Zingiber album Nurainas among Zingiberaceae Family: A Review in the Traditional Uses

Aims: To determine the potential for local use of Zingiber album Nurainas among Zingiberaceae family through an ethnobotanical approach. Study Design: Information about traditional uses of Zingiberaceae family collected through literature review. The data was analyzed quantitatively using the ethnobotanyR package in the R Studio software and visualized using a flow diagram with the ggalluvial formula. Methodology: Literature review. Results: From the research, it was found that the local use of Z. album as a vegetable and traditional medicines, namely the medicine for swollen uterus after childbirth, abdominal pain, internal heat. Conclusion: Z. album Nurainas has potential as a food and traditional medicine. Ethnoalluvial analysis of the potential utilization of Z. album among other species in the Zingiberaceae family in West Sumatra showed that the species categorized as low importance.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties of Alpinia galanga, Curcuma amada, and Curcuma caesia

Objective: To compare the antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties of Alpinia (A.) galanga, Curcuma (C.) amada, and C. caesia. Methods: Cytotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of A. galanga, C. amada, and C. caesia at selected doses was evaluated by trypan blue, MTT, and flow cytometry-based assays. Genotoxicity and anti-genotoxicity (against methyl methanesulfonate, 35 μM and H2O2, 250 μM) of these plants were studied by comet assay in human lymphocytes in vitro. Furthermore, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were performed to study the antioxidant potentials of the plants. Finally, anti-genotoxic potential of C. amada was validated in Swiss albino mice using comet assay. Phytochemical composition of C. amada was determined by GC/MS and HPLC. Results: The selected doses (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL) of A. galanga, C. amada, and C. caesia were non-toxic by cytotoxicity tests. All three ethanolic extracts of plant rhizomes demonstrated antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties against methyl methanesulfonate-and H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. Multivariate analysis revealed that various antioxidant properties of these extracts in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were strongly correlated with their total phenolic constituents. C. amada extract conferred protection against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage in the bone marrow cells of mice and DNA damage was significantly inhibited by 2.5 mg/kg C. amada extract. Conclusions: C. amada is rich in potentially bioactive molecules and exhibits potent antioxidant activities. Its anti-genotoxicity against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress is also confirmed in this study.

Chemical constituents and biological activities of essential oils of Amomum genus (Zingiberaceae)

@# Amomum Roxb. includes the aromatic and medicinal plants native to tropical and subtropical Asia belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. Members of Amomum genus have been used for a long time in traditional medicine for the treatment of throat trouble, congestion of lungs, inflammation of eyelids, and digestive disorders, etc. Amomum essential oils have been studied for their chemical profiles in which limonene, allo-aromadendrene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, farnesyl acetate, α-pinene, β-pinene, caryophyllene, camphene, D-camphor, santolina triene, methyl chavicol, bornyl acetate, β-elemene, δ-3-carene, etc. were the major compounds. Furthermore, the oils extracted from Amomum plants have been reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, larvicidal, cytotoxic, anti-scabies, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on the chemical constituents and biological activities of the essential oils isolated from the different plant parts of Amomum plants. The objective of the present review is to highlight therapeutic potentials and provide evidence for future medicinal applications of these species of genus Amomum.

