Medicinal potential and health benefits of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior)

Aims: The main objective of this study is to quantify the genetic variability and relationship among the quantitative traits of the torch ginger germplasm collected across Peninsular Malaysia.
 Study design: Initially, the experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) but there were unequal number of replications due to limited planting materials.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Research Station, Jerangau, Terengganu, Malaysia on latitude 04°57.704’N and longitude 103°11.007’E. Data on agro-morphological characterization were collected for three years from June 2010 until May 2013.
 Methodology: A total of 57 torch ginger accessions were collected from various wild/ cultivated sources from seven states of Peninsular Malaysia namely Terengganu (19), Perak (15), Kedah (7), Johor (6), Pahang (5), Kelantan (3) and Melaka (2). The collection was planted in 2009 and maintained as living collection. At three months old torch ginger plantlets were transplanted into 20 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm holes spaced at 100 cm diameter of culvert. The spacing of culvert between rows and within rows were 2 m respectively. Initially, the experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) but there were unequal number of replications due to limited planting materials. Data on agro-morphological characterization were collected for three years from June 2010 until May 2013. All the 57 accessions were characterized according to descriptors list of genera under Zingiberaceae family with some modifications. A total of 6 qualitative and 16 quantitative descriptors were used. The mean values of each quantitative trait data were computed and subjected to statistical analysis to assess the amount of genetic variation using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA was using PROC GLM of SAS 9.4 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Genotypic coefficients of variation and error variance were estimated using PROC VARCOMP method Type I of SAS 9.4 software. Phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance were calculated. Pearson correlation coefficient was determined using SAS 9.4 for comparing the relationship among the different traits. The morphological traits were analyzed by numerical taxonomic methods via cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which was done using NTSYS-PC Version 2.1. PCA based on 16 quantitative and six qualitative traits was performed to determine the genetic variation in the torch ginger accessions. The cluster and PCA were performed to reveal clustering and grouping pattern of torch ginger accessions. Euclidean distance coefficients were estimated for all pairs of accessions, which was then used to present cluster analysis.
 Results: Analysis of variance indicated that highly significant variation exists among the 57 accessions for most of the traits. The 57 accessions of torch ginger showed high variability for both qualitative and quantitative traits. Among the quantitative traits, the highest CV was observed from number of spikes with the value of 44.25%. The genetic coefficient of variation for 16 morphological traits ranged from 9.76 to 45.86%. Broad sense heritability estimates varied from low to high. Maximum estimates of broad sense heritability were recorded in bract length (80.16%), bud peduncle length (78.74%), number of leaves (75.66%), number of stems per clump (67.99%), inflorescence peduncle length (67.60%) and bud width (65.11%). The genetic advance (GA) in percent of mean was recorded from 11.82 to 67.97%. Besides that, positive correlation coefficient was obtained between some traits. Generally, the genotypes groups were related with morphological characteristics among the accessions.
 Conclusion: Considering the distribution pattern, vegetative and yield performance of accessions, it is suggested that accessions from cluster VII (KAN022, KAN047 and KAN048) should be selected for future breeding program. These accessions possessed the highest peduncle length that could influence the yield in terms of bud size. Furthermore, the classification and divergence between torch ginger accessions analyzed in this study may assist in conserving plant materials both in-situ and ex-situ.

Torch ginger ( Etlingera elatior ), a herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae, is commonly cultivated in the tropical climate of southern Thailand. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges from anthracnose, a destructive disease caused by the Colletotrichum genus. This study aimed to identify and characterise Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose on torch ginger. Field surveys were conducted in a major torch ginger‐growing area in Phatthalung Province, southern Thailand, and symptomatic flower samples were collected for pathogen isolation and identification. Fungal isolates were subjected to pathogenicity tests, revealing that five isolates—EeR01.1, EeR01.2, EeR02.1, EeR02.2 and EeW01—caused symptoms similar to those observed in natural infections. The fungi were re‐isolated, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Colletotrichum . Morphological characteristics, coupled with DNA sequences of actin ( act ), calmodulin ( cal ), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase ( gapdh ), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β‐tubulin2 ( tub2 ) regions identified five isolates as Colletotrichum atlanticum . Based on the results of this study, this is the first report of torch ginger as a new host of C. atlanticum in Thailand. This research highlights the precise diagnosis of pathogens and the necessity to find effective disease management strategies to control anthracnose on torch ginger production in southern Thailand.

