Effect of drying conditions on the chemical compositions, molecular docking interactions and antioxidant activity of Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. Rhizome essential oil

The study investigated the impact of different drying conditions on the essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes. The drying methods included shade, sun, oven, and blower, with the oven at 30°C (HSOV30) yielding the highest oil content and antioxidant potential. Key compounds identified were 1,8-cineole, α-cadinol, elemol, germacrene-4-ol, and α-muurolol, with 1,8-cineole increasing significantly in dried samples. Molecular docking showed α-muurolol and α-cadinol had strong interactions with NADPH oxidase, indicating potential efficacy. The study highlights the importance of selecting optimal drying conditions to enhance oil yield and compound efficacy.