Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Composition of Alpinia officinarum Rhizome.

Alpinia officinarum is a representative of the Zingiberaceae family, which is known for its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries also due to its precious pharmacological potential. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of thermal treatment on the composition of the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum and its antioxidant activity. The fresh rhizome was subjected to various thermal treatment processes-boiling, frying and microwave heating during various time intervals-and their composition and antioxidant activity were determined using chromatographic (HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography and HPLC-MS - High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) and spectrophotometric (DPPH and TPC - Total Phenolic Content) methods. Pinobanksin was the main compound found in the extract of the fresh rhizome (537.79 mg/kg), followed by galangin (197.7 mg/kg) and zingerone (185.5 mg/kg). The effect of thermal treatment on the rhizome composition was varied. In general, thermal processing significantly decreased the content of active compounds in the rhizome. However, there were some exceptions-boiling for 4 min significantly increased the content of pinobanksin (1162.4 mg/kg) and galangin (280.7 mg/kg), and microwave processing for 4 min increased the content of pinocembrin (213 mg/kg). It was found that boiling and microwave treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of the processed rhizomes.

Effect of Enoxaparin and Daikenchuto Coadministration on Hepatic Disorder Markers in Gynecological Cancer Patients after Abdominal Surgery.

Enoxaparin and daikenchuto are commonly administered to prevent venous thromboembolism and intestinal obstruction after gynecological malignancy surgery. However, the effects of their combined use on hepatic function are not well studied. This study aimed to clarify the effects of the coadministration of enoxaparin and daikenchuto on hepatic function. First, Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) data were analyzed to identify signals of hepatic disorders. Second, a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent surgery for gynecological malignancies was conducted. This study defined hepatic disorders as an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels above the reference values, using 1-h postoperative values as the baseline. The analysis of JADER data revealed an increased risk for hepatic disorders with the coadministration of enoxaparin and daikenchuto. An observational study also showed higher odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the occurrence of hepatic disorders in the coadministration group (4.27; 2.11-8.64) and enoxaparin alone group (2.48; 1.31-4.69) than in the daikenchuto alone group. The median increase in the ALT level was also higher in the coadministration group (34; 15-59) than in the enoxaparin alone (19; 6-38) and daikenchuto alone groups (8; 3-33). In conclusion, our study suggests that compared with the use of enoxaparin or daikenchuto alone, enoxaparin and daikenchuto coadministration increases the risk of hepatic disorders, with more significant increases in AST and ALT levels. Healthcare workers need to be aware of these potential side effects when combining these drugs after surgery for gynecological malignancies.

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.

Anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo of Hedychium coccineum rhizome essential oil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hedychium coccineum rhizome is an anti-inflammatory ethnomedicine used to remedy inflammation-related swelling and bronchial asthma. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome essential oil (EO) and evaluate its in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome EO were analyzed using GC-FID/MS. In RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS, blockade of PGE2, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion by H. coccineum rhizome EO was measured, and then Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate its underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we used the xylene-induced ear edema model for testing anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and examined auricular swelling as well as tissue and serum contents of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. RESULTS: EO's main components were E-nerolidol (40.5%), borneol acetate (24.8%), spathulenol (4.5%), linalool (3.8%), elemol (3.5%), and borneol (3.4%). In RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, EO downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory enzyme (iNOS and COX-2) genes and proteins, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) secretion. Simultaneously, it reduced TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 release by downregulating their mRNA expression. Besides, H. coccineum EO attenuated LPS-stimulated activation of NF-κB (by reducing IκBα phosphorylation and degradation to inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation) and MAPK (by downregulating JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation). In xylene-induced mouse ear edema, EO relieved auricular swelling and lowered serum and tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: H. coccineum EO had powerful in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB activation. Hence, H. coccineum EO should have great potential for application in the pharmaceutical field as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

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.

Genomic Insights into High-Altitude Adaptation: A Comparative Analysis of Roscoea alpina and R. purpurea in the Himalayas.