Research Progress on Miao Medicine of Alpinia zerumbet / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Alpinia zerumbet is a commonly used drug for ethnic minorities in Guizhou province. It has the effects of warming and drying dampness，relieving pain and eliminating malaria，and treating chills，chest and abdomen，indigestion，vomiting and diarrhea，with a long history of nearly 200 years. The author reviewed Chinese and foreign literatures for the past 30 years，and reviewed the research progress of the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of A. zerumbet in and abroad，in order to provide a theoretical basis for its medicinal value. With the development of instruments and technology，the chemical composition of A. zerumbet has attracted more and more attention. More than 200 compounds have been isolated and identified，including volatile oils，flavonoids，steroids，terpenoids and organic acids and many other chemical ingredients. Pharmacological studies have shown that A. zerumbet has many pharmacological activities，such as anti-oxidation，blood pressure lowering，antispasmodic analgesia and protection against endothelial cells. However，current studies on the chemical constituents only focus on volatile oil components，and only a few studies focus on other organic matter and polysaccharides and are not deep enough. In clinic，the use of A. zerumbet is more confusing. The roots，stems，leaves，flowers，fruits and seeds can be used in medicines，but the pharmacological effects of the various medicinal parts have not been clearly explained，which leads to confusion in clinical medication. In addition，the pharmacological mechanism is not clear，especially in the studies on traditional activities，such as analgesic，digestive and anti-ulcer. The studies only focus on the pharmacological activity，and with only a few studies on the mechanism of action. Besides，the existing studies are mainly in vitro activity experiments，and need further validation in clinical trials，so as to provide reference for further rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal resources.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Amomum villosum and comparative analysis with other Zingiberaceae plants / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Amomum villosum (AV) is an herb whose dried fruit has been extensively used in modern medicine to treat digestive system diseases such as dysentery, vomiting and abdominal pain. This paper aims to supplement chloroplast (cp) genomic resources and to be used in phylogenetic studies and identification of AV related plants. Methods: High-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the complete sequence of the AV cp genome, and the sequence was then compared with three related species. Results: The genome size of AV we obtained was 163,968 bp with an obvious tetrad structure. The AV cp genome was observed to contain 125 unique genes and 81 simple sequence repeat (SSRs) had been determined and the majority of which were adenine–thymine (AT)-rich. Comparative analysis of genome sequence of four ginger plants showed that the atpF, clpP and rpl32 genes are potential markers for identifying Amomum species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that AV was closely related to A. kravanh and A. compactum. Conclusion: These results have brought useful genetic resources for further identification researches, DNA barcoding, resolving taxonomy and understanding the evolutionary mode of Zingiberaceae cp genome.

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.

Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Constituents from the Fruits of Amomum tsao-ko

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of MeOH extract of the dried fruits of Amomum tsao-ko led to isolation of nine compounds (1 – 9). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 1D and 2D-NMR, as alpinetin (1), naringenin-5-O-methyl ether (2), naringenin (3), hesperetin (4), 2′,4′,6′-trihydroxy-4-methoxy chalcone (5), tsaokoin (6), boesenbergin B (7), 4-hydroxyboesenbergin B (8), and tsaokoarylone (9). Of these, compound 8 was isolated from a natural source for the first time, which was previously reported as a synthetic product. The isolated compounds (1 – 9) were tested for their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, three chalcone derivatives (compounds 5, 7, and 8) and a diarylheptanoid (compound 9) exhibited significant inhibitory activity on the NO production with IC₅₀ values ranging from 10.9 to 22.5 µM.

Analysis of Zingiberaceae in E'mei Area Using ITS2 Sequences / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the use of ITS2 sequences as DNA barcode to identify the Zingiberaceae medicinal plants from E'mei area. Method: The genomic DNAs were extracted from 43 Zingiberaceae medicinal plant samples from Sichuan E'mei area. The ITS2 sequences of these samples were amplified and bidirectionally sequenced by PCR. 40 ITS2 sequences were downloaded from the GenBank,and then the interspecific and intraspecific genetic distances were calculated and analyzed by using MEGA 6.0 to construct Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree; TAXON DNA software was also used to analyze intraspecific and interspecific variations and barcoding gaps. The differences in secondary structure of the ITS2 sequences were predicted and compared. Result: The minimum interspecific distance in Zingiberaceae samples was greater than the maximum intra specific distance,with obvious barcoding gap. The NJ tree showed that the samples were clustered into five different branches,Alpinia,Curcuma,Globba,Hedychium,and Zingiber respectively,and further cluster into sub-branches. Significant differences were also present in the secondary structures of ITS2 between different samples. Conclusion: ITS2 sequences as DNA barcode can be used to conduct accurate and rapid identification of the Zingiberaceae plants and clearly figure out the phylogenetic relationship among them,providing guidance for the study of the distribution of medicinal plants of this genus,as well as theoretical basis for the quality control,medication safety and rational development of Zingiberaceae medicinal plants in E'mei area.

