What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to identify genotypes of Curcuma caesia with high camphor content and predict its gastroprotective mechanisms.

April 19, 2026Open Access

Genetic diversity and camphor profiling of Curcuma caesia roxb.: identification of elite genotypes and in silico prediction of gastroprotective mechanisms

VIV. IshaTamil Nadu Agricultural University KVK VenkatesanTamil Nadu Agricultural University NSN. SenthilTamil Nadu Agricultural University

Key Points

The research aims to identify genotypes of Curcuma caesia with high camphor content and predict its gastroprotective mechanisms.
Characterized 21 genotypes using DUS guidelines.
Performed GC-MS profiling to quantify camphor content.
Conducted molecular docking studies against ulcer-associated targets.
Simulated molecular dynamics for camphor-MMP9 interactions.
Observed significant morphological variation among genotypes, including plant height and essential oil yield.
Identified camphor as the predominant bioactive metabolite in the genotypes studied, with significant genotypic variation in camphor content.
Predicted superior binding of camphor to MMP9 compared to ranitidine, supporting its potential gastroprotective role.

Abstract

Curcuma caesia Roxb (Black Turmeric) is an underexploited medicinal species with recognized ethnobotanical use in gastrointestinal disorders. This study integrates morphological characterization, validated camphor quantification, and computational anti-ulcer evaluation across 21 genotypes collected from diverse Indian agro-climatic zones. Genotypes were cultivated at Coimbatore and Bhavanisagar and characterized using DUS guidelines. Significant morphological variation was observed in plant height (27.81–107.08 cm), rhizome traits, and essential oil yield (0.20%–0.62%), indicating high genetic diversity. GC-MS profiling identified 30 bioactive metabolites, with camphor emerging as the predominant constituent. Quantification using D-camphor standard revealed substantial genotypic variation in camphor content, ranging from 5.19% (GKK-6) to 33.84% (GTE-18), with high concentrations also recorded in GMR-2 (30.35%), GMN-10 (26.41%), and GCA-5 (24.44%). Molecular docking studies against ulcer-associated targets predicted camphor’s superior binding affinity for MMP9 (−7.8 kcal/mol) compared to ranitidine (−6.3 kcal/mol), with stable hydrogen bonding interactions involving TYR A:111 and TYR A:458. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns confirmed stable camphor-MMP9 interactions with minimal RMSD deviation (0.20–0.25 nm) and persistent hydrogen bonding, providing computational support for investigating its potential gastroprotective role in mucosal healing. While in silico predictions suggest plausible mechanisms aligning with traditional ethnomedicinal use, these computational findings require experimental validation through in vitro enzyme inhibition assays and in vivo gastric ulcer models. This study provides a phytochemical and computational foundation for hypothesis-driven investigation of camphor’s potential gastroprotective properties, identifying elite C. caesia genotypes (GTE-18, GMR-2, GMN-10) for breeding programs targeting enhanced camphor content and subsequent biological validation.

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