Metabolomic Approach to Identify the Potential Metabolites from Alpinia malaccensis for Treating SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The advent of the new coronavirus, leading to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, has presented a substantial worldwide health hazard since its inception in the latter part of 2019. The severity of the current pandemic is exacerbated by the occurrence of re-infection or co-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, comprehending the molecular process underlying the pathophysiology of sepsis and discerning possible molecular targets for therapeutic intervention holds significant importance. For the first time, 31 metabolites were tentatively identified by GC-MS analysis from Alpinia malaccensis. On the other hand, five phenolic compounds were identified and quantified from the plant in HPLC-DAD analysis, including (-) epicatechin, rutin hydrate, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Nine GC-MS and five HPLC-identified metabolites had shown interactions with 45 and 30 COVID-19-associated human proteins, respectively. Among the proteins, PARP1, FN1, PRKCA, EGFR, ALDH2, AKR1C3, AHR, and IKBKB have been found as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection. KEGG pathway analysis also showed a strong association of FN1, EGFR, and IKBKB genes with SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and cytokine overexpression due to viral infection. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis also showed that TP53, MMP9, FN1, EGFR, and NOS2 proteins are highly related to the genes involved in COVID-19 comorbidity. These proteins showed interaction with the plant phytoconstituents as well. As the study offers a robust network-based procedure for identifying biomolecules relevant to COVID-19 disease, A. malaccensis could be a good source of effective therapeutic agents against COVID-19 and related viral diseases.

Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which A. oxyphylla delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of A. oxyphylla in DN treatment.

Kaempferol from Alpinia officinarum hance induces G2/M cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum), a perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, has been used to treat various ailments, such as stomach pain, abdominal pain, emesis, and digestive system cancers. A. officinarum is extensively cultivated in the Qiongzhong and Baisha regions of Hainan, and it holds substantial therapeutic value for the local Li people of Hainan. Kaempferol, a flavonoid derived from A. officinarum, has demonstrated anticancer properties in various experimental and biological studies. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which it exerts its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects remain to be comprehensively delineated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This investigation aims to elucidate the anti-HCC effects of kaempferol derived from A. officinarum and to delve into its underlying mechanistic pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify active compounds in A. officinarum. HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells were used to study the anti-HCC effect of kaempferol from A. officinarum. The cytotoxicity and proliferation of kaempferol and A. officinarum were measured using CCK-8 and EDU staining. Wound-healing assays and three-dimensional tumor spheroid models were further used to evaluate migration and the anti-HCC activity of kaempferol. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of proteins and genes associated with the cell cycle checkpoints. Finally, bioinformatics was used to analyze the relationship between the differential expression of core targets in the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway and a poor prognosis in clinical HCC samples. RESULTS: UPLC-MS/MS was employed to detect five active compounds in A. officinarum, such as kaempferol. The CCK-8 and EDU assays showed that kaempferol and A. officinarum significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. A wound-healing assay revealed that kaempferol remarkably inhibited the migration of HCC cells. Kaempferol significantly suppressed the growth of tumor spheroids. In addition, kaempferol markedly induced G2/M arrest and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Mechanically, kaempferol significantly reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, CCNB1, MPS1, KNL1, and Bub1. Additionally, the combination of kaempferol and the ATM inhibitor KU55933 had a more significant anti-HCC effect. The results of bioinformatics showed that ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, and KNL1 were highly expressed in patients with HCC and cancer tissues, indicating that these genes have certain value in the clinical diagnosis of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results revealed that kaempferol from A. officinarum inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway in HCC cells. In summary, our research presents an innovative supplementary strategy for HCC treatment.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Pestalotioid Species on Alpinia oxyphylla in Hainan Province, China.

Alpinia oxyphylla is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a medicinal history of more than 1700 years. Ring leaf blight (RLB) disease, caused by pestalotioid species, is an important disease of A. oxyphylla, seriously affecting the yield and quality of its fruits. The causal agent of RLB disease has not been systematically identified or characterized yet. In this study, thirty-six pestalotioid strains were isolated from the leaves and stems of A. oxyphylla that was collected from six cities of Hainan province, China. Based on the multi-locus phylogeny (ITS, tef-1α and tub2) and morphological characteristic analyses, seventeen species belonging to three genera (Neopestalotiopsis, Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis) were identified, and six new species (N. baotingensis, N. oblatespora, N. olivaceous, N. oxyphylla, N. wuzhishanensis and N. yongxunensis) were described. Pathogenicity tests revealed that strains of Neopestalotiopsis species caused more severe ring leaf blight on A. oxyphylla than strains of Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis under wounded inoculation conditions.

