as the antioxidant properties in this first report for this species.  The results show that freeze-dried samples had greater quality volatile compounds, bioactive compounds, organic acid, phenolic acid, flavonoids and antioxidants compared with a fresh sample while having a microstructure similar to that of the fresh sample. The major volatile compounds were 1,8-cineole in fresh and dried samples, as confirmed by FTIR spectra. The bioactive chemicals are sensitive to thermal drying and sunlight due to degradation of the phytochemicals. This result can be useful information and be applied to the preparation of material for further development of functional foods, medicinal plants or cosmetics.