Effect of intrathecal cardamonin on diabetic neuropathic pain in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of intrathecal cardamonin on diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.Methods Healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 2 months,weighing 180-220 g,were included in the study.Diabetes mellitus was produced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg after intrathecal catheterization.When decrease in pain threshold＞50％ of the baseline at 21 days after diabetes mellitus was produced,the induction of DNP was considered successful.Twenty-four rats with DNP were divided into 4 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table:group DNP,rapamycin group (group R),cardamonin 50 μg group (group D50) and cardamonin 100 μg group (group D100).Another 6 healthy age-matched rats were used as normal control (group C).In DNP,R,D50 and D100 groups,dimethyl sulfoxide 10 μl,rapamycin 5 μg and cardamonin 50 μg and 100 μg were intrathecally injected,respectively,once a day for 7 consecutive days starting from 21 days after successful estabiishment of the model.Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured before establishment of the model,on 7,14 and 21 days after establishment of the model,and on 1,4 and 7 days after intrathecal injection.The rats were sacrificed after the last MWT measurement,and their L3-5 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expression of S6K,p-S6K and synapsin Ⅱ by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,MWT was significantly decreased,and the expression of spinal S6K,p-S6K and synapsin Ⅱ was up-regulated in group DNP (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Compared with group DNP,MWT was significantly increased,and the expression of spinal S6K,p-S6K and synapsin Ⅱ was down-regulated in R,D50 and D100 groups (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Compared with group D50,MWT was significantly increased,and the expression of spinal S6K,p-S6K and synapsin Ⅱ was down-regulated in group D100 (P＜0.05).Conclusion Intrathecal cardamonin can relieve DNP in rats,and the mechanism is related to inhibiting spinal mammalian target of rapamycin activity and down-regulating the expression of synapsin Ⅱ.

Actividad antibacteriana in vitro de Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) frente a bacterias nosocomiales en Montería, Colombia / In vitro antibacterial activity of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) against nosocomial bacteria in Montería, Colombia

ResumenLa resistencia bacteriana es un problema de salud creciente a nivel mundial que genera graves impactos económicos y sociales, comprometiendo la acción terapéutica de los antibióticos actuales. Por ello, la búsqueda de nuevos compuestos con propiedades antimicrobianas se hace más relevante en los estudios modernos, en especial frente a bacterias de interés clínico. En el presente estudio se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana in vitro del extracto etanólico y el aceite esencial de Curcuma longa L (Zingiberaceae), contra bacterias nosocomiales utilizando el método de microdilución. Se utilizaron cepas de Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus sp., Salmonella sp. y Bacillus sp., aisladas de infecciones nosocomiales en un centro hospitalario de la ciudad de Montería y cepas de referencia de S. aureus ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus ATCC 25923, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, E. coli ATCC 25922 y K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603. El perfil antibacterial del extracto etanólico fue más evidente a las concentraciones más altas (1 000 ppm), obteniendo porcentajes de reducción significativos de más del 50 % frente a K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 y un aislado clínico de E. coli, mientras que, frente al aislado clínico del género Bacillus fue más activo el aceite esencial. Para el resto de los microorganismos los porcentajes de reducción obtenidos a una concentración de 1 000 ppm variaron entre 17 y 42 % con el extracto etanólico y entre 8 y 43 % con el aceite esencial. A concentraciones de 100 y 500 ppm la actividad antibacteriana de los extractos fue menor. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el extracto etanólico y el aceite esencial de los rizomas de C. longa poseen compuestos activos con propiedades antibacterianas que podrían emplearse en investigaciones futuras, como una alternativa terapéutica para el tratamiento de infecciones producidas por patógenos nosocomiales.

Abstract:Bacterial resistance is a growing health problem worldwide that has serious economic and social impacts, compromising public health, and the therapeutic action of current antibiotics. Therefore, the search for new compounds with antimicrobial properties is relevant in modern studies, particularly against bacteria of clinical interest. In the present study, in vitro antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract and essential oil of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) was evaluated against nosocomial bacteria, using the microdilution method. Escherichia coli strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus sp. were used, Salmonella sp. and Bacillus sp., isolated from nosocomial infections in a hospital in the city of Monteria and reference strains of S. aureus ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus ATCC 25923, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, E. coli ATCC 25922 and K. pneumonia ATCC 700603. The ethanol extract antibacterial profile was more efficient at higher concentrations (1 000 ppm), obtaining significant percentages of reduction of more than 50 % against K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and a clinical isolate of E. coli; while compared to Bacillus clinical isolate, was more active than the essential oil. For the rest of microorganisms, the reduction percentages obtained at a concentration of 1 000 ppm varied between 17 and 42 % with ethanolic extract, and 8 to 43 % with essential oil. At concentrations of 100 and 500 ppm antibacterial activity of the extracts was lower. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract and essential oil of C. longa rhizomes have active compounds with antibacterial properties that could be used in future research as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of infections caused by nosocomial pathogens. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1201-1208. Epub 2016 September 01.

