Chemical characterization and effects of volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet on the quality of collagen deposition and caveolin-1 expression in a muscular fibrosis murine model / Caracterização química e efeitos do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet na qualidade da deposição do colágeno e expressão da caveolina-1 em modelo murino de fibrose muscular

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Essential oil and Extracts of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm. f. ) Roscoe flowers

Abstract The present study describes chemical composition, phytochemicals, antifungal activities, antioxidant assays and total phenolic content of essential oil and varied polarity solvent extract from flowers of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.). Total 27 components were identified in essential oil by GC-MS with terpinen-4-ol (28.6%) and α- terpineol (12.8%) as the main constituent. The essential oil was found to have maximal levels of phenolic content (64.60 µg/mL) as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant assay evaluated in extracts and essential oil by different methods revealed good-to-moderate antioxidant potential with different IC50 values viz. (188.02 -250.25 µg/mL) in Fe3+ reducing power, (153.15-201.59 µg/mL) in Fe2+ metal-chelating ability, (130.39-181.12 µg/mL) in DPPH, (88.29-187.32 µg/mL) in OH radical, (79.04-156.79 µg/mL), in NO radical and (138.72-233.00 µg/mL) in superoxide anion scavenging activities, respectively. The methanolic extract display remarkable fungicidal activity against the tested pathogens followed by dichloromethane extract, essential oil, hexane extract and petroleum ether extract respectively, with MIC values ranging from 31.25 to 500 µg/mL. Based on results, it can be inferred that the flower of A. malaccensis if explored further for its medicinal properties, might be a good source to develop a safe and sustainable natural food preservative

Mechanism of volatile oil from Alpinia oxyphylla in treating Alzheimer's disease based on GC-MS and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

To study the material basis and mechanism of volatile oil from Alpinia oxyphylla in treating Alzheimer's disease(AD) based on GC-MS and network pharmacology. Ingredients of volatile oil from A.oxyphylla were analyzed by GC-MS. Targets of those ingredients were obtained through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). Relevant targets of AD were obtained through such databases as DrugBank, STITCH, OMIM. Intersection targets of ingredients and diseases were obtained by Online Venny map, and PPI network was established by STRING to screen out core targets. Gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by DAVID. The "ingredients-target-pathway" network was constructed by software Cytoscape 3.8.1 to screen out potential active ingredients of volatile oil from A.oxyphylla in the treatment of AD. The results showed that a total of 6 active ingredients were screened from the volatile oil of A.oxyphylla by GC-MS, 17 targets corresponding to 6 active ingredients were found in TCMSP database, and 3 448 AD targets were found in DrugBank database. "Ingredients-target-pathway" network and PPI network showed there were 4 potential active ingredients in the treatment of AD and 4 core targets. GO analysis and KEGG analysis showed 34(P<0.05) and 5(P<0.05) pathways, respectively, including nerve ligand receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, cholinergic synapse and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic synapse. This suggested that volatile oil from A.oxyphylla could synergistically treat AD by regulating calcium balance, cholinergic balance and phosphorylation. This study provided reference and guidance for further study of volatile oil from A.oxyphylla in the treatment of AD.

Potencial terapéutico de Zingiberaceae en la enfermedad de Alzheimer / Therapeutic potential of Zingiberaceae in Alzheimer's disease

El Alzheimer es la forma más común de demencia y es altamente prevalente en la vejez. A diferencia de los medicamentos actuales, las plantas medicinales pueden tener efectos preventivos y protectores con menos efectos secundarios. Dada la gran cantidad de sustancias bioactivas, las plantas de la familia Zingiberaceae tienen potencial medicinal y actualmente se estudian ampliamente los efectos de la enfermedad anti-Alzheimer. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar una visión general de los avances en los estudios de composición fitoquímica, estudios farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo, y los efectos toxicológicos de la familia Zingiberaceae sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La información se obtuvo de documentos relevantes en bases de datos electrónicas. La mayoría de los estudios sobre los efectos de Zingiberaceae en la teoría de la patogénesis de la enfermedad de Alzheimer están relacionados con la hipótesis colinérgica, la cascada ß amiloide, la tau, la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo. Además, los estudios preclínicos in vitro e in vivo sobre el efecto de los géneros Alpinia, Curcuma y Zingiber se han informado como inofensivos y seguros, con potencial para el tratamiento contra el Alzheimer.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is highly prevalent in old age. Unlike current drugs, medicinal plants can have preventive and protective effects with less side effects. Given the great number of bioactive substances, plants from the Zingiberaceae Family have medicinal potential and currently are widely studied regarding its anti-Alzheimer's disease effects. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of advances in phytochemical composition studies, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and toxicological effects of the Zingiberaceae Family on Alzheimer's disease. Information was obtained from relevant papers in electronic databases. Most of the studies of Zingiberaceae effects on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis theory are related to cholinergic, ß amyloid cascade, tau, inflammation, and oxidative stress hypothesis. Also, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the effect of Alpinia, Curcuma, and Zingiber genera have been reported as harmless and safe, with potential for anti-Alzheimer treatment.