Encapsulation of Alpinia leaf essential oil in nanophytosome-embedded gel as novel strategy to treat periodontal infections: evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness, pharmacokinetic, in vitro-ex vivo correlation and in silico studies.

AIM: The work reports a novel nanophytosomal gel encapsulating Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd leaf essential oil to treat periodontal infections. METHODS: Alpinia oil-loaded nanophytosomes (ANPs) were formulated by lipid layer hydration technique and were evaluated by FESEM, cryo-TEM, loading efficiency, zeta potential, particle size, release profile etc. Selected ANPs-loaded gel (ANPsG) was evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo methods. RESULTS: Selected ANPs were spherical, unilamellar, 49.32 ± 2.1 nm size, 0.45 PDI, -46.7 ± 0.8 mV zeta potential, 9.8 ± 0.5% (w/w) loading, 86.4 ± 3.02% (w/w) loading efficiency with sustained release profile. ANPsG showed good spreadability (6.8 ± 0.3 gm.cm/sec), extrudability (79.33 ± 1.5%), viscosity (36522 ± 0.82 cps), mucoadhesive strength (44.56 ± 3.5 gf) with sustained ex vivo release tendency. Satisfied ZOI and MIC was observed for ANPsG against periodontal bacteria vs. standard/control. ANPsG efficiently treated infection in ligature induced periodontitis model. Key pharmacokinetic parameters like AUC, MRT, Vd were enhanced for ANPsG. CONCLUSION: ANPsG may be investigated for futuristic clinical studies.

Monoterpene-chalcone conjugates and diarylheptanoids isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata with cytotoxic activity.

Five undescribed monoterpene-chalcone conjugates (1-5), one undescribed hypothetical precursor of diarylheptanoid (6), two undescribed diarylheptanoids (7-8), and fourteen known compounds (9-22) were isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai. Their structures were elucidated through the interpretation of HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, and X-ray diffraction data. MTT assays on human cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, SGC7901, and SW480) revealed that compounds 3-8, 11, and 13 exhibited broad-spectrum antiproliferative activities with IC50 values ranging from 3.59 to 21.78 µM. B cell lymphoma 2 was predicted as the target of sumadain C (11) by network pharmacology and verified by homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay and molecular docking.

Comparisons of pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of six major bioactive components of the herbal pair Alpinia officinarum-Cyperus rotundus in normal and primary dysmenorrhea rats.

The Liangfu formula, as described in 'Liangfang Jiye', is well-known for its efficacy in treating stomach pain, abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea. This research aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 5-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (DPHA), Galangin, Kaempferide, 5-Hydroxy-1,7-diphenyl-3-heptanone (DPHC), α-Cyperone, and Nootkatone in vivo using an LC-MS/MS method. The method successfully separated the six active components and internal standards (Chrysin and Yakuchinone-A) on an XB-C18 column with a mobile phase of 0.2 ‰ formic acid water-acetonitrile. It demonstrated good linearity with a correlation coefficient (r2) ≥ 0.9911 and a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 5-80 ng/mL for the different components. Precision, accuracy, matrix effects, and recovery rates were within acceptable ranges. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed significant differences in parameters between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and normal rats (especially AUC, Tmax, and CLz/F). Tissue distribution showed that the six active components of the herbal pair Alpinia officinarum Hance-Cyperus rotundus L. (HPAC) extract was primarily distributed in the liver, lung, and kidney. This study offers valuable insights into the potential mechanisms of action and drug development for treating PD.

Phytochemicals of Alpinia zerumbet: A Review.

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm is a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family widely distributed in the subtropical and tropical areas of South America, Oceania, and Asia. Multiple plant parts of A. zerumbet have been traditionally used as medicinal sources, each with different clinical uses. These variations may arise from differences among the chemical components and/or accumulations of the active compounds in each part. Therefore, this review summarizes previous studies on the phytochemicals in A. zerumbet and reveals the similarities and differences among the chemical constituents of its multiple medicinal parts, including the leaves, rhizomes, fruits, seeds, and flowers. The results contribute to the scientific validation of the traditional understanding that A. zerumbet possesses different medicinal properties in each plant part. In addition, this review provides directions for further studies on the phytochemicals of this plant.

Novel Sesquiterpenoids with Renoprotective Activities from the Fruits of Alpinae oxyphylla as Potent TGF-ß1/Smads Phosphorylation Inhibitors.

The fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq is an important food spice in southern China and has been used in the treatment of kidney disorders for centuries. In order to discover the natural products with potent renoprotective activities in A. oxyphylla and provide some references for its usage, systematic phytochemical studies were carried out and 24 new diverse sesquiterpenoids, including seven guaiane sesquiterpenoids (1-7), 10 eudesmane sesquiterpenoids (9-13, 18, 19, and 21-23), six cadinane sesquiterpenoids (31-35 and 38), and an eremophilane sesquiterpenoid (40), along with 24 known analogues were isolated and elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum-chemical calculations. Biological evaluation showed that 6 sesquiterpenoids could significantly inhibit the expression of extracellular matrix components, α-SMA in TGF-ß1 induced kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52e) at low concentrations, and 9 sesquiterpenoids could also downregulate fibronectin and collagen I in a concentration-dependent manner, showing their potential in renal fibrosis. Further action mechanism study displayed that TGF-ß1/Smads pathway might be involved in the antifibrotic effects of active sesquiterpenoids 15 and 43. These studies suggest that A. oxyphylla may have a potential to serve as a functional food in preventing renal fibrosis-associated diseases.

Potential antioxidant, α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of major constituents isolated from Alpinia officinarum hance rhizomes: computational studies and in vitro validation.

Alpinia officinarum is a commonly used spice with proven folk uses in various traditional medicines. In the current study, six compounds were isolated from its rhizomes, compounds 1-3 were identified as diarylheptanoids, while 4-6 were identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The isolated compounds were subjected to virtual screening against α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes to evaluate their potential antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer's activities. Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that 3 exhibited a strong binding affinity to human a α- glucosidase crystal structure compared to acarbose. Furthermore, 2 and 5 demonstrated high potency against AChE. The virtual screening results were further supported by in vitro assays, which assessed the compounds' effects on α-glucosidase, cholinesterases, and their antioxidant activities. 5-Hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylheptan-3-one (2) showed potent antioxidant effect in both ABTs and ORAC assays, while p-hydroxy cinnamic acid (6) was the most potent in the ORAC assay. In contrary, kaempferide (4) and galangin (5) showed the most potent effect in metal chelation assay. 5-Hydroxy-1,7-diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-one (3) and 6 revealed the most potent effect as α-glucosidase inhibitors where compound 3 showed more potent effect compared to acarbose. Galangin (5) revealed a higher selectivity to BChE, while 2 showed the most potent activity to (AChE).

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.

Terpenoids from Alpinia galanga and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

A new labdane diterpene (1), two new norsesquiterpenoids (2-3), as well as eight known terpenoids (4-11) were isolated from the seeds of Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR, MS, and comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of all the isolated compounds (1-11) were evaluated and the result showed that compounds 6 and 9 had inhibitory activity against AChE, with IC50 values at 295.70 and 183.91 µM, whereas other compounds did not show any inhibitory activity.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation of an Acidic Polysaccharide from Alpinia officinarum Hance.

AHP-3a, a triple-helix acidic polysaccharide isolated from Alpinia officinarum Hance, was evaluated for its anticancer and antioxidant activities. The physicochemical properties and structure of AHP-3a were investigated through gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The weight-average molecular weight of AHP-3a was 484 kDa, with the molar percentages of GalA, Gal, Ara, Xyl, Rha, Glc, GlcA, and Fuc being 35.4%, 21.4%, 16.9%, 11.8%, 8.9%, 3.1%, 2.0%, and 0.5%, respectively. Based on the results of the monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy, the main chain of AHP-3a was presumed to consist of (1→4)-α-D-GalpA and (1→2)-α-L-Rhap residues, which is a pectic polysaccharide with homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) structural domains containing side chains. In addition, the results of the antioxidant activity assay revealed that the ability of AHP-3a to scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and OH free radicals increased with an increase in its concentration. Moreover, according to the results from the EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays, AHP-3a can control the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells without causing any damage to healthy cells. Thus, AHP-3a may be a natural antioxidant and anticancer component.

Diarylheptanoids with neuroprotective effects from Alpinia officinarum rhizomes.

Forty-three diarylheptanoids were isolated from Alpinia officinarum rhizomes among them eight ones (1-6) were undescribed compounds whose structures were identified by UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR. The neuroprotective effects of these diarylheptanoids were evaluated on H2O2-damaged SH-SY5Y cells. Compounds 7, 10, 12, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33, 35, 37, and 42 presented significant neuroprotective effects than that of the positive control (EGCG) at the concentrations of 5, 10 or 20 µM. Compounds 10, 22, 25, and 33 significantly reduced the ROS levels and inhibited the generations of MDA and NO in oxidative injured cells to display neuroprotective effects. This study lay the foundation for the application of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes.