Several aspects of Zingiber zerumbet: a review

Abstract Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Zingiberaceae, is a perennial, aromatic and tuberose plant that grows in humid locations. Also known as bitter ginger, Z. zerumbet is traditionally found throughout Asia, where it is widely used in foods, beverages and for ornamental purposes. The viscous juice present in the inflorescence of the plant is rich in surfactants and is also known as "ginger shampoo". The rhizome can be macerated in ethanol and used as a tonic and a stimulant. In Brazil Z. zerumbet is found in the Amazon region, in Taruma-mirim and Puraquequara (rural areas of Manaus, Amazon, Brazil). The main chemical compounds found in Z. zerumbet are terpenes and polyphenols. Zerumbone, a sesquiterpene, is the principal bioactive compound of Z. zerumbet and it is widely studied for its medicinal properties. The extracts and isolated metabolites of Z. zerumbet have exhibited the following properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic and antiviral. The National Institute of Amazon Research in Brazil is currently conducting studies using extracts from this plant to obtain compounds active in tumor models. The aim of this review is to provide a overview about the main aspects related with pharmacognosy and pharmacology of Z. zerumbet published in the literature over the last decade.

Anti-osteoporotic and Antioxidant Activities by Rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker

In this report, we investigated the antioxidant (peroxyl radical-scavenging and reducing capacities) and anti-osteoporotic activities of extracts and isolated constituents (1 - 16) from the rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker on pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 5 exhibited significant peroxyl radical-scavenging capacity, with TE value of 8.47 ± 0.52 µM, while compound 13 showed significant reducing capacity, with CUPRAC value of 5.66 ± 0.26 µM, at 10.0 µM. In addition, flavonoid compounds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and terpene compound 15 showed significant inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells, with values ranging from 16.97 ± 1.02 to 64.67 ± 2.76%. These results indicated that K. parviflora could be excellent sources for the antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic traditional medicinal plants.

Renealmia L. f.: aspectos botânicos, ecológicos, farmacológicos e agronômico / Renealmia L. f.: botanical, pharmacological and agronomical aspects

RESUMO: Renealmia L.f. é um gênero de Zingiberaceae com inúmeros usos, entre eles: ornamental, medicinal e alimentício. Visando ressaltar a importância deste gênero como potencial fonte de recursos agroeconômicos apresenta-se esta revisão sobre aspectos botânicos, ecológicos, farmacológicos, e agronômicos. De um universo de 87 espécies formalmente inseridas em Renealmia, registrou-se indicação de uso popular para 18 destas. Em sua maior parte as indicações de uso estiveram associadas a R. alpinia, R. exaltata e R. guianensis englobando, principalmente, os usos ornamental, alimentício e medicinal. Dentre as 14 espécies com indicação de uso popular medicinal, registram-se pesquisas farmacológicas para apenas quatro: R. alpinia, R. exaltata, R. nicolaioides e R. thyrsoidea. Entretanto, estas pesquisas evidenciam um amplo espectro de bioatividade, com ênfase na ação anticancerígena e antiofídica, especialmente de R. alpinia. Apenas seis espécies foram avaliadas quanto a composição química (R. floribunda, R. guianensis, R. alpinia, R. chrysotricha, R. exaltata e R. nicolaioides), identificando-se perfil químico que corrobora a potencialidade anticancerígena e antiofídica para os representantes deste gênero. Evidenciou-se grande lacuna no que se refere ao conhecimento científico ou técnico para o cultivo de espécies de Renealmia. Isto pode se configurar num impedimento importante na utilização destas espécies como recurso econômico.

