Research progress in chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of Curcuma wenyujin and prediction of its quality markers / 中国中药杂志

Curcuma wenyujin, as one of the eight Daodi-herbs in Zhejiang province, is widely used. It has the effects of eliminating stasis and dissipating mass, moving Qi and activating blood, and clearing heart and relieving depression. Modern studies have shown that it has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-thrombus and liver-protecting effects and mainly contains sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, and curcumins. This paper reviews the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of C. wenyujin in the last decade, discusses the modern clinical applications combined with the traditional efficacy, and predicts its quality markers(Q-markers) from plant consanguinity, medicinal properties, efficacy, processing and measurability of chemical components based on the theory of Q-markers, so as to provide a reference for the establishment of a scientific quality evaluation system and the research and application of this herb in the future.

Influence of different preparation techniques on the composition and antioxidant action of curcumin and curcuminoids / Influencia de diferentes técnicas de preparación en la composición y acción antioxidante de la curcumina y los curcuminoides

Epidemiological evidence indicates that plant antioxidants activity can treat or help to prevent the development of various diseases. One species with great potential as an antioxidant is Curcuma longa. However, different extraction techniquescan influence isolated chemical compounds. This study investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of two rhizome extracts of C. longa: hydroethanolic, obtained by exhaustion (HECLex); and dried by a spray dryer (HECLsd). The phytochemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total phenolic compounds and soil analyses were performed. The main components of HECLex were ar-turmerone, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone, and ß-sesquiphellandrene. The main components of HECLsd were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2, 3-bis([trimethylsilyl]oxy) propyl ester, verrucarol, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether. HECLsd had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared with HECLex. In conclusion, processes of the preparation of C. longarhizomes alter the chemical components and consequently their biological activity.

La evidencia epidemiológica indica que la actividad de los antioxidantes de las plantas pueden tratar o ayudar a prevenir el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades. Una especie con gran potencial como antioxidante es Curcuma longa. Sin embargo, diferentes técnicas de extracción pueden influir en los compuestos químicos aislados. Este estudio investigó la composición química y la actividad antioxidante de dos extractos de rizoma de C. longa: hidroetanólico, obtenido por agotamiento (HECLex); y se seca con un secador por pulverización (HECLsd). La composición fitoquímica se evaluó mediante GC/MS. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó mediante ensayos DPPH y FRAP. Se realizaron análisis de suelos y compuestos fenólicos totales. Los componentes principales de HECLex fueron ar-turmerona, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone y ß-sesquiphellandrene. Los componentes principales de HECLsd fueron ácido 9,12,15-octadecatrienoico, éster 2,3-bis ([trimetilsilil] oxi) propílico, verrucarol y éter 1-monolinoleoilglicerol trimetilsilil. HECLsd tenía niveles significativamente más altos de compuestos fenólicos y mayor capacidad antioxidante en comparación con HECLex. En conclusión, los procesos de preparación de los rizomas de C. longa alteran los componentes químicos y consecuentemente su actividad biológica.

Research progress of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers and analysis of liver protection and anti-tumor mechanisms based on Q-markers / 中国中药杂志

Curcuma kwangsiensis root tuber is a widely used genuine medicinal material in Guangxi, with the main active components of terpenoids and curcumins. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation to relieve pain, moving Qi to relieve depression, clearing heart and cooling blood, promoting gallbladder function and anti-icterus. Modern research has proved its functions in liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, blood lipid reduction and immunosuppression. Considering the research progress of C. kwangsiensis root tubers and the core concept of quality marker(Q-marker), we predicted the Q-markers of C. kwangsiensis root tubers from plant phylogeny, chemical component specificity, traditional pharmacodynamic properties, new pharmacodynamic uses, chemical component measurability, processing methods, compatibility, and components migrating to blood. Curcumin, curcumol, curcumadiol, curcumenol, curdione, germacrone, and β-elemene may be the possible Q-markers. Based on the predicted Q-markers, the mechanisms of the liver-protecting and anti-tumor activities of C. kwangsiensis root tubers were analyzed. AKT1, IL6, EGFR, and STAT3 were identified as the key targets, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway, nitrogen metabolism pathway, cancer pathway, and hepatitis B pathway were the major involved pathways. This review provides a basis for the quality evaluation and product development of C. kwangsiensis root tubers and gives insights into the research on Chinese medicinal materials.

