Evaluation of analgesic properties of petroleum ether extract of Zingiber officinale

Background: Herbal remedies and alternative therapies have been employed in the treatment of pain from time immemorial. Ginger is a widely used spice with a lot of medicinal properties, and it is especially soothing to the gastro-intestinal system. Most of the analgesics used in modern medicine have side effects to either gastro-intestinal tract or nervous system. Ginger has neither. Scientific evaluation of the analgesic properties of Zingiber officinale is needed. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of three doses of orally administered petroleum ether extract of Z. officinale and to compare with morphine. When tested for analgesic activity, to find out the difference in reaction time at various time intervals for each dose of the extract, and their significance. Materials and Methods: Petroleum ether extract of Z. officinale rhizomes was used. Wistar strain albino rats (150-200 g) and Swiss albino mice (20-25 g) housed under standard laboratory conditions were used. The central analgesic activities of the extract were evaluated by the tail clip method and hot plate method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance to compare the means in the experimental groups. Results: In tail clip method, pain was mechanically induced pain and the pain threshold was measured in terms of mice’ reaction time in seconds. All doses of the extract of Z. officinale were capable of increasing the reaction time in mice during the various time periods. Maximum analgesic activity was shown by 800 mg/kg of the extract at 90 minutes. In hot plate test, maximum analgesic activity was shown by 800 mg/kg of the extract at 180 min. At 30 and 60 min, 800 mg/kg of the extract was as effective as the standard drug, morphine. Conclusions: The study revealed that Z. officinale has significant analgesic properties especially in higher doses.

Effect of Spice form and Extraction Period on Total Phenolic Content of Selected Ugandan Spices

Introduction: Spice consumption is one of the globally recognized healthy nutritional practices. Most spices contain phenolic compounds that may prevent or prolong the onset of non-communicable diseases. The harvesting, processing and preparation procedures of such spices may influence the phenolic amount extracted and eventual biological availability. Literature about how extraction period and spice form affects total phenolic content yield in water infusions is scanty. Aim: This study determined the effect of spice form and length of extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC) yield of the selected Ugandan spices infused in water. Methods: Samples of Ocimum gratissimum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus and Zingiber officinale, were collected in triplicates from Kanungu, Bushenyi and Lugazi Districts, in Uganda. Fresh and dry samples of these spices were infused in hot water for four minutes and 40 minutes and sieved with Whatman paper, No. 1. Phenolic content was measured with a spectrophotometer at Makerere University, Biochemistry Department, following Folin-ciocalteu method, using gallic acid as the reference standard. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. Results: Higher TPC yield was generally observed in dry samples compared to the flesh ones and 40-minute extracts of both fresh and dry samples also had higher TPC content compared to the four minutes ones. The highest TPC yield was observed in Cymbopogon citratus (12.21±0.75 mg GAE/g) among the dry samples and Ocimum gratissimum (10.02±2.45 mg GAE/g) among the fresh samples, extracted for 40 minutes. Conclusion: Longer extraction time and sample dryness maximize TPC yield. Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus may benefit consumers by improving their antioxidant status.

Antibacterial potential of indigenous medicinal plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from septic wounds

Aims@#This study was aimed to screen indigenous medicinal plants for their antibacterial potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).@*Methodology and results@#Three indigenous plants (Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinale and Calotropis procera) and thymoquinone were screened for antibacterial activity against MRSA, isolated from septic wounds of patients admitted to Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Isolated bacteria were screened for methicillin and cefoxitin resistance by the Kirby-Bauer method, followed by mecA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Confirmed MRSA was processed for antibacterial activity of plant extracts and thymoquinone followed by cytotoxicity assay of plant extract having least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value. Out of total samples (n=100), S. aureus (29%), MRSA (26%) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) (21.7%) isolates were recovered based on morphology, biochemical profile and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Nigella sativa showed the highest antibacterial activity (10.06 ± 6.53 mm) against MRSA followed by Z. officinale (4.06 ± 3.72 mm) and C. procera (3.65 ± 3.33 mm) in comparison to standard thymoquinone (17.93 ± 10.14 mm). The least MIC value recorded was for Z. officinale at 36.89 ± 3.75 μg/mL. Zingiber officinale was the most effective antibacterial agent, followed by N. sativa and C. procera and non-toxic for eukaryotic cells at all tested concentrations (1500 μg/mL to 2.92 μg/mL).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#It was concluded that Z. officinale may be used as an effective alternative for treating septic wound infection in local or topical preparations. As pathogenic S. aureus is becoming life-threatening among antibiotic-resistant bacteria and traditional plants are in used for centuries to treat septic wound infections.