ABSTRACT: The Renealmia L.f. is a genus that belongs to the Zingiberaceae with several applications, including the ornamental, medicinal and food ones. Aiming to emphasize the importance of this genus as a potential agro-economic resource, a review of its botanical, pharmacological and agronomic aspects is presented. From 87 species formally inserted in the Renealmia, 20 were registered with popular uses. In general, these popular uses were associated with R. alpinia, R. exaltata and R. guianensis, mainly including the ornamental, nourishing and medicinal uses. Among 14 species with indication of popular medicinal use, pharmacological studies were registered for only four: R. alpinia, R. exaltata, R. nicolaioides and R. Thyrsoidea. However, these studies show a large bioactivity range, with emphasis in the anti-carcinogenic and antiophidic action, especially for R. alpinia. Only six species were analyzed in terms of chemical composition (R. floribunda, R. guianensis, R. alpinia, R. chrysotricha, R. exaltata and R. nicolaioides). Their chemical profiles corroborate the anti-carcinogenic potential for the representatives of this genus. There is a great scientific or technical gap on the cultivation of Renealmia species. This can be an important limiting factor in the use of these species as economical resource.

Antibiotic Components from the Rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria

Two terpenoids, including one uniquely aromatized one (1), were isolated from CH2Cl2-soluble fraction of MeOH extracts of Curcuma zedoaria. They were identified to be a sesquiterpene ketolactone (1) and orobanone (2), respectively on the basis of their NMR data. The structure of compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray chrystallography and the reported NMR assignments for 1 were revised in this study. Antibiotic activities for compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated using disk diffusion assay. Compound 1 showed potent antibacterial activities against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus pseudointermedius while compound 2 was active against Bacillus cereus.

Cancer chemoprevention activity of labdane diterpenes from rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium

Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig, Zingiberaceae, is a medicinal plant popularly used to treat inflammatory conditions in different countries. Three labdane diterpenes [isocoronarin D (1), methoxycoronarin D (2), ethoxycoronarin D (3)] and benzoyl eugenol (4) were isolated from rhizomes and their chemopreventive potential was evaluated using in vitro assays, namely the inhibition of NF-κB, COX-1 and -2, the induction of antioxidant response element (ARE), and the inhibition of cell proliferation. Diterpene 1 activated ARE (EC50 57.6 ± 2.4 µM), while 2, 3 and 4 significantly inhibited NF-κB (IC50 of 7.3 ± 0.3, 3.2 ± 0.3 and 32.5 ± 4.9 µM, respectively). In addition, 2 and 3 selectively inhibited COX-1 (IC50 values of 0.9 ± 0.0 and 3.8 ± 0.0 µM, respectively). These data support the potential chemopreventive activity of constituents from H. coronarium rhizomes.

Antimicrobial Activity of Phenylpropanoyle from the Rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae).

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and the antimicrobial activities of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) Rhizome. Methodology: The air-dried and powdered rhizome (1.0 kg) of Z. officinale was extracted with ethyl acetate (1.5 L) at room temperature for 72 h. After evaporation under reduced pressure, 46.5 g of crude extract was obtained. The CH2Cl2 extract was purified by column chromatography over silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh) and preparative TLC using a gradient system of hexane, ethyl acetate and MeOH. Agar diffusion test plates with Escherichia coli CIP 548, Listeria monocytogenes CIP 82110, Enterococcus faecalis CIP 76117, Bacillus cereus CIP 6624, Staphylococcus aureus CIP 7625, Pseudomonas fluorescents CIP 6913, Bacillus substilis ATCC 6636, Candida lusitaniae ATCC 200950, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750, Cryptococcus neoformans CIP 95026, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus as test strains were performed. Results: A new nonyl-3-phenylpropanoate (1), together with known compounds, 8- hepthyl-12- propyldecanol (2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. The structures of the two compounds were determined by comprehensive analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectral data, chemical reactions, and comparison with previously known analogue. The two compounds isolated from ethyl acetate extract showed antibacterial and antifungal activity and the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the test fungi varied from 3.34 mM to 5.08 mM for compound 1 and from 3.81 mM to 5.08 mM for compound 2. Conclusion: One new compound, nonyl-3-phenylpropanoate, isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Chemical constituents in roots and rhizomes of Curacuma aromatica / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents in the roots and rhizomes of Curacuma aromtica. Methods: The chemical constituents were separated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, preparative HPLC, and so on. Their structures were determined by physicochemical constants and spectral analyses. Results: Seventeen compounds were obtained and identified as curdione (1), β-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), triaconatanoic acid (4), gweicurculactone (5), curcumenol (6), procurcumenol (7), eudesmane-3, 6-dione (8), lupeol (9), curcumin (10), demethoxycurcumin (11), aerugidiol (12), zedoarondiol (13), voleneol (14), uracil (15), curcumol (16), and curcumenone (17). Conclusion: Compounds 4, 5, 8, 9, 14, and 15 are isolated from the plant for the first time.