Harnessing nature's potential: Alpinia galanga methanolic extract mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle, characterization and evaluation of anti-neoplastic activity.

With the advent of nanotechnology, the treatment of cancer is changing from a conventional to a nanoparticle-based approach. Thus, developing nanoparticles to treat cancer is an area of immense importance. We prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga rhizome and characterized them by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Zetasizer, and Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM). UV-Vis spectrophotometry absorption spectrum showed surface plasmon between 400 and 480 nm. FTIR spectrum analysis implies that various phytochemicals/secondary metabolites are involved in the reduction, caping, and stabilization of AgNPs. The Zetasier result suggests that the particles formed are small in size with a low polydispersity index (PDI), suggesting a narrow range of particle distribution. The TEM image suggests that the particles formed are mostly of spherical morphology with nearly 20-25 nm. Further, the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) image showed five electron diffraction rings, suggesting the polycrystalline nature of the particles. The nanoparticles showed high anticancer efficacy against cervical cancer (SiHa) cell lines. The nanostructures showed dose-dependent inhibition with 40% killing observed at 6.25 µg/mL dose. The study showed an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to the synthesis of AgNPs and provided insight into the development of antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Sesquiterpenes and α-pyrones from an endophytic fungus Xylaria curta YSJ-5.

Chemical investigation of the culture extract of an endophyte Xylaria curta YSJ-5 from Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith resulted in the isolation of eight previously undescribed compounds including five eremophilane sesquiterpenes xylarcurenes A-E, one norsesquiterpene xylarcurene F, and two α-pyrone derivatives xylarpyrones A-B together with eight known related derivatives. Their chemical structures were extensively established based on the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher's method, electronic circular dichroism calculations, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and the comparison with previous literature data. All these compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. As a result, 6-pentyl-4-methoxy-pyran-2-one was disclosed to display significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with minimal inhibitory concentration value of 6.3 µg/mL.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Alpinia menghaiensis S Q Tong & Y M Xia in S Q Tong from Vietnam / Composición química y actividad antimicrobiana de aceite escencial de Alpinia menghaiensis S Q Tong y Y M Xia en S Q Tong de Vietnam

The chemical constituents and antimic robial activity of the essential oil isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia menghaiensis S.Q. Tong & Y.M. Xia in S.Q. Tong from Vietnam was studied and reported. The techniques of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to characterize the chemical constituents of the essential oil while the microdilution assay was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. The main compounds identified in the rhizome essential oil consist of ß - pinene (46.5%), ß - phellandrene (25.7%) and α - pinene (8.5%). The studied essential oil inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value of 15.32 µg/mL ± 0. 01, and median inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 32.0 ± 0.01 µg/mL. The essential oil also displayed activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 (MIC 31.57 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 (MIC, 34.21 µg/mL ± 0.01 µg/mL), and IC 50 va lue of 64.0 ± 0.01 µg/mL. This is the first report on the rhizome oil composition, as well as the antimicrobial of essential oils from A. menghaiensis . The paper discusses further the comparative analysis of essential oils from A. menghaiensis .

Se investigaron los componentes químicos y la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite escencial aislado de los rizomas de Alpinia menghaiensis S.Q. Ton g & Y. M. Xia en S.Q. Tong de Vietnam. Se usaron las técnicas de cromatografía de gases (GC) y cromatografía de gases con espectrometría de masas (GC/MS) para caracterizar los componentes químicos del aceite escencial, mientras que se utilizó un ensayo de microdilución para evaluar la actividad antimicrobial. Se identificaron los componentes principales en el aceite escencial del rizoma, compuesto de ß - pineno (46.5%), ß - fellandreno (25.7%) y α - pineno (8.5%). El aceite escencial estudiado inhibió el crecimie nto de Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 con concentraciones de actividad mínima inhibitoria (MIC) de 15.32 µg/mL ± 0.01, y una m ediana de concentración inhibitoria (IC 50 ) de 32.0 ± 0.01 µg/mL. El aceite escencial también mostró actividad contra Staphylococ cus aureus ATCC25923 (MIC 31.57 ± 0.01 µg/mL) y Bacillus cereus ATCC14579 (MIC, 34.21 µg/mL ± 0.01 µg/mL), y valor IC 50 de 64.0 ± 0.01 µg/mL. Este es el primer reporte sobre la composición del aceite de rizoma, así como de las propiedades antimicrobianas d e los aceites escenciales de A. menghaiensis . El artículo discute el análisis comparativo de los aceites escenciales de A. menghaiensis .