Propriedades e usos da cúrcuma / Properties and uses of turmeric / Propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma

A Cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) é uma planta originária do sudoeste asiático, que faz parte da família Zingiberaceae. É uma erva amarga, adstringente, com cheiro característico e forte cor amarela e que cujas raízes (rizomas) secas e maceradas têm sido utilizadas atualmente como corante e condimento para carnes e vegetais. O principal composto bioativo da cúrcuma é a curcumina, que se encontra em percentuais de dois a cinco por cento em suas raízes, sendo também é responsável pela sua coloração. Sabendo-se das suas propriedades bioativas e de várias que ainda estão sendo testadas, esse trabalho objetivou apresentar as principais propriedades e usos da cúrcuma. Historicamente a cúrcuma é empregada em diversos medicamentos utilizados pela medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico da Índia Antiga). Quimicamente é um pó insolúvel na água e no éter etílico, mas solúvel no etanol e acetona, é um diferoilmetano com a fórmula C21H20O6 e peso molecular 368,4. Muitos trabalhos estão sendo produzidos ultimamente buscando entender o funcionamento metabólico da curcumina e suas possíveis atividades biológicas. Entre as propriedades já estudadas destacam-se as capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, anti-inflamatória, antimalárica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistossomicida, hipolipemiante, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida neuroprotetora, anti-amiloidogênica e imunomoduladora. A curcumina possui a vantagem de ser uma molécula de fácil acesso, uma vez que pode ser adquirida como condimento doméstico em todo o mundo e possui variadas aplicações, porém devido a sua baixa biodisponibilidade, baixa solubilidade em água e alta afinidade pelas proteínas plasmáticas faz-se necessário que novos estudos sejam realizados para que ela possa ser empregada efetivamente como um bioativo vegetal.(AU)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant originated from Southeast Asia; it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a bitter, astringent herb, with a characteristic smell and strong yellow color. Its dried and macerated roots (rhizomes) have been used as coloring and condiment for meat and vegetables. Turmeric main bioactive compound is curcumin, which is found at concentrations of approximately two to five percent on its roots, being also responsible for its coloration. With the knowledge of its bioactive properties and of several other properties that are still being tested, this paper aimed at presenting the main properties and uses of turmeric. Turmeric has historically been used in various medicines by Ayurveda medicine (a medicinal system characteristic of ancient India). Chemically, it is a powder insoluble in either water or ethyl ether, despite being soluble in ethanol and acetone. It is a difoylmethane of formula C21H20O6 and molecular weight 368.4. Many works are being produced seeking to understand the metabolic functioning of curcumin and its possible biological activities. Among the properties already studied, it has proven anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiviral, scarring, schistosomicide, hypolipidemic, leishmanicidal, nematocidal, trypanocidal neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic and immunomodulatory capacities. Curcumin has the advantage of being an easily accessible molecule as it can be purchased as a domestic condiment worldwide and is widely applied in several cuisines. However, due to its low bioavailability, low water solubility and high affinity for plasma proteins, further studies should be carried out so that it can be effectively employed as a plant bioactive.(AU)

La cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) es una planta originaria del sudeste asiático, pertenece a la familia Zingiberaceae. Es una hierba amarga y astringente, con un olor característico y un fuerte color amarillo y cuyas raíces (rizomas) secas y maceradas se utilizan actualmente como colorante y condimento para carnes y vegetales. El principal compuesto bioactivo de la cúrcuma es la curcumina, que se encuentra cerca del dos al cinco por ciento de sus raíces y también es responsable por su coloración. Debido a sus propiedades bioactivas y de varias que aún se están probando, ese estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar las principales propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma. Históricamente, la cúrcuma es empleada en varias medicinas utilizadas por la medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico de la antigua India). Químicamente es un polvo insoluble en agua y éter etílico, pero soluble en etanol y acetona, es un diferoilmetano de fórmula C21H20O6 y peso molecular 368.4. Últimamente se están produciendo muchos trabajos que buscan comprender el funcionamiento metabólico de la curcumina y sus posibles actividades biológicas. Entre las propiedades ya estudiadas se encuentran las capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, antiinflamatoria, antipalúdica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistosomicida, hipolipidémica, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida, neuroprotectora, antiamiloidogénica e inmunomoduladora. La curcumina tiene la ventaja de ser una molécula de fácil acceso, ya que se puede comprar como condimento doméstico en todo el mundo y tiene una variedad de aplicaciones, pero debido a su baja biodisponibilidad, baja solubilidad en agua y alta afinidad por las proteínas plasmáticas se hace necesario que nuevos estudios sean llevados a cabo para que ella pueda ser empleada efectivamente como planta bioactiva.(AU)