Traditional use of the genus Renealmia and Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas (Zingiberaceae)-a review in the treatment of snakebites

Renealmia alpinia (R. alpinia) typically occurs in the tropical rainforests of Mexico to Peru, Brazil through the Antilles, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia and Venezuela. It has traditionally been used against snakebite in Colombia. In addition to the common local use for pain, R. alpinia has been used as an antipyretic and antiemetic to treat wounds, malignant ulcers, epilepsy and fungal infections. The species of the Zingiberaceae family are famous for their use as spices and herbs. This review provides information on the traditional use of plants in the Zingiberaceae family, Renealmia genus, and specifically R. alpinia. We conducted a narrative review in English and Spanish in electronic databases, such as ScienceDirect, Napralert, PubMed, ScFinder, SciElo, during August 2011 to March 2013. We were interested in their applications in ethnomedicine and their chemical components, providing a major and methodical revision. We found 120 sources, 98 of which were selected as they contained essential information. This study has stimulated the development of a new work, which aims to isolate and evaluate metabolites from R. alpinia leads toward the development of a phytotherapeutic product, which might be accessible to the population. Studies on the toxicity and safety of R. alpinia are insufficient to provide information on the ethnomedical use of this species. Thus, the present review summarizes information about R. alpinia and proposes possible scope of future research to fill gaps identified in this narrative review.

Traditional use of the genus Renealmia and Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas (Zingiberaceae)-a review in the treatment of snakebites

Renealmia alpinia (R. alpinia) typically occurs in the tropical rainforests of Mexico to Peru, Brazil through the Antilles, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia and Venezuela. It has traditionally been used against snakebite in Colombia. In addition to the common local use for pain, R. alpinia has been used as an antipyretic and antiemetic to treat wounds, malignant ulcers, epilepsy and fungal infections. The species of the Zingiberaceae family are famous for their use as spices and herbs. This review provides information on the traditional use of plants in the Zingiberaceae family, Renealmia genus, and specifically R. alpinia. We conducted a narrative review in English and Spanish in electronic databases, such as ScienceDirect, Napralert, PubMed, ScFinder, SciElo, during August 2011 to March 2013. We were interested in their applications in ethnomedicine and their chemical components, providing a major and methodical revision. We found 120 sources, 98 of which were selected as they contained essential information. This study has stimulated the development of a new work, which aims to isolate and evaluate metabolites from R. alpinia leads toward the development of a phytotherapeutic product, which might be accessible to the population. Studies on the toxicity and safety of R. alpinia are insufficient to provide information on the ethnomedical use of this species. Thus, the present review summarizes information about R. alpinia and proposes possible scope of future research to fill gaps identified in this narrative review.

Antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils extracted from some species of zingiberaceae.

The Zingiberaceae is one of the largest families from the order Zingiberales, with approximately 50 genera and over 1,000 species. The family has noted antimicrobial effect. In this study the efficacy of essential oils extracted from three species of Zingiberaceae under genus Curcuma and Zingiber is tested on certain pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The oil samples did not show any bactericidal activity. They were active only under bacteriostatic condition. Antifungal assay was carried out for the Curcuma amada Roxb, Zingiber officinale Rosc. var. moran, Z. officinale Rosc., Z. zerumbet (L.) J. E. Smith, out of which Z. offiicinale var. moran showed greater inhibitory effect over the microbial strains.