Characterization of the Volatile Constituents of Plai (Zingiber purpureum) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Zingiber purpureum Roscoe, known as plai in Thailand, is a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family and has traditionally been used in Southeast Asian countries to treat inflammation, pain, and asthma. In this study, we performed the characterization of the volatile constituents in ethyl acetate extracts of plai. Ethyl acetate extracts derived from the rhizomes of plai were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the key peaks in the total ion current chromatograms were annotated or identified. In total, twenty-one compounds were identified using isolation procedures or standards, and nine compounds were annotated by comparing their Kovats retention index (RI) and electron ionization (EI) mass spectra with those in the literature. Most of the identifications were inconsistent with the tentative annotations found via library search and suggested that some peaks were incorrectly assigned in previous studies. Thus, to avoid further misannotations and contribute to the research on dereplication, the RI value, EI mass spectral data, and NMR spectroscopy data of the isolated compounds are reported.

Phytochemical analysis and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo of Aframomum melegueta K Schum seed extracts.

Aframomum melegueta K Schum (A. melegueta), an herbaceous plant renowned for its medicinal seeds, was investigated for its potential immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo using ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The immunomodulatory effect was evaluated by measuring antibody titers using the agglutination technique, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. In vitro immunomodulatory activity was measured by lysozyme release from neutrophils. Additionally, white blood cell counts were analyzed post-extracts treatment. The MTT assay was employed to determine cytotoxicity, and the biochemical parameters of liver toxicity were evaluated. Remarkably, both extracts exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema (p < 0.001), with the most significant reduction observed at 1 g/kg (78.13 and 74.27% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). Neutrophil degranulation was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.003), reaching maximal inhibition at 100 µg/mg (60.78 and 39.7% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). In comparison to the control group, both antibody production and white blood cell counts were reduced. Neither of the extracts showcased any cytotoxicity or toxicity. These findings suggest that A. melegueta extracts exhibit immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of various biomolecules.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Amovillosumin A and Structure Correction of (-)-Amovillosumin C Using Chemical Synthesis.

Norlignans are a rare class of natural products isolated from a diverse range of plant species, many of which have interesting biological activities including antibacterial, antioxidant, phytotoxic, platelet aggregation inhibitory effects, and more. Isolated from Amomum villosum (Amomi Fructus), amovillosumins A (1) and C (3) are norlignans which were of interest to synthesize, due to their interesting bioactivities, specifically their ability to increase stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In this research, key intermediate 15 was used to stereoselectively synthesize (7R,8R)-amovillosumins A (1) and C (3). The developed method includes a Mitsunobu coupling, a modified rhodium-catalyzed Miyaura arylation, and an acid-catalyzed cyclization in key bond-forming steps. After synthesis, the structure of 1 was confirmed, but it was revealed that the benzodioxane-containing structure of amovillosumin C (3) that had been proposed in the literature was incorrect. Thus, with further investigation a structure correction of 3 was achieved by synthesis, the correct structure being 8-O-4'-oxynorlignan.

Potent anti-angiogenic component in Kaempferia galanga L. and its mechanism of action.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, the roots of Kaempferia galanga has been used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, headache, toothache, rheumatism, indigestion, cough, inflammation and cancer in Asia. Nevertheless, most of its pharmacological studies were focused on ethanolic extracts and volatile oils. The exact active chemical constituents and their underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, especially towards its anti-cancer treatment. Inhibition of angiogenesis is an important atrategy to inhibit tumor growth. It has been reported that the low polar component of the plant possessed anti-angiogenic activity. Yet, the potent compound which is responsible for the effect and its molecular mechanism has not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the potent anti-angiogenic component in K.galanga and its mechanism of action. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The low polar components of the plant were concentrated using the methods of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), subcritical extraction (SCE) and steam distillation (SD). The anti-angiogenic activity of the three extracts was evaluated using a zebrafish model. The content of the active compound in those extracts was determined with HPLC analysis. The in-vitro and in-vivo activity of the isolated compound was evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model, the aortic ring assay and the matrigel plug assay, respectively. Its molecular mechanism was further studied by the western blotting assay and computer-docking experiments. Besides, its cytotoxicity on cancer and normal cell lines was evaluated using the cell-counting kit. RESULTS: HPLC results showed that trans-ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (TEM) was the major component of the extracts. The extract of SFE showed the best effect as it has the highest content of TEM. TEM could inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced viability, migration, invasion and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Moreover, it inhibited VEGF-induced sprout formation ex vivo and vessel formation in vivo. Mechanistic study showed that it could suppress tyrosine kinase activity of the receptor of VEGF (VEGFR2) and alter its downstream signaling pathways. In addition, the molecular docking showed that the binding of TEM and VEGFR2 is stable, which mainly attributed to the non-covalent binding interaction. Beside, TEM possessed little toxicity to both cancer and normal cells. CONCLUSION: TEM is the major anti-angiogenic component present in K. galanga and its anti-angiogenic property rather than toxicity provides scientific basis for the traditional use of K. galanga in cancer treatment.