A new diarylheptane dimer from Zingiber officinale peel / 药学学报

Three diarylheptanoids were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Zingiber officinale peel by MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified by MS and NMR spectroscopy techniques: (2S,2'S,3R,3'R,4R,4'R,6R,6'R)-6,6'-bis((S)-1-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-2,2'-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)octahydro-2H,2'H-[3,3'-bipyran]-4,4'-diol (1), (E)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hept-4-en-3-one (2), and alpinin B (3). Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2-3 were obtained from Zingiber officinale peel for the first time.

Study on Improvement Effects of Zingiber officinale Decoction on Mitochondrial Function Injury of Cardiomyo-cytes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To investigate the improvement e ffects of Zingiber officinale decoction （ZOD） on doxorubicin （DOX）-induced mitochondrial function injury of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes. METHODS ：Taking H 9c2 cardiomyocytes as research object，the effects of different concentrations of ZOD （0.125，0.25，0.5，1，2，4，8 mg/mL，by crude drug ，the same below ）on its survival rate were investigated by CCK- 8 assay. The effects of low ，medium and high concentrations of ZOD （0.125，0.25，0.5 mg/mL）on the morphology of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes after DOX （5 μmol/L）induced mitochondrial dysfunction were detected by high content living cell imaging system. The relative number of cells ，the relative fluorescence intensity of living cells and the relative fluorescence intensity of dead cells were analyzed quantitatively. The effects of ZOD （0.5 mg/mL）on related indexes of mitochondrial respiratory function （oxygen consumption rate ，extracellular acidification rate ，baseline oxygen consumption rate ， baseline extracellular acidification rate ，stress oxygen consumption rate and stress extracellular acidification rate ） and energy metabolism（basic respiration level ，maximum respiration level ，ATP production level ，H+ proton leakage level ，spare respiration level and non-mitochondrial respiration level ）were detected by bioenergy analyzer. RESULTS ：After treated with 0.125，0.25，0.5 mg/mL ZOD ，the survival rate of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes were increased significantly （P＜0.01）or had no statistical significance （P＞0.05）. After DOX induced mitochondrial dysfunction of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes，pretreated with 0.125，0.25，0.5 mg/mL（or 0.5 mg/mL）ZOD，the morphology of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes returned to normal and showed regular fibrous adherent distribution. The relative cell number ，fluorescence intensity of living cells ，oxygen consumption rate ，extracellular acidification rate ，baseline oxygen consumption rate ，baseline extracellular acidification rate ，stress oxygen consumption rate ，stress extracellular acidification rate，basic respiration level ，maximal respiration level ，ATP production level ，spare respiration level and non-mitochondrial respiration level were all significantly increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），while relative dead cell fluorescence intensity and H + proton leakage level were significantly decreased （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ： ZOD can improve the respiratory function and mitochondrial energy metabolism of H 9c2 cardiomyocytes，so as to improve mitochon drial function injury.

Benefits of ginger in the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting / Beneficios del jengibre en el control de náusea y vómito inducidos por la quimioterapia / Benefícios do gengibre no controle da náusea e vômito induzidos pela quimioterapia