Antimicrobial and drug-synergistic potential of Alpinia conchigera Griff.-derived phenylpropanoids against Mycobacterium smegmatis

Aims@#This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of naturally derived phenylpropanoids from Alpinia conchigera (A. conchigera) Griff. and its synthetic analogues, as well as interactions between selected compounds with first-line tuberculosis (TB) drug, rifampicin, against Mycobacterium smegmatis, a potential opportunistic nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) and a surrogate organism for TB. @*Methodology and results@#Twelve phenylpropanoids of A. conchigera were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against M. smegmatis (ATCC 14468). The phenylpropanoid compound from A. conchigera with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal (MIC, MBC) values were selected for checkerboard tetrazolium microplate assay (TEMA) with rifampicin to determine drug interactions. A majority of the compounds had antimicrobial activity, however, purified natural compound 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) showed the highest antimicrobial activity with an MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL against M. smegmatis. The combination of ACA and rifampicin produced indifferent interaction with fractional inhibition concentration (FIC) index of 1.5, while the combination of rifampicin and ACA synthetic analogue 4-allyl-2,6- methoxyphenyl isobutyrate produced a synergistic interaction effect with FIC index of 0.5. None of the compounds tested were bactericidal but appear to be bacteriostatic.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study presents the first report on the antimicrobial potential of natural A. conchigera-derived ACA against M. smegmatis as well as the synergistic interaction of 4-allyl-2,6- methoxyphenyl isobutyrate with rifampicin which warrants further investigation.

Present situation and development strategy of Alpinia oxyphylla / 中国中药杂志

@#Alpinia oxyphylla is mainly produced in Hainan,and also one of the four famous traditional Chinese medicines in South China with increasing importance in traditional Chinese medicine industry. Field surveys and literatures show that A. oxyphylla has widely used as a medicinal and edible plant,it is an important raw material for many Chinese patent medicines,health products and food,with a long history of artificial cultivation and application. The future development is prospected on health market. But A. oxyphylla industry has faced a lot of problems,including unreasonable planting layout,lack of good varieties,imperfect seed breeding system,low level of standardization,inconsistent quality of medicinal materials,low level of industry,and so on. The suggestions for sustainable development are listed below.First,it is essential to strengthen the research on the basis and application technology of A. oxyphylla,speed up the selection and breeding of improved varieties,and popularize standardized cultivation techniques. Secondly,it is important to strengthen the research on quality standards,improve the quality evaluation system of medicinal materials. Thirdly,it is necessary to take full advantage of the functional components to develop functional products with Hainan characteristics,find out the unique product characteristics of A. oxyphylla,build a famous brand and improve the product competitiveness in the market. It is also important to strengthen policy support and industrial supervision,promote the healthy and rapid development of A. oxyphylla industry.

Effects of the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm. on healing and tissue repair after partial Achilles tenotomy in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the cellular response to injury, analyzing histopathologic changes associated with increased cellularity, degeneration and disorganization of collagen fibers. Methods: Thirty wistar rats were divided in two groups after partial Achilles tenotomy: the right hind paw were treated with the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz), diluted to 33% (0.3 mL kg-1), and the left hind paw received sunflower oil for 3, 14, 30 and 90 days. Statistical significance was determined using a Chi-square and Pearson Correlation qualitative variables test. Moreover, Mann-Whitney U-test test for comparison between different groups of the same cell, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test of quantitative measurement. Results: A decrease hyperemia (p < 0.001) was observed in the acute phase of inflammatory cell number (p < 0.001), whereas sub-acute phase was marked by significant correlation with macrophages in fibroblasts (r = 0.17, p = 0.03), with probable induction a dense and modeled tissue. At chronic phase, it was found an increase in the number of fibroblasts and a higher percentage of type I collagen fibers (78%) compared with control collagen fibers (55%). Conclusion: Oil of Alpinia zerumbet stimulated the process of maturation, organization and tissue repair which gave it greater resistance.