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of mouth gel containing kaempulchraol K from Kaempferia galanga rhizomes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kaempferia galanga L. is one of the important medicinal plants and has been used in Thailand for treating inflammation and wound. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the compound from K. galanga on wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities and develop a new product in gel form to maximize the benefits of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The mouth gel containing kaempulchraol K (KG2) was prepared by using 1.5% carbopol 934 as a gelling agent. Formulations of mouth gel containing KG2 at 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% w/w were evaluated for color, smell, pH values, viscosity, and separation. Also, the chemical and biological stabilities of mouth gel containing KG2 were evaluated by heating-cooling test. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested against RAW 264.7 cells nitric oxide (NO) production and wound healing assay was performed using human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). RESULTS: Compound KG2 exhibited anti-NO production with an IC50 value of 66.8 µM and the wound healing activity of compound KG2 showed cell viability in the range of 90.9-111.4%. In addition, compound KG2 at a concentration of 3 µM induced the highest proportion of cell migration on day 3 at 90.2 ± 2.4%. The mouth gel containing KG2 both before and after the heating-cooling test exhibited good consistency, with pH values in the range of 6.64-6.71 (before) and 6.63-6.68 (after). Meanwhile, the viscosity was 81,700-96,700 cP (before) and 78,300-93,300 cP (after). For the chemical stability test of the active ingredient of mouth gel, the compound showed good stability after mixing with the gel base. The mouth gel exhibited anti-inflammation with IC50 values > 1000 µg/ml both before and after accelerating conditions. The wound healing activity of mouth gel containing KG2 (0.50% w/w) showed the highest % cell viability at 128.6% (before) and 123.8% (after). For cell migration, the result suggested that the mouth gel containing KG2 at 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% w/w (3 µg/ml) on day 3 enhanced cell migration higher than that of the positive controls both before (85.0-96.8%) and after (and 84.4-94.3%) the accelerating conditions. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that mouth gel containing 0.50% KG2 is the most appropriate with good physical, chemical, and biological stabilities and might be one of the alternative sources for treatment of mouth ulcers (oral stomatitis) derived from aphthous ulcers, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments.

Phytochemical constituents from the rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

Phytochemical study on the rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora led to the isolation of twenty-three compounds including six phenolic glycosides (1-6), thirteen flavones (7-19), and five phenolic compounds (20-23). Of these, the new compounds were determined to be 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxyacetophenone-2-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-hydroxy-4-propionyl-phenyl O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyacetophenone 8-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3) and named as kaempanosides A-C, respectively. Their chemical structures were established based on HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. All compounds 1-23 exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 57.76 to 253.31 µM.

NMR-based stability evaluation of (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome.

INTRODUCTION: The active compound (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Although DMPBD is one of the promising drug candidates for phytomedicine, its limited stability impedes its widespread use. For the development of new drugs, the assessment of their chemical stability is essential, ensuring they maintain their properties within specified limits throughout the period from production until use. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the stability of DMPBD under various conditions, including different solvents, temperatures, and lighting conditions, to identify the factors affecting stability and optimize the storage and handling conditions. METHODOLOGY: DMPBD samples subjected to the different conditions tested were monitored by quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR), using an internal standard for the determination of the absolute quantity of DMPBD as a function of time and the changes thereof within 1 month. RESULTS: Significant decomposition of DMPBD was observed in chloroform-d1, whereas its content remained constant in methanol-d4. The content of DMPBD was maintained upon storage at temperatures below 4°C, both as methanolic solution and in the crude extract. Exposure to light had a slight negative impact on its contents. Some degradation products could be identified as resulting from O2-induced cleavage of the diene moiety. CONCLUSIONS: For pharmacological/therapeutic applications, DMPBD should be stored in the form of the crude extract or as a purified material in methanolic solution. Ideally, the storage temperature should be below 4°C and O2 should be excluded.

Assessing the Anti-Aging and Wound Healing Capabilities of Etlingera elatior Inflorescence Extract: A Comparison of Three Inflorescence Color Varieties.