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify and discuss scientific evidence of the effects of ginger use on the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Methods: This is an integrative reviewperformed by Ganong's reference. Results: We included 24 studies, highlighting three thematic categories, namely 1) antiemetic action of ginger - nausea (13 articles; of these, nine significant) and emesis (10 studies; of these, six significant); 2) action in the control of nausea (11 articles; of these, six significant) and vomiting (8 articles; of these, three significant) in the acute phase; 3) action in the control of nausea (6 articles; of these, three significant) and vomiting (6 articles; of these, three significant) in the delayed phase. There were divergences of the methods used. Final considerations: This complementary therapy has low cost and easy access, but no statistical confirmation of its effectiveness in the management of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients was found.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar y discutir evidencias científicas de los efectos del uso del jengibre en el manejo de la náusea y vomito inducidos por la quimioterapia. Métodos: Se trata de revisión integranterealizada por el referencial Ganong. Resultados: Han sido incluidos 24 estudios, destacándose 3 categorías temáticas: 1) acción antiemética del jengibre - ha sido evaluada la náusea (13 artículos [9 significativos]) y emesis (10 estudios [6 significativos]); 2) acción en el control de la náusea (11 artículos [6 significativos]) y vomito (8 artículos [3 significativos]) en la fase aguda; 3) acción en el control de la náusea (6 artículos [3 significativos]) y vomito (6 artículos [3 significativos]) en la fase tardía. Hubo divergencias de los métodos utilizados. Consideraciones finales: Esa terapia complementar ha sido de bajo costo y fácil acceso, pero no ha sido encontrada confirmación estadística de su efectividad en el manejo de la náusea y vomito en pacientes oncológicos.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar e discutir evidências científicas dos efeitos do uso do gengibre no manejo da náusea e vômito induzidos pela quimioterapia. Métodos: Trata-se de revisão integrativabaseada no referencial de Ganong. Resultados: Foram incluídos 24 estudos, destacando-se 3 categorias temáticas, a saber, 1) ação antiemética do gengibre - foi avaliada a náusea (13 artigos; destes, 9 significativos) e êmese (10 estudos; destes, 6 significativos); 2) ação no controle da náusea (11 artigos; destes, 6 significativos) e vômito (8 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) na fase aguda; 3) ação no controle da náusea (6 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) e vômito (6 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) na fase tardia. Houve divergências dos métodos utilizados. Considerações finais: Essa terapia complementar é de baixo custo e fácil acesso, mas não foi encontrada confirmação estatística de sua efetividade no manejo da náusea e vômito em pacientes oncológicos.

Benefits of ginger in the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting / Beneficios del jengibre en el control de náusea y vómito inducidos por la quimioterapia / Benefícios do gengibre no controle da náusea e vômito induzidos pela quimioterapia

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify and discuss scientific evidence of the effects of ginger use on the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Methods: This is an integrative reviewperformed by Ganong's reference. Results: We included 24 studies, highlighting three thematic categories, namely 1) antiemetic action of ginger - nausea (13 articles; of these, nine significant) and emesis (10 studies; of these, six significant); 2) action in the control of nausea (11 articles; of these, six significant) and vomiting (8 articles; of these, three significant) in the acute phase; 3) action in the control of nausea (6 articles; of these, three significant) and vomiting (6 articles; of these, three significant) in the delayed phase. There were divergences of the methods used. Final considerations: This complementary therapy has low cost and easy access, but no statistical confirmation of its effectiveness in the management of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients was found.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar y discutir evidencias científicas de los efectos del uso del jengibre en el manejo de la náusea y vomito inducidos por la quimioterapia. Métodos: Se trata de revisión integranterealizada por el referencial Ganong. Resultados: Han sido incluidos 24 estudios, destacándose 3 categorías temáticas: 1) acción antiemética del jengibre - ha sido evaluada la náusea (13 artículos [9 significativos]) y emesis (10 estudios [6 significativos]); 2) acción en el control de la náusea (11 artículos [6 significativos]) y vomito (8 artículos [3 significativos]) en la fase aguda; 3) acción en el control de la náusea (6 artículos [3 significativos]) y vomito (6 artículos [3 significativos]) en la fase tardía. Hubo divergencias de los métodos utilizados. Consideraciones finales: Esa terapia complementar ha sido de bajo costo y fácil acceso, pero no ha sido encontrada confirmación estadística de su efectividad en el manejo de la náusea y vomito en pacientes oncológicos.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar e discutir evidências científicas dos efeitos do uso do gengibre no manejo da náusea e vômito induzidos pela quimioterapia. Métodos: Trata-se de revisão integrativabaseada no referencial de Ganong. Resultados: Foram incluídos 24 estudos, destacando-se 3 categorias temáticas, a saber, 1) ação antiemética do gengibre - foi avaliada a náusea (13 artigos; destes, 9 significativos) e êmese (10 estudos; destes, 6 significativos); 2) ação no controle da náusea (11 artigos; destes, 6 significativos) e vômito (8 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) na fase aguda; 3) ação no controle da náusea (6 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) e vômito (6 artigos; destes, 3 significativos) na fase tardia. Houve divergências dos métodos utilizados. Considerações finais: Essa terapia complementar é de baixo custo e fácil acesso, mas não foi encontrada confirmação estatística de sua efetividade no manejo da náusea e vômito em pacientes oncológicos.

