Effects of the extracts and an active compound curcumenone isolated from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes on alcohol-induced drunkenness in mice.

The Curcuma zedoaria rhizome has been used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal diseases as an aromatic stomachic drug, and this is currently used to treat alcohol-induced loss of appetite and nausea in Japan. We examined the effects of various fractions and isolated compounds on alcohol-induced drunkenness and blood alcohol concentrations in mice. The 30% ethanol-extract (1000mg/kg) of C. zedoaria rhizome prevented drunkenness 60 and 120min after 40% alcohol administration. The n-hexane-soluble fraction (300mg/kg) and an isolated compound (3, 10 or 30mg/kg) prevented drunkenness at 30, 60 or 120min. The extract, n-hexane-soluble fraction and isolated compound reduced the elevation in blood alcohol concentrations 30 and 60min after 40% alcohol administration. The isolated compound (10 and 30mg/kg) enhanced liver ADH activity 30 and 60min after 40% alcohol administration. The compound was identified as curcumenone by a direct comparison of (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectral data. In conclusion, the protective effect of the C. zedoaria extract on drunkenness might be due to an active substance, curcumenone, and decreases in the elevation of blood alcohol concentrations through increased liver alcohol dehydrogenase activity.