Environmental stress at high altitudes drives the development of distinct adaptive mechanisms in plants. However, studies exploring the genetic adaptive mechanisms of high-altitude plant species are scarce. In the present study, we explored the high-altitude adaptive mechanisms of plants in the Himalayas through whole-genome resequencing. We studied two widespread members of the Himalayan endemic alpine genus Roscoea (Zingiberaceae): R. alpina (a selfing species) and R. purpurea (an outcrossing species). These species are distributed widely in the Himalayas with distinct non-overlapping altitude distributions; R. alpina is distributed at higher elevations, and R. purpurea occurs at lower elevations. Compared to R. purpurea, R. alpina exhibited higher levels of linkage disequilibrium, Tajima's D, and inbreeding coefficient, as well as lower recombination rates and genetic diversity. Approximately 96.3% of the genes in the reference genome underwent significant genetic divergence (FST ≥ 0.25). We reported 58 completely divergent genes (FST = 1), of which only 17 genes were annotated with specific functions. The functions of these genes were primarily related to adapting to the specific characteristics of high-altitude environments. Our findings provide novel insights into how evolutionary innovations promote the adaptation of mountain alpine species to high altitudes and harsh habitats.

Chemical Composition, Toxicity, and Repellency of Essential Oils from Three Hedychium Species Against Stored-Product Insects.

Stored products are constantly infested by insects, so finding eco-friendly bioinsecticides for insect management is important. The work aimed to assess the insecticidal and repellent activity of essential oil (EO) from Hedychium glabrum S. Q. Tong, Hedychium coronarium Koen., and Hedychium yunnanense Gagnep. against Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne, and Liposcelis bostrychophila. Results showed that 88 chemical components were identified in the extracted Hedychium EOs, indicating that they exhibited diversity in components. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the composition of the EO from the H. yunnanense stem and leaf (EOHYSL) was significantly different from other EOs due to the different organs and species. The biological activity also varied continuously with plant species and organs. Only the EO of H. yunnanense (EOHY) showed strong fumigant toxicity. While in the contact tests, EOHGR showed the strongest toxicity effect on L. bostrychophila, with a LC50 value of 71.76 µg/cm2, which was closest to the positive control (Pyrethrin). All EOs had remarkable repellent activities against the three target insects, and repellency increased with concentration. According to the results of the comprehensive score, EOHY had the highest potential, which ranged from 0.7999 to 0.8689. Thus, Hedychium EOs possess potential biorational traits to be biological insecticides.

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.

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Effects of Zingiberaceae Oils: A Natural Solution for Oral Health.

Essential oils have been recognised for their potential benefits in oral care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antiproliferative activity of essential oils derived from four Zingiberaceae species. A combination of GC/MS and GC-FID was employed to analyse these essential oils. The results showed that ß-myrcene (79.77 %) followed by ethyl-cinnamate (40.14 %), ß-curcumene (34.90 %), and alloaromadendrene (25.15 %) as the primary constituents of Curcuma mangga, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga and Curcuma aeruginosa, respectively. The Zingiberaceae oils were tested for their antibacterial activity against oral bacteria using the disc diffusion test. Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil showed the largest inhibition zones against Streptococcus mitis (19.50±2.22 mm) and Streptococcus sanguinis (15.04±3.05 mm). Similarly, Curcuma mangga oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (12.55±0.45 mm) and mixed oral bacteria (15.03±3.82 mm). Furthermore, the MTT viability assay revealed moderate inhibitory activity of these essential oils against H103 and ORL-204 oral cancer cells. The study findings demonstrate that Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma mangga essential oils have potent antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use as natural alternatives to synthetic antibacterial agents in oral care products. However, further investigations are necessary to fully explore their therapeutic applications.

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.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human studies demonstrates the beneficial effects of Kaempferia parviflora on metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction.