Comparison of Different Extraction Techniques of Zingiber officinale Essential Oil

Abstract This study aims to find the best conditions for the extraction of Zingiber officinale essential oil using the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), steam distillation (SD) and hydrodistillation (HD) techniques, regarding the maximum oil yield. For the HD technique is evaluated the best ratio between plant mass and water volume and for SFE and SD the pressure condition was investigated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the similarity between the composition of the essential oil in different pressures and extraction methods. The experimental extraction curve was plotted and three different mathematical models were used to fit the data for SD and SFE methods, obtaining the relevant mass transfer parameters. The essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), being α-zingiberene the main component with different contents (from 11.9 to 28.9%). The best condition for the SFE was 100 bar, 40 °C (0.0508 goil/gplant) with 19.34% of α-zingiberene; for the SD, 3 bar (133 °C) (0.00616 goil/gplant) with 28.9% of α-zingiberene; and HD, the volume of 750 mL (0.006988 goil/gplant) with 15.70% of α-zingiberene, all measured on a dry basis.

Two new monoterpenoids of Zingiber officinale peel / 药学学报

The chemical constituents of Zingiber officinale peel were isolated and purified by various chromatographic separation techniques such as Diaion HP-20, MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. Seven terpenoids were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data: (4R,6S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-4-ol (1), 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1-isopropylcyclohex-2-ene-3,4-diol (2), 3,5,6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (3), 3-(3-hydroxybutyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (4), angelicoidenol (5), grasshopper ketone (6), and dihydrophaseic acid (7), in which compounds 1, 2 are new compounds, named: (4R,6S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-4-ol and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1-isopropylcyclohex-2-ene-3,4-diol, and compounds 3-7 were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Mechanisms underlying the vascular relaxation activities of Zingiber officinale var. rubrum in thoracic aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate vasorelaxant and vasoconstriction effects of Zingiber officinale var. rubrum (ZOVR) on live rats and isolated aortic rings of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).@*METHODS@#Extracts of ZOVR were subjected to in-vivo antihypertensive screening using noninvasive blood pressures in SHRs. The most potent extract, ZOVR petroleum ether extract (ZOP) was then fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform and water. Isolated thoracic aortic rings were harvested and subjected to vascular relaxation studies of n-hexane fraction of ZOP (HFZOP) with incubation of different antagonists such as N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 µmol/L), indomethacin (10 µmol/L), methylene blue (10 µmol/L), atropine (1 µmol/L), glibenclamide (10 µmol/L), prazosin (0.01 µmol/L), and propranolol (1 µmol/L).@*RESULTS@#During the screening of various ZOVR extracts, ZOP produced the most reduction in blood pressures of SHRs and so did HFZOP. HFZOP significantly decreased phenylephrine-induced contraction and enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation. L-NAME, indomethacin, methylene blue, atropine, and glibenclamide significantly potentiated the vasorelaxant effects of HFZOP. Propranolol and prazosin did not alter the vasorelaxant effects of HFZOP. HFZOP significantly suppressed the Ca-dependent contraction and influenced the ratio of the responses to phenylephrine in Ca-free medium.@*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrates that ZOP may exert an antihypertensive effect in the SHR model. Its possible vascular relaxation mechanisms involve nitric oxide and prostacyclin release, activation of cGMP-K channels, stimulation of muscarinic receptors, and transmembrane calcium channel or Ca release from intracellular stores. Possible active compounds that contribute to the vasorelaxant effects are 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 6-shogaol.