Constituents of essential oils from the leaf, stem, root, fruit and flower of alpinia macroura k. schum / Constituyentes de los aceites esenciales de las hojas, tallo, raíz y flores de alpinia macroura k. schum

This paper reports the chemical constituents of essential oils from the various parts of Alpinia macroura K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) from Vietnam. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by means of gas chromatography coupled to Flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main constituents of the oils were beta-pinene (8.8 percent-16.4 percent), 1,8-cineole (5.5 percent-17.7 percent), upsilon-terpinene (5.9 percent-16.9 percent), alpha-pinene (4.5 percent-8.4 percent) and beta-caryophyllene (1.4 percent-18.6 percent). Sabinene (9.0 percent) was identified only in the fruit. Overall, nineteen of the identified compounds are coming to all the essential oils. The chemical constituents of essential oils from the leaf, stem, root, fruit and flower of A. macroura are being reported for the first time and were found to be different from those of other Alpinia oils.

En este trabajo se presentan los componentes químicos de los aceites esenciales de las distintas partes de Alpinia macroura K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) de Vietnam. Los aceites esenciales se obtuvieron por hidrodestilación y se analizaron por medio de cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector de ionización de llama (GC-FID) y cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC/MS). Los principales constituyentes de los aceites fueron beta-pineno (8,8 por ciento -16,4 por ciento), 1,8-cineol (5,5 por ciento -17,7 por ciento), ípsilon-terpineno (5,9 por ciento -16,9 por ciento), alfa-pineno (4,5 por ciento -8,4 por ciento) y beta-cariofileno (1,4 por ciento -18,6 por ciento). Sabineno (9,0 por ciento) fue identificado solamente en la fruta. En general, diecinueve de los compuestos identificados están llegando a todos los aceites esenciales. Los componentes químicos de los aceites esenciales de la hoja, tallo, raíz, frutas y flores de A. macroura están siendo reportados por primera vez y se encontró que eran diferentes de las de otros aceites de Alpinia.

Galangin Suppresses Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid-Stimulated Microglial Cells

Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in honey and medicinal herbs, such as Alpinia officinarum. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin under in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammatory conditions caused by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a viral mimic dsRNA analog. Galangin suppressed the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in poly(I:C)-stimulated BV2 microglia. On the other hand, galangin enhanced anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 production. Galangin also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory markers in poly(I:C)-injected mouse brains. Further mechanistic studies showed that galangin inhibited poly(I:C)-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity and phosphorylation of Akt without affecting MAP kinases. Interestingly, galangin increased the expression and transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, known to play an anti-inflammatory role. To investigate whether PPAR-γ is involved in the anti-inflammatory function of galangin, BV2 cells were pre-treated with PPAR-γ antagonist before treatment of galangin. We found that PPAR-γ antagonist significantly blocked galangin-mediated upregulation of IL-10 and attenuated the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia. In conclusion, our data suggest that PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and PPAR-γ play a pivotal role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia.

Galangin Suppresses Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid-Stimulated Microglial Cells

Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in honey and medicinal herbs, such as Alpinia officinarum. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin under in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammatory conditions caused by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a viral mimic dsRNA analog. Galangin suppressed the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in poly(I:C)-stimulated BV2 microglia. On the other hand, galangin enhanced anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 production. Galangin also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory markers in poly(I:C)-injected mouse brains. Further mechanistic studies showed that galangin inhibited poly(I:C)-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity and phosphorylation of Akt without affecting MAP kinases. Interestingly, galangin increased the expression and transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, known to play an anti-inflammatory role. To investigate whether PPAR-γ is involved in the anti-inflammatory function of galangin, BV2 cells were pre-treated with PPAR-γ antagonist before treatment of galangin. We found that PPAR-γ antagonist significantly blocked galangin-mediated upregulation of IL-10 and attenuated the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia. In conclusion, our data suggest that PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and PPAR-γ play a pivotal role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia.