Transcriptional profiling of uterine leiomyoma rats treated by a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma and Sparganii rhizoma

The aim of this study was to elucidate the concise effects of a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma-Sparganii rhizoma (CRSR), on uterine leiomyoma (UL) by analyzing transcriptional profiling. The UL rat model was made by intramuscular injection of progesterone and gavage administration of diethylstilbestrol. From 11 weeks of the establishment of the model, rats of the UL+CRSR group were gavaged daily with CRSR (6.67 g/kg). The serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay, the uterine index was measured by caliper measurement, and the pathological status was observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gene expression profiling was checked by NimbleGen Rat Gene Expression Microarrays. The results indicated that the uterine mass of UL+CRSR rats was significantly shrunk and serum P and E2 levels significantly reduced compared to UL animals and nearly to the level of normal rats. Results of microarrays displayed the extensive inhibition of CRSR upon the expression of proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and significantly regulated a wide range of metabolism disorders. Furthermore, CRSR extensively regulated key pathways of the UL process, such as MAPK, PPAR, Notch, and TGF-β/Smad. Regulation of the crucial pathways for the UL process and ECM metabolism may be the underlying mechanisms of CRSR treatment. Further studies will provide clear clues for effectively treating UL with CRSR.

Caracterización físico-química y capacidad antioxidante de extractos del rizoma de Curcuma longa L / Physical-chemical characterization and antioxidant activity the Curcuma longa L. rhizome

Objetivo. Determinar los parámetros físico-químicos y la capacidad antioxidante in vitro del extracto crudo y etanólico de Curcuma longa L. Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvieron dos extractos vegetales: crudo y en 96% de etanol. Se determinaron las características físico-químicas y la presencia de principales grupos de metabolitos mediante screening fitoquímico, asociados con actividad biológica. El contenido de polifenoles totales se determinó mediante el ensayo de Folin-Ciocalteu y la actividad antioxidante de los extractos se evaluó in vitro mediante el ensayo 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH) y 2,2-azinobis-[3 etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico] (ABTS). Resultados. Los extractos crudo y etanólico de Curcuma longa L. presentaron una densidad relativa 0,8144 y 1,0536g/mL, respectivamente. Respecto al screening fitoquímico, se logró identificar algunos metabolitos en ambos extractos, destacando compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, alcaloides y heterósidos. El contenido de fenoles totales fueron 252,05 y 296,43 (µg EAG/mg es) para los extractos crudo y etanólico. La capacidad antioxidante con el método DPPH tuvieron IC50 64,26 y 17,01 µg/mL y con el método de ABTS IC50 57,67 y 15,12 µg/mL para los extractos crudo y etanólico. La capacidad antioxidante equivalente a trolox (TEAC-DPPH) fueron 52,95 y 202,855 (µg trolox/mg es) para los extractos crudo y etanólico, la capacidad antioxidante equivalente a trolox (TEAC-ABTS) fueron 49,796 y 182,773 (µg trolox/mg es) para los extractos crudo y etanólico. Conclusiones. El extracto crudo, así como el extracto etanólico del rizoma de la Curcuma longa L. exhiben capacidad antioxidante que guardan correlación con el contenido de compuestos fenólicos.

Objectives. To determine the physic-chemical parameters and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the crude and ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa L. Materials and methods. It was two vegetable extracts: crude and in 96% ethanol. It was determined Physic-chemical characteristics, presence of main groups of metabolites by phytochemical screening, associated with Biological activity. The content of total polyphenols was determined through the Folin-Ciocalteu test and the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro by the assay 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis- [3-ethylbenzothiazolin] -6-sulfonic] (ABTS). Results. The crude and ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa L., showed a relative density of 0,8144 and 1,0536 g/mL respectively. Regarding phytochemical screening, some metabolites were identified in both extracts, highlighting phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and heterosides. The content of total phenols was 252, 05 y 296,43 µg EAG/mg for the crude and ethanolic extracts. The antioxidant capacity with the DPPH method was IC50 64, 26 and 17,01 µg / mL and with the ABTS method IC50 57,67 y 15,12 µg/mL for the crude and ethanolic extracts. The antioxidant capacity equivalent to trolox (TEAC-DPPH) was 52,95 y 202,855 (µg trolox/mg es) for the crude and ethanolic extracts; and the antioxidant capacity equivalent to trolox (TEAC-ABTS) was 49,796 y 182,773 (µg trolox/mg es) for the crude and ethanolic extracts. Conclusions. The crude extract as well as the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa L. rhizome exhibit the antioxidant capacity that correlate with the content of phenolic compounds.