Etlingera elatior is tropical ornamental plant commonly called “torch ginger” from Zingiberaceae family. Conventional breeding of E. elatior is limited by cross incompatibility, poor fruit set and low seed production. In this study irradiation of E. elatior with Gamma ray performed to induce mutation. This study was aimed to increase morphological diversity and to obtain unique morphological characters to increase the aesthetic value of E. elatior as ornamental plants and cut flower. Two genotypes of E. elatior, red and white flowers, were tested. The LD20, LD35, and LD50 were determined following intermittent (split dose) Gamma irradiation with a two-hour gap between each gamma ray shot. Red genotype E. elatior explants were irradiated with dose of 3 + 3 Gy (LD20); 4 + 4 Gy (LD35) and 5 + 5 Gy (LD50); white genotype were irradiated with a dose of 2 + 2 Gy (LD20); 2.8 + 2.8 Gy (LD35) and 3.7 + 3.7 Gy (LD50). Non-irradiated explants were set as control. The results of this study indicated that the increase in dose of gamma ray irradiation changed shoot length and number of leaves in the red genotype per explant as compared to control. Morphological changes occurred in leaf shape at 5 + 5 Gy and 3.7 + 3.7 Gy and formation of variegated leaves at 2.8 + 2.8 Gy and 5 + 5 Gy. Keywords: mutation breeding, ornamental plant, split irradiation dose, torch ginger, Zingiberaceae

Ethanol extract of torch ginger’s flower (Etlingera elatior) is rich in active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, steroids. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that serve as antioxidants and antibacterials. This study aims to find the antibacterial activity of solid soap with torch ginger’s flower extract against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This study includes the preparation of simplicia, extracts, moisture content, total ash levels, insoluble acid ash levels, water soluble extract levels. The first evaluation includes organoleptic test, pH, irritation, and stability. The formulation of the tested soap preparations was 5%, 7.5%, 10%. The data analysis was performed with ANOVA. The results of this study revealed that its ethanolic extract had a moderate category of bacterial resistance against S.aureus where in FI (5%) has a clear zone with 7 mm in diameter, FII (7.5%) 8.3 mm and FIII (10%) 10.4 mm.Furthermore,for P.aeruginosa, it has a moderate clear zone with diameter in FI (5%) is 8.86 mm, FII (7.5%) is 9.73 mm, and FIII is 10.6 mm. Torch ginger’s flower ethanolic extract had anantibacterial activity against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa with the widestclear zone is in the FIII (10%, v/v) in the number of 10.4 mm against S.aureus and 10.6 mm against P.aeruginosa with moderate resistance category.

Abstract. Lutfia A, Munir E, Yurnaliza. 2020. Molecular identification of endophytic fungi from torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) antagonist to phytopathogenic fungi. Biodiversitas 21: 2681-2689. Medicinal plants are valuable sources in exploration of endophytic microorganisms. The utilization of culturable endophytes, particularly endophytic fungi in pharmacological aspects has been reported in many literature. Zingiberaceae, being known as one of medicinal plant families, is commonly used in tropical countries, e.g Indonesia to treat health disorders and ailments. However, little information has been reported upon their associative endophytic fungi that may be used as biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic fungi. Efforts to elaborate on the symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and host to explain the antifungal ability from endophytes are presented in this study. Six fungal morphotypes were recovered from the rhizome fragment of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior (Jack) RM Smith) sampled from Sibayak forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia. All isolates displayed potential antifungal activities against Fusarium oxysporum, Ganoderma boninense, and Rigidoporus lignosus as representative phytopathogens in a dual culture plate assay. All fungal morphotypes were identified based on their 18S rDNA-ITS regions. Molecular identification revealed that most isolates were related to Trichoderma spp. while one isolate was identified as Pestaliotopsis sp. The endophytic assemblage of mostly Trichoderma strains in our study may reveal a mutual relationship of these soil fungi as root colonizer displaying biocontrol properties against phytopathogenic fungi to host.

Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) contains secondary metabolites that have antibacterial potential. The production of torch ginger extract in Indonesia is still limited. However, market demand increase because pharmaceutical industry is starting to use the torch ginger extract. Furthermore, the growing utilization of torch ginger will enhance the economy of torch ginger farmers. This study aims to compare the extraction efficiency of maceration and soxhletation methods in obtaining bioactive compounds from torch ginger using ethanol, methanol and n-hexane as solvents. The results showed that in the maceration method, ethanol solvent produced the highest yield of 15%, methanol 7% and n-hexane 3%. In soxhletation method, ethanol and methanol solvents produced yields of 15% and 13% respectively, higher than n-hexane only 1%. Overall, soxhletation method with ethanol solvent was the best condition for torch ginger extraction. GC-MS characterization showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as 2-Chloropropionic acid, Boric acid trimethyl ester, Silane dimethoxymethyl and Octadecanoic acid methyl ester which contribute to the antibacterial activity in torch ginger essential oil.

The torch ginger plant (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is frequently called kecombrang in Java. This plant has been used as a traditional medicine and food flavor enhancer but is limited as a cosmetic ingredient. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are examples of secondary metabolites found in this plant. Most flavonoid compounds show sunscreen activity due to the chromophore groups (conjugated single double bonds) capable of absorbing UV A and UV B radiation. According to BPOM Decree No. 17/2022, only listed ingredients in Annex 4 are considered as UV filters but natural herbal compounds with antioxidant properties are applied as sunscreens. This study focused on the in vitro assessment of antioxidant and photoprotective activity from E. elatior leaf extract. First, extracting a 70% ethanol extraction of torch ginger leaves, then evaluated the extract’s quality, its antioxidant activity via the DPPH assay, and its in-vitro photoprotective activity using a UV spectrophotometer. The results showed that the extract from E. elatior leaves possesses remarkably strong antioxidant properties, as shown by its IC50 value of 47.46 μg/mL, and the extract at concentration of 1000 μg/mL provided photoprotection activity calculated as an SPF of 24.05 (ultra protection), erythema transmission value of 1.18% (extra protection) and pigmentation transmission value of 3.49% (total block). It can be concluded that torch ginger leaf extract has high potential as a cosmetic natural ingredient because of very strong antioxidant activity and photoprotective ultra protection.

Etlingera elatior or torch ginger is a species under the Zingiberaceae family, primarily distributed in tropical forests and humid, shady places. It is a coarse herb often growing in large colonies, characterized by elongated leafy stems up to 5 m height arising from underground rhizomes. It is known as kantan in Malaysia and kecombrang in Indonesia. The inflorescence is famous as an ingredient in Malay, Indonesian and Thai dishes. The extract from its stem is used to reduce swelling, and post-partum women use the leaves while the fruits are used to treat earache, diarrhea, coughs, and mouth sores. Because it has a beautiful appearance, it is also widely marketed as a promising floriculture and horticulture plant. Recently, the rising demand from customers for the versatility and durability of cut flowers has made farmers and the horticulture industry search for new cultivars. Thus, researchers are keen to generate cultivars with various colors, shapes, yields, and longer vase life. This could be done through different techniques such as intensive germplasm collection, hybridization programs, and plant biotechnology techniques. Towards achieving these aims, this review provides current insight on E. elatior from botanical, physiological growth, breeding, taxonomy, ecology, commercial potential, postharvest, medicinal, and food nutritional aspects.

