Optimization of ar-Turmerone Isolation Method from Turmeric Oleoresin using Silica Gel Adsorbent

Ar-turmerone is one of the curcumin derivatives contained in turmeric oleoresins. Ar-turmerone has various pharmacological effects, including antivenom, antidepressant, antiepileptic, antidermatophyte, antitumor, and antiplatelet activity. This research aimed to develop an isolation method of ar-turmerone from turmeric oleoresin using silica gel adsorbent, which is relatively low cost. Ar-turmerone was isolated by adsorption process using silica gel adsorbent and followed by elution process using a suitable solvent. The UV-visible spectrum of the isolated compounds showed a maximum wavelength at 237 nm. FTIR spectrum values were found at 2300 cm-1 and 2935 cm-1 (for aromatic C=C stretching), 1445 cm-1 and 1735 cm-1 (for C=O stretching), and 990 cm-1 and 1100 cm-1 (for C–H bending). GC-MS spectrum showed a main peak at a retention time of 12.884 minutes and a percent area of 27.74%, which was identified as ar-turmerone (molecular weight of 216). The optimum condition for the isolation of ar-turmerone from turmeric oleoresin using silica gel as adsorbent was the use of turmeric oleoresin:silica gel with a ratio of 1:3 without being affected by adsorption time. The optimum eluent for the elution process was 96% ethanol.