Torch ginger, Etlingera elatior, is a Zingiberaceae plant with various red, pink, and white inflorescence. The wound healing potential and anti-aging effects of freeze-dried torch ginger inflorescence extracts (FTIEs) from three varieties were compared. The red FTIE had the highest content of phenolic, flavonoid, caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid, followed by the white and pink FTIE. Consistent with the chemical constituents, the red FTIE demonstrated the greatest capacities for free radical scavenging, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-collagenase activity, followed by the white and pink FTIE. In cell-based studies, FTIEs displayed cytotoxicity to B16F10 melanoma cells, with the red FTIE showing the greatest activity (LC50 of 115.5 µg/mL). In contrast, the pink and the white FTIEs had less cytotoxicity impact. Nonetheless, at 1000 µg/mL, all three FTIE variants were safe on L929 fibroblasts or RAW 264.7 monocyte cells. White FTIE (500 µg/mL) exhibited the highest activity in stimulating collagen production and the greatest impact on cell migration, whereas the pink and red FTIE had a lesser effect. All FTIEs slightly suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes, with no significant variation between FTIE variants. In conclusion, all FTIEs revealed promising potential for anti-aging cosmeceuticals and wound care products at specific concentrations.

Volatile profiling coupled with multivariate analysis, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities of rhizome essential oil of four Hedychium species from India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Hedychium of family Zingiberaceae comprises several perennial rhizomatous species widely used in perfumery and traditional folk medicine to treat diseases related to asthma, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach disorders, inflammation and tumours. Several species of Hedychium have remained under-explored with respect to their chemical composition and biological activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current research aimed to explore the chemical composition and evaluate the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities of rhizome essential oil from four Hedychium species (H. coccineum, H. gardnerianum, H. greenii and H. griffithianum). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compound identification was accomplished using a Clarus 580 gas chromatography system in conjunction with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The multivariate data statistics using chemometrics (PCA, PLS-DA, sPLS-DA) and cluster analysis (Dendrogram, Heat maps, K-means) were used to compare the similarity and relationship among Hedychium metabolomes. MTT assay was employed to visualize the antiproliferative property against MCF7, HepG2 and PC3 cancerous cell lines. The toxicity of essential oils was determined using 3T3-L1 non-tumorigenic/normal cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Hedychium essential oils by measuring the production of nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess reagent method. Furthermore, the levels of prostaglandin (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß) was assessed using the ELISA technique. RESULTS: In total, 82 compounds were identified in four targeted species of Hedychium from which 1,8-cineole (52.71%), ß-pinene (32.83%), α-pinene (19.62%), humulene epoxide II (19.86%) and humulene epoxide I (19.10%) were the major constituents. Monoterpenes (8.5-59.9%) and sesquiterpenes (2.87-54.11%) were the two class of compounds, found as the most prevalent in the extracted essential oils. The multivariate analysis classified the four Hedychium species into three different clusters. Hedychium essential oils exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against MCF7, HepG2 and PC3 cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 150 µg/mL where H. gardnerianum exhibited the highest selective cytotoxicity against human breast and prostate adenocarcinoma cells with an IC50 value of 44.04 ± 1.07 µg/mL and 56.11 ± 1.44 µg/mL, respectively. The essential oils on normal (3T3-L1) cells displayed no toxicity with higher IC50 values thereby concluding as safe to use for normal human health without causing any side effects. Besides, the essential oils at 100 µg/mL concentration revealed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, with H. greenii exhibiting the maximum anti-inflammation response by significantly suppressing the levels of NO (84%), PGE2 (87%), TNF-α (94.3%), IL-6 (95%) and IL-1ß (85%) as compared to LPS treated group. CONCLUSION: The present findings revealed that the Hedychium species traditionally used in therapeutics could be a potential source of active compounds with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidant Activity in Extracts from Zingiberaceae Family: Cardamom, Turmeric, and Ginger.

An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is even more remarkable in elder populations, to whom these become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one's diet that can prevent oxidative stress. Previous studies and clinical data suggest that some plant-based products can slow and reduce the cellular degradation associated with aging and age-related diseases. Many plants from one family present several applications that range from the food to the pharmaceutical industry due to their characteristic flavor and scents. The Zingiberaceae family, which includes cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiemetic activities and properties that help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These products are abundant sources of chemical substances, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids. The main bioactive compounds found in this family (cardamom, turmeric, and ginger) are 1,8-cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, ß-turmerone, and α-zingiberene. The present review gathers evidence surrounding the effects of dietary intake of extracts of the Zingiberaceae family and their underlying mechanisms of action. These extracts could be an adjuvant treatment for oxidative-stress-related pathologies. However, the bioavailability of these compounds needs to be optimized, and further research is needed to determine appropriate concentrations and their antioxidant effects in the body.