Kaempferia parviflora (KP) has traditionally been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. Scant evidence is available to explain the relationship between KP and metabolic syndrome and impotence. We sought to test the hypothesis that administration of KP extract enriched with active ingredients, such as polymethoxyflavone, could improve metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and related outcomes in in vivo. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the in vivo effects of KP extract on metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and related outcomes. Studies from 4 databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception up to December 2022. Animal experiment studies and randomized controlled trials comparing KP extract to a placebo control were retrieved and analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. The effect estimate was presented as the standardized mean difference along with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 664 articles, a total of 57 articles met our prespecified criteria. KP extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in both animal and human studies with standardized mean difference of -0.88 (95% CI, -1.63 to -0.14) and -0.51 (95% CI, -0.98 to -0.05), respectively. Furthermore, KP extract also markedly improved sexual function and physical performance. In sum, KP extract is shown to have effects beneficial to metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and physical performance.

Comparative analyses reveal a phenylalanine ammonia lyase dependent and salicylic acid mediated host resistance in Zingiber zerumbet against the necrotrophic soft rot pathogen Pythium myriotylum.

Little is known about the molecular basis of host defense in resistant wild species Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith against the soil-borne, necrotrophic oomycete pathogen Pythium myriotylum Drechsler, which causes the devastating soft rot disease in the spice crop ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). We investigated the pattern of host defense between Z. zerumbet and ginger in response to P. myriotylum inoculation. Analysis of gene expression microarray data revealed enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, particularly lignin biosynthesis genes, in pathogen-inoculated Z. zerumbet compared to ginger. RT-qPCR analysis showed the robust activation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes in Z. zerumbet, including the core genes PAL, C4H, 4CL, and the monolignol biosynthesis and polymerization genes such as CCR, CAD, C3H, CCoAOMT, F5H, COMT, and LAC. Additionally, Z. zerumbet exhibited the accumulation of the phenolic acids including p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid that are characteristic of the cell walls of commelinoid monocots like Zingiberaceae and are involved in cell wall strengthening by cross linking with lignin. Z. zerumbet also had higher total lignin and total phenolics content compared to pathogen-inoculated ginger. Phloroglucinol staining revealed the enhanced fortification of cell walls in Z. zerumbet, specifically in xylem vessels and surrounding cells. The trypan blue staining indicated inhibition of pathogen growth in Z. zerumbet at the first leaf whorl, while ginger showed complete colonization of the pith within 36 h post inoculation (hpi). Accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and induction of SA regulator NPR1 and the signaling marker PR1 were observed in Z. zerumbet. Silencing of PAL in Z. zerumbet through VIGS suppressed downstream genes, leading to reduced phenylpropanoid accumulation and SA level, resulting in the susceptibility of plants to P. myriotylum. These findings highlight the essential role of PAL-dependent mechanisms in resistance against P. myriotylum in Z. zerumbet. Moreover, our results suggest an unconventional role for SA in mediating host resistance against a necrotroph. Targeting the phenylpropanoid pathway could be a promising strategy for the effective management of P. myriotylum in ginger.

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.

Zingiber zerumbet: A Scoping Review of its Medicinal Properties.

Zingiber zerumbet, a plant native to tropical and subtropical Asia, has a vast range of traditional uses and has been continuously studied for its medicinal properties. However, a systematic methodological approach in evidence synthesis on the plant's efficacy is lacking, and there is a need to elicit the current research status of this plant. This scoping review was conducted to systematically explore and collate the available scientific evidence on the efficacy of Z. zerumbet and its main phytoconstituents in various formulations, their biological mechanisms, and their safety. Results included 54 articles consisting of animal studies, while there were no published human studies. Only half of the included studies provided adequate reporting on the quality-related details of Z. zerumbet formulations. Identified pharmacological activities were analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-neoplastic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, and locomotor-reducing activities. Notably, the ethanolic extract of Z. zerumbet was found to be well tolerated for up to 28 days. In conclusion, Z. zerumbet and zerumbone have various pharmacological effects, especially in analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. However, there is still a pressing need for comprehensive safety data to conduct clinical trials.

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.

The effect of Thai ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract orally administration on sperm production, semen preservation, and fertility in Thai native chickens under heat stress.