Claudin-3 and occludin content in the glands of colonic mucosa devoid from fecal stream submitted to topical intervention with oil extract of Curcuma longa

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the inflammatory intensity and measure the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream submit to intervention with curcumin. Methods: Thirty-six rats were submitted to a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula and divided into two groups according to sacrifice to be performed two or four weeks. Each group was divided into three subgroups according daily application of enemas containing saline, curcumin at 50 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day. Colitis was diagnosed by histological analysis. Claudin-3 and occludin were determined by immunohistochemistry. The tissue content of claudin-3 and occludin were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Mann-Whitney, Student t and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the results establishing the level of significance of 5% for both (p<0.05). Results: Curcumin at both concentrations reduces the inflammation and preserves the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin, which was related to the concentration used and to the time of the intervention. Conclusion: The application of enemas with curcumin reduces inflammation and preserves the tissue content of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin in the colonic mucosa devoid from the fecal stream.

Análisis fitoquímico, actividad antioxidante y hepatoprotectora del extracto acuoso liofilizado de Curcuma longa en lesiones hepáticas inducidas con tetraclorometano en ratas albinas / Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of liofilizated aqueous extract of Curcuma longa on albino rats liver injury induced by tetrachloromethane

Objetivos: Realizar un análisis fitoquímico y describir la actividad hepatoprotectora y antioxidante del extracto de rizomas de Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) en un modelo murino. Materiales y métodos: La actividad antioxidante in vitro del extracto acuoso liofilizado de rizoma de C. longa L. (Fam: Zingiberaceae) se evaluó con el método de DPPH, además, también se realizó el análisis fitoquímico de tres solventes de extracción (ExEt, ExDCM y ExH2O). El ensayo in vivo se realizó en ratas albinas cepa Holtzman. Se formaron cinco grupos de tratamiento: (control normal); (control-CCl4); (Control positivo); (C. longa 100 mg/kg) y (C. longa 200 mg/kg), que fueron inducidos con CCl4 para desarrollar daño hepático. Este modelo permitió medir el efecto protector de los extractos sobre los marcadores bioquímicos (AST, ALT y ALP) en sangre. Posteriormente, se realizó un examen histopatológico de las secciones hepáticas para apoyar la inducción de la hepatoxicidad y la eficacia hepatoprotectora. Resultados: El extracto mostró un poder reductor mucho menor que el ácido ascórbico, en el tamizaje fitoquímico se encontraron compuestos fenólicos, triterpenos, quinonas, cumarinas y flavonoides, además la cantidad de curcumina encontrada fue de 0,4%-0,6%. El extracto liofilizado de C.longa mostró un efecto protector significativo (P<0,05), disminuyendo la actividad enzimática de los marcadores hepatoespecíficos. Los niveles elevados de enzimas séricas AST, ALT y ALP, se hallaron restablecidas hacia la normalización, de manera dosis dependiente, con el máximo efecto protector a dosis de 200 mg/kg. Las observaciones histopatológicas soportan las evidencias bioquímicas de hepatoprotección. Estos efectos fueron comparables a la droga estándar, silimarina. Conclusiones: Los resultados presentados en este estudio revelan fuertemente el efecto protector del extracto liofilizado de C. longa, cultivada en la región Loreto, frente a daño hepático inducido por CCl4 en experimentación animal.