Essential Oil of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. and Zingiber officinale Rosc.: A Comparative Study on Chemical Constituents, Antibacterial Activity, Biofilm Formation, and Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing System.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can regulate its pathogenicity via quorum sensing (QS) system. Zingiber cassumunar and Z. officinale have been used for the treatment of infectious diseases. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the chemical constituents, antibacterial, and QS inhibitor of Z. cassumunar essential oils (ZCEO) and Z. officinale essential oils (ZOEO). The chemical constituent was analysed using GC/MS. Broth microdilution and spectrophotometry analysis were used to evaluate their antibacterial and QS inhibitor activities. The main constituent of ZOEO with percent composition above 6 % (α-curcumene, α-zingiberene, ß-sesquiphellandrene, and ß-bisabolene, α-citral, and α-farnesene) were exist in a very minimal percentage less than 0.7 % in Z. cassumunar. All major components of ZCEO with percentages higher than 5 % (terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, γ-terpinene) were present in low proportion (<1.18 %) in Z. officinale. ZCEO demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. The combination of ZCEO and tetracycline showed a synergistic effect (FICI of 0.5). ZCEO exhibited strong activity in inhibiting biofilm formation. ZCEO at 1 / 2 ${{ 1/2 }}$ MIC (62.5 µg/mL) was able to reduce pyoverdine, pyocyanin, and proteolytic activity. This is the first report on the activity of ZCEO in the inhibition of P. aeruginosa QS system and it may be used to control the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.

Diarylheptanoids with hypoglycemic potency from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga.

Five new diarylheptanoids, kaemgalangins A-E (1-5), and seven known ones were isolated from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga. The structures of new compounds were identified by spectroscopic analyses involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV, [α]D, ECD calculations, and chemical methods. All compounds were tested for their hypoglycemic effects against α-glucosidase, Gpa and PTP1B enzymes, and stimulative effects on GLP-1 secretion. Kaemgalangins A (1) and E (5) showed significant inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 45.3 and 116.0 µM; renealtin B (8) showed inhibition on GPa with an IC50 value of 68.1 µM; whereas all compounds were inactive to PTP1B. Docking study manifested that 1 well located in the catalytic pocket of α-glucosidase and OH-4″ played important roles in maintaining activity. Moreover, all compounds showed obviously stimulative effects on GLP-1 with promoting rates of 826.9%-1738.3% in NCI-H716 cells. This study suggests that the diarylheptanoids in K. galanga have antidiabetic potency by inhibiting α-glucosidase and Gpa enzymes, and promoting GLP-1 secretion.

A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacologically Active Phyto-Constituents from Hedychium species.

In this review, we describe and discuss the phytoconstituents present in Hedychium species and emphasize their potential as drug candidates. Though they are widely validated in vitro and in vivo models, to date, no efforts have been made to compile in a single review all the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species, and their pharmacological and toxicity profile. In this study, we present a reinvestigation of the chemical constituents present in Hedychium species obtained from the essential oil and solvent extraction of the flowers, leaves and rhizomes under consideration. Key databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. An exhaustive electronic survey of the related literature on Hedychium species resulted in around 200 articles. Articles published between the years 1975-2021 were included. The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from Hedychium species reported with a varied range of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, potentially anti-asthmatic, and cytotoxic, among other related activities of the chemical constituents present in its essential oil and solvent extract deployed in this review. Traditional and herbal medication around the world that uses different parts of Hedychium species were considered for anti-inflammatory, skincare, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antidotal uses, among others. These uses support the idea that chemical constituents obtained from solvent extraction may also exert the same action individually or in a synergistic manner. The review concluded that there is scope for computation and biological study to find out possible new targets for strengthening the potency and selectivity of the relevant compounds, and to find a commercial method for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Absolute oral bioavailability and possible metabolic pathway of panduratin A from Boesenbergia rotunda extract in beagle dogs.