Correlation Study of Color Difference Values and Active Constituent Contents in Crude and Processed Zingiber officinale / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate the correlation between color difference values and active constituent contents of crude and processed Zingiber officinale . METHODS ：HPLC method was adopted to determint the content of 6 active constituents. The color difference values of crude and processed Z. officinale [lightness（L＊），red-green axis component （a＊），yellow-blue axis component（b＊）] were determined by chromatic aberration meter . SPSS 24.0 software was adopted for the correlation analysis between color difference values and active constituent contents. RESULTS ：The linear range of zingiberone ，6-gingerol， 8-gingerol， 6-shogaol， diacetoxy-6-gingerol and 10-gingerol were 2.65-105.90， 10.15-406.00， 4.87-194.80， 5.28-211.20， 6.14-245.70，7.02-280.80 μg/mL（r＞0.999）. The limits of quantification were 7.46，13.68，14.37，16.62，17.03，17.99 ng，and the limits of detection were 2.24，4.11，4.31，4.99，5.11，5.40 ng，respectively. RSDs of precision ，stability，and repeatability tests were all lower than 3％. The average recovery rates were 101.34％，102.14％，101.22％；103.12％，103.74％，103.54％；103.06％，properties critical for cell migration and invasion. induced EMT through downregulation of NF-κB-Snail sig- naling in breast cancer cells enchymal transition and activation of TLR 4/JNK signal - 98.55％，99.43％；99.36％，103.51％，101.21％；100.85％，99.42％，99.60％；100.39％，97.69％，103.84％（RSD were all lower than 3％，n＝3），respectively. The contents of them were 0-0.66，0.06-7.57，0.03-1.45，0.29-3.47，0.15-2.85，0.04-2.83 mg/g， respectively. L＊ and b＊ values were negative correlated with the processing degree of Z. officinale significantly（P＜0.01），a＊ showed a significantly positive correlation with the processing degree （P＜0.05）. L＊and b＊ values showed a significantly negative correlation with the content of zingiberone before and after processing ，but positively correlated with the other five components （P＜0.01）. a＊ showed a significantly positive correlation with the content of zingiberone ，but had no correlation with other five components（P＞0.05）. The crude and processed Z. officinale were positive correlated with the content of zingiberone ，negatively correlated with other five components （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：There is a certain correlation between the color difference values of crude and processed Z. officinale and the contents of their active constituents. With the deepening of the processing ，a＊ values is increased ，L＊ values and b＊ values is decreased ；the content of zingiberone increases ，the contents of 6-gingerol， 8-gingerol，6-shogaol，diacetoxy-6-gingerol，10-gingerol reduce.

Anti-thrombotic effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) in sprague dawley rats

Background: The prevalence of thrombotic diseases is rising globally. Presently, stroke and ischemic heart disease account for 25% of all deaths. Use of anti-thrombotic drugs have proven effective in prevention of these ailments but might not be affordable especially in developing countries. They are also associated with undesirable side effects. This study sought to determine the anti-thrombotic effect of ginger since it is affordable, accessible and is widely used as a food enhancer and a medicinal herb.Methods: The current study employed an in-vivo experimental study design. Three groups Sprague dawley rats (N=5) were given different doses of methanolic extract of ginger for 30 days. Two other groups (N=5) which served as controls received 5% dimethyl sulfoxide and aspirin for the same duration. Measurement of bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time was done to assess the anti-thrombotic property.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in bleeding time (P=0.03) across the groups investigated. There was however no significant difference across the groups in platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time (P=˃0.05).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that methanolic extract of ginger possesses an anti-thrombotic property probably through inhibition of platelet function. Regular consumption of ginger may therefore confer protection against thrombotic diseases.

