The Rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa), java
turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) and cassumunar ginger
(Zingiber cassumunar) are widely used in Indonesian
traditional medicine (jamu). These three rhizomes are
generally having a yellow or orange color due to the
present of curcuminoids. Physically, to differentiate
these three rhizomes is not difficult but it’s become more
difficult if they are pulverized as powder or cut into slice.
In Indonesia herb market, the price of java turmeric is
normally 3-5 times higher than turmeric and cassumunar
ginger. This is one of the reasons why especially
turmeric sometimes is found as adulterants of java
turmeric. Therefore, an accurate analytical method is
essentially required for the identification, authentication
and differentiation of these herbs to ensure the safety,
quality, and consistency of their products.