CONTEXT: Attempts are ongoing to develop medications to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Our previous study revealed the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of fingerroot [Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. (Zingiberaceae)] and its phytochemical, panduratin A. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of panduratin A as a pure compound and in a fingerroot extract formulation in beagle dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 healthy dogs were randomly divided into three groups, a single dose of 1 mg/kg panduratin A by intravenous and multiple doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg panduratin A fingerroot extract formulation by oral administration for seven consecutive days. The plasma concentration of panduratin A was determined by LCMS. RESULTS: The peak concentrations of a single dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg panduratin A fingerroot extract formulation were 12,416 ± 2,326 and 26,319 ± 8,221 µg/L, respectively. Increasing the oral dose of fingerroot extract formulation, equivalent to panduratin A 5-10 mg/kg, showed dose proportionality, with an approximately 2-fold increase in Cmax and AUC. The absolute oral bioavailability of panduratin A in the fingerroot extract formulation was approximately 7-9%. The majority of panduratin A was biotransformed into several products via oxidation and glucuronidation, and predominantly excreted via the faecal route. CONCLUSION: The oral formulation of fingerroot extract was safe in beagle dogs, and increasing dose showed dose proportionality in terms of the systemic exposure of panduratin A. This information will support the phytopharmaceutical product development of fingerroot extract against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novel ethyl p-methoxy cinnamate rich Kaempferia galanga (L.) essential oil and its pharmacological applications: special emphasis on anticholinesterase, anti-tyrosinase, α-amylase inhibitory, and genotoxic efficiencies.

Background: Kaempferia galanga (L.) is one of the prospective therapeutic plants with an aromatic rhizome, and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. This herb is commonly used by local practitioners in traditional Asian medicine. Methods: In the present investigation, the novel Kaempferia galanga rhizome essential oil rich in ethyl p-methoxy cinnamate (EMCKG) was evaluated using GC/MS for chemical composition analysis. EMCKG was analyzed for its possible antimicrobial, neurodegenerative inhibitory, acetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities as well as for the genotoxic effects using the standard methodologies. ANOVA and post hoc was performed to test the statistical significance of the study. Results: GC/MS analysis identified ethyl p-methoxy cinnamate as the major component of EMCKG essential oil with an area percentage of 66.39%. The EMCKG exhibited moderate (DPPH assay IC50 = 15.64 ± 0.263 µg/mL; ABTS assay IC50 = 16.93 ± 0.228 µg/mL) antioxidant activity than standard ascorbic acid (DPPH assay IC50 = 21.24 ± 0.413 µg/mL; ABTS assay IC50 = 21.156 ± 0.345 µg/mL). Similarly, EMCKG showed comparable activity in albumin denaturation (IC50 = 2.93 ± 0.59 µg/mL) and protease inhibitor assay (IC50 = 17.143 ± 0.506 µg/mL) to that of standard sodium diclofenac (IC50 = 23.87 ± 0.729 µg/mL and IC50 = 19.18 ± 0.271 µg/mL, respectively). The EMCKG exhibited a dose-dependent antimicrobial activity pattern with the highest inhibitory activity at 500 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and considerable anticholinesterase activities (IC50 = 21.94 ± 0.109 µg/mL) compared to the standard galanthamine (IC50 = 27.18 ± 0.511 µg/mL). EMCKG also showed strong anti-diabetic activity (IC50 = 18.503 ± 0.480 µg/mL) and anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 14.756 ± 0.325 µg/mL) as compared to the standards used (acarbose IC50 = 20.39 ± 0.231 µg/mL and kojic acid IC50 = 17.73 ± 0.192 µg/mL) in the study. Genotoxicity analysis of EMCKG revealed that at 1 µg/mL concentration has no toxic effects in mitosis of Allium cepa roots (Mitotic Index MI = 13.56% and chromosomal aberration CA = 07.60%). The ANOVA confirmed that except for the anticholinesterase activity, there is insignificant difference for essential oil and standards used for all the other bioactivities thus confirming their interchangeable applicability. Conclusions: Current research provides the basis for the fact that besides being a rich source of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, EMCKG has the potential for future formulation and development of an inexpensive skin-care agent and for the preparation of anti-diabetic drugs.

Assessment of the Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Potentials of Zingiber zerumbet.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has arisen as a global concern in recent decades. Plant extracts used in combination with antibiotics are promising against AMR, synergistically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the component of the bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) extract in different solvents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in addition to evaluate the antibacterial activity of these extracts, in combination with their antibiotic potential against four multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus). Ethanol and the aqueous extracts of bitter ginger were prepared using a conventional solvent extraction method and were evaluated for their phytochemistry using HPLC, qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, the antibiotic susceptibility of the pathogenic isolates was determined. A disc diffusion assay was used to obtain the antimicrobial potential of the extracts alone and with antibiotics. Eight components were identified from the separation of the bitter ginger extract by HPLC. For AMR bacteria, the combination of the antibiotic solution with the bitter ginger crude extracts could improve its susceptibility of these antibiotics. This study indicates that the combination of an antibiotic solution with the bitter ginger crude extract exhibits potent antibacterial activities against MDR bacterial strains. Therefore, they can be used for the treatment of various diseases against the microbial pathogen and can be incorporated into medication for antibacterial therapy.