Concentração inibitória mínima de óleo essencial de gengibre frente a microrganismos patogênicos / Minimum inhibitory concentration of ginger oil essential against pathogenic microorganism

Óleos essenciais extraídos de condimentos representam uma alternativa para conservação de alimentos processados, em especial pela atividade antimicrobiana. No presente trabalho foi determinada a Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CMI) frente a B. cereus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. Typhimurium e S. aureus, por microdiluição em caldo in vitro em microplacas de 96 poços. O maior potencial antimicrobiano do óleo foi evidenciado frente a S. aureus(CMI de 3,13%), seguido por E. coli (6,25%) e S. Typhimurium (12,5%). A comprovação da atividade antimicrobiana do óleo demonstra seu potencial de aplicação como ingrediente natural, evidenciado pelo seu efeito na inibição de microrganismos patogênicos frequentemente associados a doenças de origem alimentar.

Preventive and Curative Effects of Metformin, Nigella sativa, Punica granatum and Zingiber officinale on Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, that affects almost all the cells of the body. Well documented complications of DMinclude, neuropathy, nephropathy, microangiopathy, and retinopathy. The negative impact of the disorder is also found inother cells, including male reproductive system. In this study, fifty adult Wistar albino male rats were used. The rats weredivided into 10 groups, each group comprised of 5 rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ, effects ofDM were observed on the sperm producing cells then preventive as well as curative effects of Metformin, Punica granatum,Nigella sativa and Zingiber officinale were observed. It was found that all the substances prevent as well as repair/cure thedamage caused by DM to the seminiferous tubules and other structures. The results of this study show that Metforminthough prevented and caused repair to the damaged cells as well, but was not as effective as Punica granatum, Nigellasativa and Zingiber officinale.

Optimization of the osmotic dehydration of ginger / Otimização da desidratação osmótica do gengibre

ABSTRACT: The present research aimed to optimize the process of osmotic dehydration (OD) of ginger with hypertonic sucrose solution employing response surface methodology. A 23 experimental planning was carried out and 17 experimental assays were performed based on three independent variables (temperature, concentration of the osmotic solution and immersion time) and three dependent variables (moisture loss (ML), solids gain (SG) and dehydration efficiency index (DEI)). The selected assay conditions exhibited the preferred DEI value (the highest ML and lower SG), which were considered in the optimization. Assay 16 demonstrated to be the most favorable conditions for the osmotic dehydration of ginger (DEI =1.61) at 40 40 °C, 50 °Brix and 90 minutes of immersion time. Assay 1 performed at 34 °C, 44 °Brix and 120 minutes of immersion time also displayed desirable response (DEI =1.45). Thus, these two assays were evaluated for the presence of thermal-tolerant coliforms: Bacillus cereus and Salmonella sp.. The analyses presented values below the acceptable limits, which assured high quality hygienic and sanitary conditions of the product.

RESUMO: A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo otimizar o processo de desidratação osmótica (DO) do gengibre, com solução hipertônica de sacarose, pelo método de superfície de resposta. Foi utilizado um planejamento fatorial 23 completo, totalizando 17 ensaios, tendo como variáveis independentes: temperatura, concentração da solução osmótica e tempo de imersão e variáveis dependentes, como,: perda de umidade (PU), ganho de sólidos (GS) e índice de eficiência de desidratação osmótica (IED). Para otimizar foi considerado o melhor ensaio, o que obteve maior IED, ou seja, maior PU e menor GS. As melhores condições para a desidratação osmótica de gengibre foram obtidos a 40 °C, 50 °Brix e 90 minutos de imersão (Ensaio 16) com IED de 1.61 vindo em seguida o Ensaio 1 (34 ºC, 44 ºBrix e 120 minutos de imersão) com IED de 1.45. Estes ensaios foram avaliados quanto à coliformes tolerantes térmicas, Bacillus cereus e Salmonella spp., apresentando valores abaixo dos limites aceitáveis, indicando boas condições higiênicas sanitárias do produto.

Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Zingiber officinale Oil Microcapsules / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To prepare Zingiber officinale oil microcapsules and to evaluate its quality. METHODS： Z. officinale oil microcapsules were prepared by spray drying method with sodium starch octenyl succinate as capsule material. The preparation technology was optimized by orthogonal test with mixing temperature of capsule material and capsule core， mass ratio of capsule material and capsule core， stirring speed as factors， using encapsulation efficiency as index. The drug loading， encapsulation efficiency， appearance， particle size distribution and stability of light， heat and humidity （using iodine value and peroxide value as indexes） were evaluated. RESULTS： The optimal preparation technology of Z. officinale oil microcapsules was that the mixing temperature of capsule material and core was 60 ℃； mass ratio of capsule material and capsule core was 10 ∶ 1； stirring speed was 12 000 r/min. Average drug-loading amount and encapsulation efficiency of Z. officinale oil microcapsules prepared by optimal technology were 17.97％ and 73.57％ （n＝3）. The morphology of Z. officinale oil microcapsules was round， smooth， non-sticky and uniform in size distribution. The average diameter of microcapsules was （6.30±0.27） μm. Under light， heat and humidity conditions， the iodine value and peroxide value of Z. officinale oil microcapsules changed slightly. CONCLUSIONS： The optimal preparation technology of Z. officinale oil microcapsules is simple and reproducible. The prepared microcapsules have good encapsulation efficiency， high drug loading amount and good stability.

Neuromodulatory effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Zingiber officinale Roscoe extract in rats with lead-induced oxidative stress / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Zingiber officinale Roscoe extract against lead-induced brain damage in rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty male rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Lead-acetate toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) in Groups B-E. Group A (control) and Group B (lead-acetate) were left untreated; vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to Group C; ethyl acetate fraction from Z. officinale extract (200 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to Group D and E by oral gavage once daily for 7 days. Changes in the content of some key marker enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), epinephrine, dopamine, Na/K-ATPase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as malonaldehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to lead acetate resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activities of BChE, AChE, Na/K-ATPase, SOD, CAT and GPx with a corresponding increase in the levels of MDA, xanthine oxidase, epinephrine, dopamine and MAO relative to the control group. Levels of all disrupted parameters were alleviated by co-administration of Z. officinale fraction and by the standard drug, vitamin C.@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that ethyl acetate fraction of Z. officinale extract attenuates lead-induced brain damage and might have therapeutic potential as a supplement that can be applied in lead poisoning.

A Review on In vitro Regeneration of Ginger: Tips and Highlights

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the oriental spices, widely used worldwide for multiple purposes. It is applied as an important ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations from time immemorial. Tissue culture is a practice that is utilized to propagate plants from cells or tissue under sterile conditions. This study is directed to create a review of the successful and reproducible convention for in vitro recovery of ginger with emphasis on effective initial culture establishment. Furthermore, it has dealt with the appropriate explant size and effectiveness of media quality on micropropagation of ginger. The current study recommends that the medium containing Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) can be used for inducing shoot development of ginger. Among the diverse explants, shoot tips give the quickest response for starting development and the highest number of multiple shoots are produced. As well, it is demonstrated that a survival rate and proper shoot/root expansion can be obtained through the tissue culture methods. Emphasizing the tips and recommendations, this study would be a route-map towards time and cost saving for producing a better quality of ginger.

Genotoxicity and antioxidant activity of spices and herbs used in brazilian cuisine / Genotoxicidade e atividade antioxidante de especiarias e ervas utilizadas na culinária brasileira

Spices are natural plant products, have been used not only as flavoring and coloring agents, but also as food preservatives and folk medicines throughout the world for thousands of years. Many spices also have been recognized by having both digestive stimulant and carminative actions and also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential. Antioxidant and genotoxic potential of species commonly used in Brazil was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methods, including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power (FRAP), iron ion chelating power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), NO radical scavenging, and oxidative hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, the antigenotoxic activity was evaluated through mitotic index and chromosome aberration in Allium cepa roots. Quantification of total phenols and flavonoids carried out. The results with the Ocimum basilicum spices in the DPPH test showed activity (82.01%), FRAP (321.12 uM ET and iron chelating activity (94.18) and for the Cinnamomum zeylanicum spice in the TBARS test (18.52%) evaluated by different methods and mechanisms of inactivation of free radicals and according to the evaluation of genotoxicity by the Allium cepa test the spices do not present genotoxic effects.