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

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

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

The effects of curcumin on sperm parameters and nitric oxide production in varicocelized rats / Efectos de la cúrcuma sobre los parámetros espermáticos y producción de óxido nítrico en ratas varicocelizadas

One of the proposed mechanism by which varicocele induces its damage is excessive release of nitric oxide (NO). Several studies have shown the role of NO in poor sperm quality in infertile patients with varicocele. Scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of curcumin on the sperm parameters. Curcumin as an atoxic antioxidant can reduce production of NO. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on NO levels and investigate if curcumin can improve sperm parameters in varicocelized male rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (V1 and V2 (varicocele), T (treatment), Sh (sham) and C was control). In groups V1, V2, T and Sh, the left renal vein was partially ligated to induce varicocele. In groups V1 and V2, sperm parameters and NO level were evaluated 8 and 16 weeks respectively after varicocele induction. Groups T and Sh received 100 mg/kg curcumin and placebo respectively, daily for 8 weeks after 2 months of induced varicocele. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology), epididymis and testis weight and also NO concentration were measured. Sperm parameters (count, motility and viability) in groups V1, V2 and Sh were significantly low in comparison with control and treatment groups. The level of NO was significantly increased in serum of rats in groups V1 and V2, whereas group T rat serum in which curcumin was administered, showed decreased NO levels. The values of the epididymis and testis weight had no significant changes (P 0.05) in all groups. Administration of curcumin as a free radical scavenger, can decrease NO level and improve sperm parameters in varicocelized male rats.

Uno de los mecanismos propuestos por el cual los varicoceles inducen daño es la excesiva liberación de óxido nítrico (ON). Varios estudios han demostrado el efecto del ON en la mala calidad del semen en pacientes infértiles con varicocele. Investigaciones han demostrado los efectos beneficiosos de la cúrcuma sobre los parámetros de esperma. La cúrcuma como un antioxidanteatóxico puede reducir la producción de ON. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la cúrcuma en el nivel de ON e investigar si la cúrcuma puede mejorar los parámetros del semen en ratas macho. Treinta ratas macho Wistar fueron divididas aleatoriamente en 5 grupos (V1y V2 (varicocele), T (tratamiento), Sh (simulado) y C (control)). En los grupos V1, V2, T y Sh, la vena renal izquierda fue parcialmente ligada para inducir varicocele. En los grupos de V1 y V2, los parámetros de semen y nivel de ON se evaluaron a las 8 y 16 semanas respectivamente, después de la inducción de varicocele. Los grupos T y Sh recibieron diariamente 100 mg/kg de cúrcuma y placebo durante 8 semanas, después de 2 meses de inducir el varicocele. Fueron medidos los parámetros del semen (recuento, motilidad, viabilidad y morfología espemática), peso del epidídimo y testículos, junto con la concentración del ON. El recuento, motilidad y viabilidad de los espermatozoides en los grupos V1, V2 y Sh fueron significativamente más bajos en comparación con los grupos C y T. El nivel de ON se incrementó significativamente en el suero de las ratas de los grupos V1 y V2, mientras que el suero del grupo T, en el que se administró cúrcuma, hubo una disminución de los niveles de ON. El peso del epidídimo y testículos tuvieron cambios significativos (P 0,05) en todos los grupos. La administración de cúrcuma como un eliminador de radicales libres, puede disminuir el nivel de ON y mejorar los parámetros espermáticos en ratas macho varicocelizadas.

Evaluation of phenolic profile, antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells

BACKGROUND: Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives ofZingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line. RESULTS: In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity forCurcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 μg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.

Antioxidant potential and oxidative DNA damage preventive activity of unexplored endemic species of Curcuma.

Free radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion chelating capacity, reducing power and genoprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extracts of four unexplored endemic Curcuma spp. (C. vamana, C. neilgherrensis, C. mutabilis, C. haritha) were found to be dose-dependent and were highest in C. vamana. DNA protection property of the extracts was evaluated against H2O2/UV-induced oxidative damage. DNA-methyl green displacement assay showed that these extracts were free of DNA intercalating compounds. Further, hemolysis assay also showed that the extracts were non-toxic to human erythrocytes. The results highlight C. vamana as a promising source for herbal preparations possessing high antioxidant potential and genoprotective activity.