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction, Structural Characteristics, and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Alpinia officinarum Hance.

Alpinia officinarum Hance, a well known agricultural product in the Lei Zhou peninsula, is generally rich in polysaccharides. In order to enhance the use of A. officinarum Hance polysaccharides (AOP) in functional food, AOP was extracted using an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, and the ultrasonic extraction parameters of AOP was optimized. Furthermore, this study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of AOPs. In addition, the structural properties were preliminarily determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high performance size exclusion chromatography, and a Zetasizer. Ultimately, this study explored the mechanism underlying the antioxidant activities of AOP. The results showed that the optimal ultrasonic-assisted extraction parameters were as follows: ultrasonic time, 6 min; ratio of water to material, 12 mL/g; and ultrasonic power, 380 W. Under these conditions, the maximum yield of AOPs was 5.72%, indicating that ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology is suitable for extracting AOPs due to the reduced time and water usage. Additionally, AOPs were purified using graded alcohol precipitation, resulting in three fractions (AOP30, AOP50, and AOP70). AOP30 had the lowest molecular weight of 11.07 kDa and mainly consisted of glucose (89.88%). The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of AOP30 and AOP70 was lower than that of AOP50 in the ability to scavenge the ABTS radical, while a reverse trend was observed in reducing ferric ions. Notably, the antioxidant activities of AOPs were highly correlated with their polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) and Zeta potential. AOP30, a negatively charged acidic polysaccharide fraction, exhibited electron donating capacities. Additionally, it displayed strong antioxidant abilities through scavenging 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals and reducing ferric ions. In conclusion, the present study suggests that AOP30 could be developed as an antioxidant ingredient for the food industry.

Identification of volatile compounds and their bioactivities from unpolar fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. and mining key genes of nootkatone biosynthesis.

In this study, analysis of the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the unpolar fractions [petroleum ether (PE) and chloroform (C)] of fruits and leaves of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. were carried out, as well as the bioactivities of the main compounds nootkatone and valencene. From PE and C fractions of the fruits, and PE fraction of the leaves, 95.80%, 59.30%, and 82.11% of the chemical constituents respectively were identified by GC-MS. Among these identified compounds, nootkatone was the main compound in all of three fractions, while valencene was the second main compound in the PE fractions of the fruits and leaves. The bioactivities results showed that all of the fractions and the major compound nootkatone showed tyrosinase inhibitory, as well as inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. While valencene only presented inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The critical genes involved in nootkatone biosynthesis in A. oxyphylla were identified from the public transcriptome datasets, and protein sequences were preliminarily analyzed. Our studies develop the usage of the unpolar fractions of A. oxyphylla, especially its leaves as the waste during its production, and meanwhile provide the gene resources for nootkatone biosynthesis.

Ternary composite degradable plastics based on Alpinia galanga essential oil Pickering emulsion templates: A potential multifunctional active packaging.

To reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics and explore multifunctional plastics, this study was conducted to prepare ternary composite plastics by doping Pickering emulsions containing Alpinia galanga essential oil into a polymer network consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol)-acetylated pullulan polysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that although incompatible components were present in the composite plastic, compatibility improved with the addition of pullulan polysaccharides, resulting in smooth surfaces and cross-sections, which was consistent with the observation of continuous dark zones and low relative roughness (Ra = 5.51) in Atomic force microscopy. Further, Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization revealed that the composite plastic disrupted the molecular and crystalline structures of the pure PVA, causing the stretching vibration of -OH and the decrease of relative crystallinity. Moreover, this plastic performed optimally at a PVA to pullulan polysaccharide ratio of 75:25, exhibiting good thermal (13.12 J/g) and mechanical properties, low water absorption (70.71 %) and water vapor transmission (1.80 × 10-3 g/m2 s), as well as excellent degradability. In addition, Alpinia galanga essential oil components in the composite plastic provided favorable antioxidant scavenging of DPPH and ABTS and inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Chicken meat packaging revealed that the plastic maintained sensory parameters such as pH and color by inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and lipids during shelf-life. The findings provide insights into developing innovative, green, multifunctional packaging and broaden the in-depth application of Alpinia galanga essential oil.