Composição química e eficácia do óleo essencial e do extrato etanólico de Alpinia zerumbet sobre Staphylococcus aureus / Chemical composition and efficacy of essential oil and ethanol extract of Alpinia zerumbet on Staphylococcus aureus

O presente trabalho descreve a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial e do extrato etanólico das folhas de Alpinia zerumbet (colônia) sobre cepas de Staphylococcus aureus isoladas de vacas com mastite subclínica e cepas padrão ATCC 29213 e ATCC 25923, por meio do método de difusão em ágar. Foram utilizados 10 tratamentos contendo diferentes concentrações do óleo essencial e do extrato etanólico (100,0; 50,0; 25,0; 12,5 e 6,3 mg.mL-1) e o grupo controle (álcool etílico a 50% e Tween a 1%). Os constituintes majoritários do óleo essencial foram p -cimeno (32,72%), 1,8-cineol (24,05%) e 4-terpineol (20,23%), sendo esses determinados por cromatografia a gás acoplada a espectrometria de massas e cromatografia a gás com detector de ionização de chama (CG-EM/DIC). No extrato etanólico foi detectado o ácido elágico e três flavonoides: rutina, quercetina e campferol, por meio de cromatografia a líquido de alta eficiência acoplada a detector de arranjo de diodo (CLAE-DAD). Todas as cepas apresentaram sensibilidade aos tratamentos com óleo essencial e extrato etanólico. A melhor resposta foi obtida com o óleo essencial de A. zerumbet que, na concentração de 100 mg.mL-1 proporcionou inibição total do crescimento bacteriano. Esses resultados sugerem o potencial antibacteriano do óleo essencial e do extrato etanólico de A. zerumbet no controle da mastite bovina.(AU)

The present work describes the antibacterial activity of the essential oil and the ethanol extract from leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (colônia) on Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from cows with subclinical mastitis and standard strains ATCC 29213 and ATCC 25923, using the agar diffusion method. Ten treatments containing different concentrations of essential oil and ethanol extract (100.0; 50.0; 25.0; 12.5 and 6.3 mg.mL-1) and the control group (50% ethyl alcohol and 1% Tween solutions) were used for antimicrobial testing. The major constituents of the essential oil were p -cimeno (32.72%), 1.8-cineol (24.05%) and 4-terpineol (20.23%), which were determined by gas chromatographymass spectrometry and gas chromatography - flame ionization detector (CG-MS/FID). Ellagic acid and three flavonoids (rutin, quercetin and campferol) were detected in the ethanol extract by means of high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). All strains showed sensitivity to the treatments with essential oil and the ethanol extract. The best response was obtained with A. zerumbet essential oil at a 100 mg.mL-1, showing complete inhibition of bacterial growth. These results demonstrate the antibacterial potential of essential oil and ethanol extract of A. zerumbet in the control of bovine mastitis.(AU)

Evaluation of in vitro enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant properites of leaf extract from Alpinia Purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of leaf extract from Alpinia purpurata.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One gram of fresh leaf of Alpinia purpurata was grinded in 2 mL of 50% ethanol and centrifuged at 10,000×g at 4°C for 10 min. The supernatant obtained was used within 4 h for various enzymatic antioxidants assays like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ascorbate oxidase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C, total reduced glutathione (TRG) and lipid peroxidation (LPO).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The leaf extract of Alpinia purpurata possess antioxidants like vitamin C 472.92±6.80 μg/mg protein, GST 372.11±5.70 μmol of 1-chloro 2,4 dinitrobenzene (CDNB)-reduced glutathione (GSH) conjugate formed/min/mg protein, GPx 281.69±6.43 μg of glutathione oxidized/min/mg protein, peroxidases 173.12±9.40 μmol/g tissue, TRG 75.27±3.55 μg/mg protein, SOD 58.03±2.11 U/mg protein, CAT 46.70±2.35 μmol of H2O2 consumed/min/mg protein in high amount whereas ascorbate oxidase 17.41±2.46 U/g tissue, LPO 2.71±0.14 nmol/L of malondialdehyde formed/min/mg protein and PPO 1.14±0.11 μmol/g tissue in moderate amount.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Alpinia purpurata has the potential to scavenge the free radicals and protect against oxidative stress causing diseases. In future, Alpinia purpurata may serve as a good pharmacotherapeutic agent.</p>

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of ornamental gingers, Hedychium coronarium and Alpinia purpurata: a review / 中西医结合学报

In this review, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of two ornamental gingers, Hedychium coronarium (butterfly ginger) and Alpinia purpurata (red ginger), are updated, and their botany and uses are described. Flowers of H. coronarium are large, showy, white, yellow or white with a yellow centre and highly fragrant. Inflorescences of A. purpurata are erect spikes with attractive red or pink bracts. Phytochemical investigations on the rhizomes of H. coronarium generated research interest globally. This resulted in the isolation of 53 labdane-type diterpenes, with little work done on the leaves and flowers. Pharmacological properties of H. coronarium included antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, chemopreventive, anti-allergic, larvicidal, anthelminthic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-urolithiatic, anti-angiogenic, neuro-pharmacological, fibrinogenolytic, coagulant and hepatoprotective activities. On the contrary, little is known on the phytochemistry of A. purpurata with pharmacological properties of antioxidant, antibacterial, larvicidal, cytotoxic and vasodilator activities reported in the leaves and rhizomes. There is much disparity in terms of research effort within and between these two ornamental gingers.

