Comparative Study on Eucalyptol and Camphor Rich Essential Oils from Rhizomes of Hedychium Spicatum and Their Pharmacological, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities

The research investigated the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils from Hedychium spicatum Sm., a plant native to India. The oils, collected from two different ecological niches, were rich in oxygenated terpenoids, including eucalyptol and camphor. The oils demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, suppressing inflammation by 17.60% to 33.57% at 100mg/kg body weight dose levels. They also showed antinociceptive (pain-blocking) effects, with percentages ranging from 30.34% to 42.39%, and exhibited good antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. The oils displayed antioxidant activity and inhibited the growth of several fungi. No significant toxic manifestations or behavioral changes were observed in the mice tested. The study concluded that these oils have potential therapeutic applications, including the development of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic drugs.