Effects of the medicinal plants Curcuma zedoaria and Camellia sinensis on halitosis control

Volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are the gases mainly responsible for halitosis (bad breath). The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of medicinal plants on halitosis control. Two commonly used plants were tested: Curcuma zedoaria and Camellia sinensis (green tea). These plants were prepared as an aqueous solution and used as mouthwashes, compared with a standard mouthwash of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate and a placebo (water). The experiment was conducted with 30 volunteers from the School of Dentistry of São Jose dos Campos, Univ. Estadual Paulista - UNESP, SP, Brazil. Each volunteer tested the four mouthwashes. The Cysteine Challenge Method, modified for this study, was used for initial breath standardization. Four breath assessments were conducted after volunteers rinsed orally with acetylcysteine: one before the test mouthwash was used; the second, one minute after its use; a third 90 minutes later; and the last 180 minutes later. The results showed that chlorhexidine gluconate lowered VSC production immediately, and that this effect lasted up to 3 hours, while the tested plants had immediate inhibitory effects but no residual inhibitory effects on VSC. We concluded that Curcuma zedoaria and Camellia sinensis, prepared as infusions and used as mouthwashes, did not have a residual neutralizing effect on VSC.

Antioxidant activity of Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett., Curcuma domestica Valeton and Tagetes verticillata Lag. & Rodriguez / Actividad antioxidante de Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett., Curcuma domestica Valeton y Tagetes verticillata Lag. & Rodríguez

Because of the increasing interest in improving human health worldwide, phytochemical antioxidants from medicinal and food plants are of great interest. The search for new sources of antioxidants is important for the best use of biodiversity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic compounds with DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu assays for extracts and fractions of Blechnum chilense, Curcuma domestica and Tagetes verticillata. B. chilense water-methanolic and EtOAc fractions, follows of C. domestica EtOAc extract showed an important quantity of total phenolic compounds. Compared with Aristotelia chilensis MeOH extract, T. verticillata extract showed good activity, follows by EtOAc fraction from B. chilense and by EtOAc extract from C. domestica, with very similar results with n-hexane fraction from B. chilense and petroleum ether extract from C. domestica. All of these results were greater than alpha-tocopherol DPPH scavenging activity. The results suggest that all plants studied could be are new sources of antioxidants and the work are following with the identification of these compounds.

Debido al creciente interés mundial en el mejoramiento de la salud humana los antioxidantes provenientes de plantas medicinales y alimenticias se han convertido en compuestos de gran interés. La búsqueda de nuevas fuentes de antioxidantes es importante para el mejor uso de la biodiversidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antioxidante y el contenido de fenoles totales usando el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y la actividad inhibitoria del radical DPPH de fracciones y extractos de Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett, Curcuma domestica Valeton y Tagetes verticillata Lag. & Rodr. Las fracciones acuosa-metanólica y EtOAc de B. chilense, seguida del extracto EtOAc de C. domestica, mostraron una cantidad importante de compuestos fenólicos. La prueba con DPPH mostró que la actividad secuestrante más importante, comparada con la del extracto metanólico de Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz, fue la del extracto de T. verticillata, seguido de la fracción EtOAc de B. chilense y el extracto EtOAc de C. domestica, con resultados similares a la fracción hexánica de B. chilense y el extracto obtenido con éter de petróleo de C. domestica, superando todas la actividad secuestrante de DPPH del alfa-tocoferol. Los resultados sugieren que todas las plantas estudiadas podrían ser nuevas fuentes de antioxidantes y se está trabajando para la identificación de los compuestos responsables de la actividad.

Trans-isoferulic acid from Curcuma longa / Ácido trans-isoferulico en Curcuma Longa

Trans-isoferulic acid was isolated from the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of a methanol extract of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae). The structure of the isolated compound was elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data. This is the first report of its occurrence from this plant.

El ácido trans-isoferulico fue aislado de la fracción soluble en tetracloruro de carbono del extracto metanólico de los rizomas de Curcuma Longa (Zingeraceae). La estructura del compuesto aislado fue elucidada por análisis de los datos espectroscópicos. Este es el primer reporte de su presencia en esta planta.