A new dimeric diarylheptanoid from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To study the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance.@*METHOD@#Compounds were isolated by repeated column chromatography, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated with the T98G and B16F10 cell lines by the MTT assay.@*RESULTS@#A dimeric diarylheptanoid, named alpinin B (1), along with three known diarylheptanoids were obtained, and their structures were identified as alpinin B (1), 1, 7-diphenyl-3,5-heptanedione (2), (4E)-1, 7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one (3) and (4E)-7- (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one (4).@*CONCLUSION@#Compound 1 is a new dimeric diarylheptanoid. The biosynthetic pathway of 1 was speculated to originate from a Michael reaction between compounds 2 and 3. Compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against the human glioblastoma T98G cell line with IC50 of 27 μmol·L(-1).

The compounds from n-butanol fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla / 药学学报

Nine compounds were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of 95% ethanol extract of the fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. with a combination of various chromatographic approaches, including MDS resin, silica gel, reverse phase C18 and preparative HPLC. On the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, they were elucidated as (1R, 4R, 10R)-1β, 4α-dihydroxy-11, 12, 13-trinor-5, 6-eudesmen-7-one (1), 1β, 4β-dihydroxy-11, 12, 13-trinor-8, 9-eudesmen-7-one (2), oxyphyllenone A (3), oxyphyllenone B (4), rhamnocitrin (5), staphylionoside D (6), benzyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1S)-phenylethylene glycol (8), and (S)-1-phenylethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (9). Among them, compound 1 is a new sesquiterpene, named as oxyphyllenone C; compounds 8 and 9 are new natural products; compounds 2 and 6 were isolated from the genus Alpinia for the first time, and compound 7 was isolated from A. oxyphylla for the first time.

A new flavonone from seeds of Alpinia katsumadai and its neuroprotective effect on PC12 cells / 中国中药杂志

A new flavonone, named as (2R, 3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate(1), together with six known compounds, pinocem-brin (2), pinobanksin (3), 3-O-acetylpinobanksin (4), galangin (5), kumatakenin(6), and 3-methylkaempferol (7), were isolated from a 95% ethanol extract of seeds of Alpinia katsumadai through a combination of various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. Compound 1 exhibits a potent neuroprotective effect against the corticosterone-damaged PC12 cells, which may be underlying the effect by scavenging intracellular ROS.

Diversity and tissue distribution of fungal endophytes in Alpinia officinarum: an important south-China medicinal plant / 中国中药杂志

In the present study, terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique was applied to assess the diversity and tissue distribution of the fungal endophyte communities of Alpinia officinarum collected from Longtang town in Xuwen county, Guangdong province, China, at which the pharmacological effect of the medicine plant is traditional considered to be the significantly higher than that in any other growth areas in China. A total of 28 distinct Terminal-Restriction Fragment (T-RFs) were detected with HhaI Mono-digestion targeted amplified fungal nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region sequences (rDNA ITS) from the root, rhizome, stem, and leaf internal tissues of A. officinarum plant, indicating that at least 28 distinct fungal species were able to colonize the internal tissue of the host plant. The rDNA ITS-T-RFLP profiles obtained from different tissues of the host plant were obvious distinct. And the numbers of total T-RFs, and the dominant T-RFs detected from various tissues were significantly different. Based on the obtained T-RFLP profiles, Shannon's diversity index and the Shannon's evenness index were calculated, which were significantly different among tissues (P < 0.05). Furthermore, two types of active chemicals, total volatile oils by water vapor distillation method and galangin by methanol extraction-HPLC method, were examined in the each tissue of the tested plant. Both of tested components were detected in all of the four tissues of the medicine plant with varying contents. And the highest was in rhizome tissue. Correlation analysis revealed there were significant negative correlations between both of the tested active components contents and calculated Shannon's diversity index, as well as the Shannon's evenness index of the fungal endophyte communities of the host plant (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≤ -0.962), and significant positive correlations between both of the tested active components contents and 325 bp dominant T-RF linkage to Pestalotiopsis (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≥ 0.975). In conclusion, A. officinarum is colonized by diverse fungal endophytes communities. The diversity of the fungal endophytes was found in the A. officinarum varied with differences of the tissue types of the host plants and was closely correlated with the accumulation of main active components, total volatile oils and galangin contents in the host plant tissue.

