Comparative metabolomic profiling and bioactivities of essential oils from different organs and geographic origins of Curcuma kwangsiensis

Curcuma kwangsiensis is valued for food and medicinal applications, but its essential oils (EOs) remain poorly characterized across organs and geographic origins. This study aimed to analyze 15 EOs of five plant parts collected from three geographic origins. GC–MS characterized 88 volatiles, primarily sesquiterpenes, with significant variation across organs and locations. PCA and PLS-DA distinguished samples by organ and origin, highlighting 31 differential metabolites, including curzerene and trans- β -elemenone. MTS assays showed Lingshan EOs had potent cytotoxicity against K562 and HepG2 cells (IC 50 = 10.82–18.53 μg/mL), NO inhibition assays revealed strong anti-inflammatory activity of Wuming tuberous root EO (IC 50 = 18.31 μg/mL), and DPPH/ABTS assays indicated superior antioxidant capacity of tuberous root and rhizome EOs (IC 50 = 0.25–2.42 mg/mL). Spearman correlation linked key compounds, including trans- β -elemenone and nootkatone, to observed bioactivities. These findings demonstrate that organ and origin influence EO chemistry and bioactivities, supporting their potential in functional foods and nutraceuticals. • EO composition varied across plant parts and origins of Curcuma kwangsiensis . • Thirty-one differential metabolites were identified as potential chemical markers. • Plant parts and origins markedly influenced EO biological activities. • Tuberous root and rhizome EOs showed superior bioactivities. • Findings support targeted selection of C. kwangsiensis EOs for nutraceutical use.