As especiarias são produtos vegetais naturais, que foram utilizados não só como agentes aromatizantes e colorantes, mas também como conservantes de alimentos e medicamentos populares em todo o mundo há milhares de anos. Muitas especiarias também foram reconhecidas por ter estimulantes digestivos e ações carminativas e também potencial antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório, antimutagênico e anticarcinogênico. O potencial antioxidante e genotóxico das espécies comumente utilizadas no Brasil foi avaliado. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada utilizando diferentes métodos, incluindo a atividade de eliminação de radicais DPPH, poder de redução férrica (FRAP), poder quelante de íons de ferro, inibição da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS), eliminação de radicais NO e inibição da hemólise oxidativa. Além disso, a atividade antigenotóxica foi avaliada através do índice mitótico e aberração cromossômica nas raízes do Allium cepa. Quantificação de fenóis totais e flavonoides realizados. Os resultados mostraram que as especiarias (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Origanum vulgare, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale e Ocimum basilicum) apresentaram atividade antioxidante avaliada por diferentes métodos e mecanismos de inativação de radicais livres e de acordo com a avaliação de genotoxicidade pelo teste Allium cepa as especiarias não apresentam efeitos genotóxicos.

Influence of Zingiber officinale Extract on Push-Out Bond Strength of Glass-Fiber Post

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of 20% glycolic ginger extract on the bond strength of glass-fiber post cemented with etch-and-rinse or self-etching resin cement. Forty-eight bovine roots were standardized (17±0.5 mm) and randomly divided into two groups, according to irrigant used during biomechanical preparation: NaOCl: 1% sodium hypochlorite and GEN: 20% glycolic ginger extract. Root canal was prepared and randomly assigned to one of two subgroups (n=12), according to luting protocol: self-etching (RelyX U200) and etch-and-rinse (RelyX ARC). After 48 h, the roots were sectioned perpendicularly (4 in cervical third and 3 in middle third) and submitted to push-out bond strength test (50 kgf load cell, 1.0 mm/min). Failure mode was analyzed in SEM and stereomicroscopy. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). ANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences between U200 (2.01±0.17)B and ARC (1.93±0.12)B in GEN group, and at the cervical third for both irrigants, 2.69±0.16A and 2.54±0.17A, respectively. Middle third showed lower bond strength than cervical third, regardless the irrigant. Overall, the cervical third regardless the irrigant employed and the association between NaOCl and ARC, presented better adhesive performance.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro a influência do extrato de gengibre 20% na resistência adesiva de pinos de fibra de vidro cimentados com cimentos resinosos convencional ou autocondicionantes. Quarenta e oito raízes bovinas foram padronizadas (17±0.5mm) e aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos (n=24), de acordo com o irrigante utilizado durante o preparo biomecânico: NaOCl: hipoclorito de sódio 1%; e GEN: extrato glicólico de gengibre 20%. Os canais radiculares foram preparados e aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois subgrupos (n=12), conforme o protocolo de cimentação: autocondicionante (RelyX U200) e convencional (RelyX ARC). Após 48 h, as raízes foram seccionadas perpendicularmente (4 no terço cervical e 3 no terço médio) e submetidas ao teste de resistência adesiva push-out (50 kgf carga, 1.0 mm/min). O modo de falha foi analisado em MEV e estereomicroscopia. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA 3-fatores e Tukey (p<0.05). ANOVA mostrou que não houve diferenças significativas entre U200 (2.01±0.17)B e ARC (1.93±0.12)B no grupo GEN, e no terço cervical para ambos os irrigantes (2.69±0.16A and 2.54±0.17A, respectivamente). O terço médio apresentou menor resistência adesiva que o terço cervical, independente do irrigante. Em geral, o terço cervical, independentemente do irrigante empregado, e a associação entre NaOCl e ARC apresentaram melhores desempenhos adesivos.