Flavonoids from the seeds of Alpinia galanga Willd / 药学学报

Ten flavonoids were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the seeds of Alpinia galanga Willd. with a combination of various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. On the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, they were elucidated as (2R, 3S)-pinobaksin-3-cinnamate (1), (2R, 3R)-pinobaksin-3-cinnamate (2), pinocembrin (3), pinobaksin (4), 3-O-acetylpinobaksin (5), galangin (6), galangin-3-methylether (7), kumatakenin (8), 3-methylkaempferol (9) and (2R, 3R)-3, 5-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (10). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2, 5 and 10 were isolated from the genus Alpinia for the first time, and others were isolated from this plant for the first time.

In vitro effects of Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta, Alpinia zerumbet and Lantana camara essential oils on Haemonchus contortus / Efeitos in vitro dos óleos essenciais de Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta, Alpinia zerumbet e Lantana camara sobre Haemonchus contortus

Phytotherapy can be an alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants. This study evaluated the efficacy of Alpinia zerumbet, Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta and Lantana camara essential oils by two in vitro assays on Haemonchus contortus, an egg hatch test (EHT) and larval development test (LDT). No effect was observed for L. camara in the EHT. A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta essential oils exhibited a dose-dependent effect in the EHT, inhibiting 81.2, 99 and 98.1% of H. contortus larvae hatching, respectively, at a concentration of 2.5 mg mL-¹. The effective concentration to inhibit 50% (EC50) of egg hatching was 0.94, 0.63 and 0.53 mg mL-¹ for A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta essential oils, respectively. In LDT, L. camara, A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta at concentration of 10 mg mL-¹ inhibited 54.9, 94.2, 97.8 and 99.5% of H. contortus larval development, presenting EC50 values of 6.32, 3.88, 2.89 and 1.67 mg mL-¹, respectively. Based on the promising results presented in this in vitro model, it may be possible use of these essential oils to control gastrointestinal nematodes. However, their anthelmintic activity should be confirmed in vivo.

Fitoterapia pode ser uma alternativa para o controle de parasitas gastrintestinais de pequenos ruminantes. Este estudo avaliou a eficácia dos óleos essenciais de Alpinia zerumbet, Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta e Lantana camara sobre Haemonchus contortus através de dois testes in vitro, teste de eclosão dos ovos (TEO) e teste de desenvolvimento larval (TDL). Nenhum efeito foi observado para L. camara no TEO. Os óleos essenciais de A. zerumbet, C. sativum e T. minuta exibiram um efeito dose dependente no TEO inibindo a eclosão das larvas de H. contortus em 81,2, 99 e 98,1%, respectivamente, na concentração de 2,5 mg mL-¹. A concentração efetiva para inibir 50% (CE50) da eclosão dos ovos foi de 0,94, 0,63 e 0,53 mg mL-¹ para os óleos essenciais de A. zerumbet, C. sativum e T. minuta, respectivamente. No TDL, 10 mg mL-¹ de L. camara, A. zerumbet, C. sativum e T. minuta inibiram em 54,9, 94,2, 97,8 e 99,5% do desenvolvimento larvar, apresentando valores de CE50 de 6,32, 3,88, 2,89 e 1,67 mg mL-¹, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados promissores apresentados neste modelo in vitro, pode ser possível a utilização destes óleos essenciais para controlar os nematoides gastrintestinais. No entanto, a sua atividade anti-helmíntica deve ser confirmada in vivo.

Central nervous system stimulant actions of Alpinia galanga (L.) rhizome: A preliminary study.

Methanolic and ethyl acetate extract of A. galanga showed significant central nervous system (CNS) stimulant activity in mice using actophotometer and rotarod test. CNS stimulation at a dose of 500 mg/kg was comparable with standard drugs caffeine and amphetamine derivative modalart. The extracts did not shown any depressant effect in forced swim or tail suspension tests. It can be concluded that A. galanga rhizome may have stimulant activity in mice and the active constituents responsible for this effect is present both in crude methanolic extract as well as in ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of this plant species.