This experiment study aimed to identify the continuous genetic variation caused by benzyladenine (BA) treatment in strawberry tissue culture. The ‘Goha’ cultivar was used and treated with different concentrations of BA (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg･L-1). Morphological and genetic variation tests were performed, and genetic continuity tests were performed for three years. The morphological variation induced by BA was distinctively high (10.5 ~ 20.0%) and the genetic variation was 7.0 ~ 15.0%, 1.8 ~ 10.0%, and 5.0% in the first, second, and third year of cultivation, respectively. The rate of genetic variation decreased with increasing cultivation years. In addition, genetic variation caused by BA 1.0 mg･L-1 and BA 2.0 mg･L-1 occurred in the first and second years of cultivation, whereas only BA 2.0 mg･L-1 caused genetic variation in the third year of cultivation. Therefore, a concentration of less than 1.0 mg･L-1 BA was used for the propagation of strawberry tissue culture plants, and it was necessary to identify their variation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate chloroplast pigments and photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu as a function of irrigation water salinity and potassium-phosphorus fertilization combinations in the second year of cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment in Campina Grande, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water ECw (0.6, 1.4, 2.2, 3.0 and 3.8 dS m-1) and four combinations of potassium-phosphorus fertilization (100/100, 85/85, 60/60 and 45/45% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation for the second year of cultivation 200 g of K2O and 120 g of P2O5 per plant per year) with three replicates. Irrigation with saline waters hampered the biosynthesis of chloroplast pigments and the photochemical efficiency of West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu in the second year of cultivation. Water salinity from 2.6 dS m-1 reduced the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II of West Indian cherry plants cv. BRS 366 Jaburu. Fertilization with 60/60 and 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promotes an increase in the synthesis of chlorophylls a and b, respectively, in the first and second production cycles of the second year of cultivation. Supply of 85/85% of the K2O/P2O5 recommendation promoted an increase in maximum and variable fluorescence in plants subjected to water salinities of 0.6, 2.2, and 3.8 dS m-1 in the second cycle and reduced the initial fluorescence, regardless of the salinity level in the first and second production cycles of West Indian cherry.

Fifty-seven accessions of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) collected from seven states in Peninsular Malaysia were evaluated for their molecular characteristics using ISSR and SSR markers to assess the pattern of genetic diversity and association among the characteristics. Diversity study through molecular characterization showed that high variability existed among the 57 torch ginger accessions. ISSR and SSR molecular markers revealed the presence of high genetic variability among the torch ginger accessions. The combination of different molecular markers offered reliable and convincing information about the genetic diversity of torch ginger germplasm. This study found that SSR marker was more informative compared to ISSR marker in determination of gene diversity, polymorphic information content (PIC), and heterozygosity in this population. SSR also revealed high ability in evaluating diversity levels, genetic structure, and relationships of torch ginger due to their codominance and rich allelic diversity. High level of genetic diversity discovered by SSR markers showed the effectiveness of this marker to detect the polymorphism in this germplasm collection.

Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) young inflorescences have been widely used in local cuisines and traditional medicine in South-East Asia. Due to the traditional use of the flowers in various Malaysian dishes, their antioxidant activity should be studied. Furthermore, it is also important to determine the crop performance for high quality flower production. Fifteen selected torch ginger accessions from MARDI germplasm collection were grown in two locations namely Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan and Jerangau, Terengganu. The aim was to estimate the genotype by environment interaction and the stability of yield performance and antioxidant activity of the accessions across two locations. Genotype plus Genotype by Environment interaction (GGE) biplot were used to determine the multivariate stability of GE interaction. The adopted technique provides a good reference for the identification of the torch ginger accession suitable for production under different ecological environments. Interactions of genotype and location effects are significant for all the traits including yield and antioxidant activity, and these may contribute towards improvement in breeding for high antioxidant production.

The torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) is a herbaceous plant the flower of which is commonly used in feed to improve the quality of meat. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of giving commercial feed non-carcass portions of local ducks. The study was conducted at the Poultry Farm of Department of Animal Husbandry Djuanda University, Bogor, from June to August 2016. Twenty four 2-week-old male local ducks were used. Completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates was used. The treatments consisted of 100% of commercial ration (R0), commercial ration + 2.5% of TGE solution (R1), commercial ration + 5% of TGE solution (R2), and commercial ration + 7.5% of TGE solution (R3). The feeding trial lasted 6 weeks after which the ducks were slaughtered and carcass weight, dressing percentages and carcass parts were measured. The percentage of non-carcass parts including head, neck, shank, liver, heart, gizzard, feathers, blood and intestines were also measured. No significant effect of treatments (P > 0.05) on all parameters measured were found. It was concluded that the inclusion of TGE solution in commercial ration up to 7.5% did not significantly affect the live weight, weight and percentages of non-carcass parts including blood, feathers, head, neck, shank, liver, gizzard, heart, and intestines.

Background: Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) is an edible flower whose inflorescence is utlized for culinary purposes to enchance the taste of traditional dishes containing polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. However, investigation on the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of torch ginger inflorescence extract following simulated gastrointesinal digestion is still limited. Objective: This study aims to determine the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the inflorescence extract after in vitro simulated digestion. Methods: Torch ginger inflorescence (TGI) was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction with different solvents (water,50%, and 80% aqueous ethanol). Total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were determined by ORAC, DPPH, FRAP, and metal ion (Fe2+) chelating activity. The solvent extraction that gave the highest value of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities was used for an in vitro digestion and identification of phytochemicals profile by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacities of digested TGI extract were compared to those of undigested extract. Results: TGI contained 90.24% moisture. The 80% aqueous ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, with an ORAC value of 1,156.61 ± 11.55 mM TE/g extract, DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 1,087.68 ± 14.37 mM TE/g extract, FRAP value of 799.30 ± 1.45 mM TE/g extract, and Fe2+ chelating capacity of 42.32 ± 3.48% /mg extract. The 39 phytochemicals were identified for 9 flavonoids and 5 phenolic acids. The putative bioactive compounds for antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticholesterol were detected in TGIE, such as catechin, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, astragalin, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, and procyanidin B2. After passing through an in vitro simulated mouth, gastric, and intestinal digestion, the TGI extract exhibited higher values of TPC, TFC, and antioxidative capacities than the undigested extract. Conclusion: This study reviewed the phytochemical components presented in the 80% aqueous ethanol TGIE. The expressed antioxidant capacity was increased when the TGIE passed through the in vitro simulated digestion, which could potentially represent a promising source of endogenous antioxidants in food and nutraceutical applications. Keywords: Antioxidant, edible flower, gastrointestinal digestion, phytochemicals, Torch ginger inflorescence

Compared to chickens, ducks still have low productivity and other limitations. One of the causes of these problems might be attributed to the off-odor found in duck meat. Therefore, production performance and meat quality of ducks need to be improved. The inclusion of extracts of betel (Piper betle Linn) leaves and torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) flowers wereas done to improve production performance and meat quality of local ducks. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of the inclusion of betel leaves and torch ginger flowers in the basal rations on production performance and meat quality of local ducks in the growing phase. A completely randomized factorial design in 4 x 4 with three replicates was used. The first factor consisted of four levels of torch ginger flower solution, namely 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%. The second factor consisted of four levels of betel leaf solution, namely 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%. Results showed that no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, mortality rate and meat quality (pH, water holding capacity, tenderness and cooking loss). It was concluded that the inclusion of extract of betel leaves and torch ginger flowers did not improve production performance and meat quality of male local ducks.