[Effect of growth period, storage time and varieties on the contents of main active constituents of Curcuma longa L. in rhizome].
OBJECTIVE
To provide criteria for selection, storage and cultivation of the rhizome of Curcuma longa.


METHODS
Field observation and sample analysis on the rhizome.


RESULTS
The contents of curcuminoids and essential oils in mother and daughter rhizome went up with the progress of plant development. The contents of curcuminoids reached the maximum in early September and early October. The contents of essential oils in mother rhizome reached the maximum in early September. The contents of curcuminoids and essential oils in the rhizome varied with the species and went down with the increase of storage years.


CONCLUSIONS
The rhizome should be collected when leaves of the plant have just withered. The suitable storage time is three years.
Li
L
L
Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065.
Fu
S
S
Qing
S
S
D030024:Curcuma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D003474:Curcumin / Q000032:analysis*; D004356:Drug Storage; D014644:Genetic Variation; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000032:analysis*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D011786:Quality Control; D027343:Rhizome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D012621:Seasons
D009822:Oils, Volatile; D003474:Curcumin