Thai indigenous roosters are exposed to unsuitable temperatures and humidity, resulting in a lower reproductive potential. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract containing methoxyflavones was fed to roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Thirty-two Thai native roosters were orally administered KP extract at 300, 450, and 600 mg, calculated according to their average body weight, for at least 14 d before semen collection and continued supplementation until the end of the experiment. The nonsupplemented group served as the control. Fresh semen in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass movement score, and sperm viability were evaluated. Semen preservation at 5°C and fertility test were examined for total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation up to 48 h of storage. Testosterone concentrations and testicular function were also determined. The results showed that the highest sperm concentration and sperm motility of fresh semen were observed in KP extract at 600 mg (P < 0.001). KP extract at 600 mg resulted in higher sperm viability than the control and KP extract at 300 mg (P < 0.05), but was not different from KP at 450 mg (P > 0.05). The highest MOT, PMOT, and viability were found in the roosters that received 600 mg oral KP extract (P < 0.05), while those of the roosters that received oral KP extract 300 mg and the control were the lowest (P < 0.05) at all storage times. Lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the KP extract up to 24 h (P < 0.05). The fertility and hatchability of the KP extract at 600 mg at T48 showed a minor decrease compared to the control at T0. These results might be inferred as a result of good spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone activity. In summary, oral administration of 600 mg KP extract improved sperm production and successfully preserved rooster semen for a long duration of up to 48 h of storage.

Etlingera hemisphaerica Alters One-Dimensional Profile of Serum Proteins Due to Mercury Chloride in Rats (Rattus norvegicus).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Several previous studies have shown that leaf ethanolic extract of <i>Etlingera hemisphaerica</i> (LE3H) has the potential to reduce the toxicity and teratogenicity effects of mercury. This study aimed to describe the effects of LE3H on the protein profile of <i>Rattus norvegicus</i> serum due to treatment with HgCl₂. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Four groups of male rats, K1 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.), K2 was injected IP HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.) and after 24 hrs it was gavage LE3H (0.27 mg g¹ b.wt.) every day for seven days, K3 was injected IP HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.), after 24 hrs was gavage LE3H (0.55 mg g¹ b.wt.) every day for seven days. The K0 as control, received double-distilled water. On the ninth day, the experimental animals were killed via CD and blood was drawn from the heart to obtain serum. Serum samples were measured for protein content using the Lowry and serum was separated using the One-Dimensional Sodium dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE) technique. <b>Results:</b> The electropherograms showed four bands, 264.77, 219.53, 98.57 and 37.29 kDa, whose intensity significantly increased due to HgCl₂ treatment and then decreased to close to the control condition with LE3H administration. The results also revealed four bands, 31.95, 28, 06, 26, 29 and 15.09 kDa, whose intensity decreased significantly due to HgCl₂ treatment and then increased to close to the control condition by LE3H administration. <b>Conclusion:</b> The LE3H change profile of the eight blood serum protein bands due to HgCl₂ approximates the control condition in <i>R. norvegicus</i>.

Extraction of Active Compounds from Mixtures of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) with Plants of the Zingiberaceae Family.

Hemp is probably one of the most studied plants for its health-promoting properties, with countless documented and patented extraction methods, but literature is scarce on the simultaneous extraction of mixture of raw materials. Hemp, along with other plant materials, could represent a potentially highly valuable source material with resulting reciprocal effects. In this study, hemp (Cannabis sativa) and three members of the Zingiberaceae family, ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), were extracted simultaneously, and their bioactive component values were investigated. Two extraction methods were used, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol and supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. First, extracts were obtained from separate plant materials. Then, hemp was extracted in combination with ginger, turmeric, and cardamom in a 1:1 ratio. The extracts obtained were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and total phenolic content using UV/VIS spectrophotometry; cannabinoid content, 6-gingerol, and 6-shogaol were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); volatile components such as 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinyl acetate, linalool, and aR-turmerone were measured using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS).