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.