Isopimarane-type diterpenoids from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga L. and their biological activities.

Fourteen isopimarane diterpenoids (1-14) were isolated from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga, including four new compounds (1-4). The isolated secondary metabolites were identified through analysis of spectroscopic (1 D and 2 D NMR) and mass spectrometric data, together with X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 4-5, 7-11, and 13 showed strong antimalarial activities, with IC50 values in the range of 1.46-3.99 µg/mL. Moreover, compounds 4, 5, 8, and 12 showed cytotoxicity against KB cell line with IC50 values in the range of 6.13-38.2 µg/mL, while compounds 4, 5, and 12 showed cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values in the range of 11.75-47.4 µg/mL. Eventually, the isolated compounds were screened against six bacterial strains and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, demonstrating weak to moderate activities.

Aframomum melegueta Seed Extract with Standardized Content of 6-Paradol Reduces Visceral Fat and Enhances Energy Expenditure in Overweight Adults - A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

Purpose: Aframomum melegueta (grains of paradise) seeds have been demonstrated to possess thermogenic potential. However, it is necessary to validate the functional attributes of A. melegueta seed extract in human subjects. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial design, we have examined the thermogenic effects of a standardized A. melegueta seed extract (AfperFit). A total of 70 overweight male and female subjects (BMI ≥25.0 to ≤30.0 kg/m2) aged 20-50 years were enrolled and administered with either 250 mg of AfperFit or placebo in capsule form twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoints included energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)) and fat distribution (computed tomography (CT scan)), analyzed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The effect of intervention on the quality of life was examined using SF-12 questionnaire. Results: Consumption of AfperFit significantly increased the energy expenditure (p<0.01), visceral fat area (p<0.001) and visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (p<0.01) compared to placebo group. Consequently, there was significant body weight loss and reduction in BMI of subjects in AfperFit group compared to placebo (p<0.01). The safety evaluation showed that biochemical and hematological parameters were in the normal range. Supplementation of AfperFit was well tolerated during the study and no adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Overall, this study validates the health benefits of A. melegueta seed extract as fat burner and recommends its use as a functional ingredient to improve the quality of life and general health.

Hedychins E and F: Labdane-Type Norditerpenoids with Anti-Inflammatory Activity from the Rhizomes of Hedychium forrestii.

Hedychin E (1), a novel labdane-type norditerpenoid, and hedychin F (2), a new labdane-type dinorditerpenoid, were isolated from the rhizomes of Hedychium forrestii. Their structures were determined through a combination of spectroscopic analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffractions. Hedychin E (1) is an unprecedented 6-norditerpenoid with a fused tetrahydrofuran-lactone motif, and a reasonable biosynthetic pathway for 1 was proposed. Compound 2 showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect against LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 21.0 µM.

Comparative study on eucalyptol and camphor rich essential oils from rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum Sm. and their pharmacological, antioxidant and antifungal activities.

The aim of present study was to evaluate chemical composition and different biological activities viz., pharmacological and antioxidant activities of essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry while biological activities were evaluated by standard protocols. Essential oils of Hedychium spicatum Sm. from two different ecological niches viz; Nainital (Site-I) and Himachal Pradesh (Site-II) of India revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemo-diversity. Both the oils were dominated by oxygenated terpenoids. Major marker compounds identified were eucalyptol, camphor, linalool, α-eudesmol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and iso-borneol. Both the oils exhibited anti-inflammatory activity suppressing 17.60 % to 33.57 % inflammation at 100mg/kg b. wt. dose levels compared to ibuprofen-treated group (40.06 %). The sub-acute inflammation in oils-treated mice groups (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) increased on day 2 but showed a gradual decrease from day 3 onwards and then recovered to normal by day 10. The antinociception percentage for doses (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) ranged from 33.70-40.46 % in Site-I and 30.34-42.39 % in Site-II compared to standard drug, ibuprofen (43.08 %). The oils also showed a good antipyretic effect by suppressing Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) induced pyrexia after oil dose injection. The oils also exhibited good antioxidant activity.