Curcuminoid-phospholipid complex induces apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells by STAT-3 signaling

Curcumin (from the rhizome of Curcuma longa) is well documented for its medicinal properties in Indian and Chinese systems of medicine where it is widely used for the treatment of several diseases. Epidemiological observations are suggestive that curcumin consumption may reduce the risk of some form of cancers and provide other protective biological effects in humans. These biological properties have been attributed to curcuminoids that have been widely studied for their anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, wound healing and anti-cancer effects. In this study we have investigated on the effect of a curcumin phospholipid complex on mammary epithelial cell viability. HC11 and BME-UV cell lines, validated models to study biology of normal, not tumoral, mammary epithelial cells, were used to analyse these effects. We report that curcumin acts on STAT-3 signal pathway to reduce cell viability and increase apoptosis evaluated by the the amount of activated caspase 3. Further it reduces MAPK and AKT activations. JSI-124, a STAT-3 inhibitor (100 nM) was able to block the negative effect of curcumin on cell viability and caspase 3 activation. Finally the negative effect of cucumin on cell viability has been impaired in STAT-3i HC11, where STAT-3 protein was greatly reduced by shRNA-interference. These results indicate that curcumin presents a potential adverse effect to normal mammary epithelial cells and that it has a specific effect on signal trasduction in mammary epithelium.

Effect of Curcuma longa or parziquantel on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice liver--histological and histochemical study.

Effect of drug praziquantel (PZQ) and C. longa extract on S. mansoni infected mice is reported. The level of glycogen, alkaline and acid phosphatases (ALP and ACP respectively), and body weight, liver weight and liver weight/body weight ratio were studied in mice infected with S. mansoni. ALP level was increased after infection. C. longa treated mice showed marked reduction in ALP level more than after PZQ-treatment. C. longa enhanced the concentration of glycogen after being reduced by infection, while PZQ-treatment revealed more reduction. C. longa caused enhancement in body weight while PZQ treatment had no effect. The formation of granuloma around schistosome eggs in the liver produced inflammation. C. longa extract and PZQ were effective in reducing granuloma size in infected mice.

Antischistosomal and liver protective effects of Curcuma longa extract in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.

With a view to clarify the induction of the "Crabtree consequence" in liver cells of S. mansoni infected mice, the curative effect of oil extract of C. longa was tested and compared to praziquantel (PZQ) the effective drug against all schistosome species occurring in man. Protein, glucose, glucose-6-phopsphatase, AMP-deaminase, adensoine deaminase, urea concentration, pyravate kinase (PK), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and PK/PEPCK ratio were estimated. In addition, worm burden and ova count in mice infected with S. mansoni were elucidated. The result showed that C. longa normalized the concentration of protein, glucose, AMP-deaminase and adenosine deaminase, which were changed by infection. Moreover, it lowered pyruvate kinase level, while PZQ-treatment induced more elevation of this enzyme. PZQ was more effective in lowering worm burden while C. longa extract was more potent in reducing egg count.

Repellent activity of essential oils against cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattidae, Blattellidae, and Blaberidae) in Thailand.

Seven commercial essential oils extracted from the plant species Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Citrus hystrix DC., Curcuma longa L., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Piper nigrum L., Psidium guajava L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and naphthalene as a control, were evaluated for repellent activity against the three cockroach species Periplaneta americana (L.), Blattella germanica (L.) and Neostylopyga rhombifolia (Stoll) under laboratory conditions. The essential oil derived from Citrus hystrix showed the best repellency over other candidate essential oils and naphthalene. The essential oil of Citrus hystrix exhibited complete repellency (100%) against P. americana and B. germanica, and also showed the highest repellency (among the essential oils tested) of about 87.5% against N. rhombifolia under laboratory conditions. In the field, Citrus hystrix essential oil formulated as a 20% active ingredient in ethanol and some additives provided satisfactory repellency of up to 86% reduction in cockroaches, mostly P. americana and N. rhombifolia with a residual effect lasting a week after treatment. Citrus hystrix essential oil has good potential for being used as a cockroach repellent. Further improvements in efficacy and residual activity may be realized with appropriate formulations.

Inhibitory effect of cinnamoyl compounds against human malignant cell line.

In the present study, anti-proliferative effects of dietary polyphenolic compounds have been observed and demonstrated the strong anticancer efficacy of curcumin (CMN), an active constituent of dietary spice (turmeric) using human leukemia cancer cell line. CMN inhibited the proliferation of K562 leukemic cells by induction of apoptosis. The current study demonstrated synergy with combination of drug therapy, and suggested that combination of ferulic acid and cisplatin synergistically inhibited cellular proliferation. Cytotoxic synergy was observed independent of the sequence of addition of two drugs to cultured cells. The synergized growth inhibitory effect with cisplatin was probably associated with G2-M arrest in cell cycle progression. These findings suggested that among the cinnamoyl compounds, CMN was most potent and FER appeared to be a better modulating agent on human malignant cell line.