Differentiating Dyes: A Spectroscopic Investigation into the Composition of Scarlet Bloodroot (Haemodorum coccineum R.Br.) Rhizome.

Haemodorum coccineum, commonly known as scarlet bloodroot, is a plant native to New Guinea and the northern most parts of Australia. The highly coloured H. coccineum is used by communities in Larrakia country for dyeing garments and occasionally to treat snake bites. Previous studies into H. coccineum have focused on its taxonomic classification, with this being the first evaluation of the chemical composition of the plant. Haemodoraceae plants are reported to contain phenylphenalenones (PhPs), which are highly conjugated polycyclic oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons. We report the characterisation of 20 compounds extracted from the rhizome of H. coccineum: four sugars and 16 compounds belonging to the PhP family. The compounds include five aglycones and seven glycosylated compounds, of which four contain malonate esters in their structures. Characterisation of these compounds was achieved through 1D and 2D NMR, MS analysis and comparison to the known phytochemistry of other species from the Haemodorum genus. Preliminary anti-microbial activity of the crude extract shows significant inhibition of the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but no activity against Candida albicans.

Using co-design to develop a culturally responsive reproductive health learning resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Healthy behaviours prior to conception can improve pregnancy outcomes and intergenerational health. Adolescence is an important period to promote preconception health, but education resources need to be age and culturally appropriate. Few studies have addressed preconception awareness and knowledge among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, and few culturally appropriate resources exist. METHODS: A mixed methods, co-design process engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and an Indigenous Reference Group (IRG). Additionally, a survey was carried out to identify preconception health awareness and interest among a broader youth audience. RESULTS: Several main themes emerged from consultation meetings with youth reflecting an awareness of preconception health, but limited understanding. Youth revealed an interest in fertility, and a need for more information on lifestyle factors associated with infertility. Preconception information related to the opposite sex was seen as important as well as information incorporating current local knowledge and world views. Among the survey respondents, 46% (11/24) had a pre-existing understanding of preconception health. Optimising lifestyle behaviours prior to pregnancy was perceived as important for women (21/24; 88%), but less so for men (16/24; 67%), highlighting a gap in knowledge regarding the importance of preconception health for men. CONCLUSION: The co-designed resource "Getting healthy before pregnancy" is available in print and electronically, with illustrations and synchronised audio overlay in Aboriginal English or East-side Kriol. The resource includes information on preconception health and behavioural risk factors. SO WHAT: We present a co-designed preconception health resource for evaluation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.