Amomum Tsao-ko Research Articles

2,8-Decadiene-1,10-Diol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses Through Inactivation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway.

Amomum tsao-ko (A. tsao-ko) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious and digestive disorders. In the present study, we report the anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanism of 2,8-decadiene-1,10-diol (DDO) isolated from the extract of A. tsao-ko in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DDO treatment inhibited the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, respectively. Moreover, DDO suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These inhibitory effects of DDO on the expression of inflammatory proteins were found to be mediated through the inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase and p38(MAPK), and inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways including degradation of inhibitor of κB-α and nuclear localization of NF-κB. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the pharmacological roles and molecular mechanisms of DDO in regulating inflammatory responses, and suggest further evaluation and development of DDO as a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Amotsaokonal A–C, benzaldehyde and cycloterpenal from Amomum tsao-ko

One new benzaldehyde (1) and two new cycloterpenals (2 and 3) along with five known compounds (4–8) have been isolated from the fruits of Amomum tsao-ko. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESI-MS spectrometry. All isolates were tested for their inhibitory activities on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells. Among the isolates, compounds 2 and 4 found to inhibit nitric oxide production with the IC50 values of 94.8 and 61.2μM.

Anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm activity of Amomum tsaoko (Amommum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemarie) on foodborne pathogens.

Cell-to-cell communication or quorum sensing (QS) leads to biofilm formation and causing other virulence factors which are extreme problems for food safety, biofilm related infectious diseases etc. This study evaluated the anti-QS activity of the Amomum tsaoko extract (0.5–4 mg/ml) by using Chromobacterium violaceum a biosensor strain and biofilm formation by crystal violate assay. Experimental results demonstrated that the overall yield of Amomum tsao-ko extract was 11.33 ± 0.3% (w/w). MIC for Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative) was 1, 2 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. A concentration of 4 mg/ml extract showed highest biofilm inhibition 51.96% on S. Typhimurium when 47.06%, 45.28% were shown by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa respectively. The damage of biofilm architecture was observed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). A level of 44.59% inhibition of violacein production was demonstrated when the dose was 4 mg/ml. Swarming motility inhibition was observed in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, the treatment of A. tsaoko extract can deliver value to food product and medicine by controlling pathogenesis.

Antioxidant and anti-tumour evaluation of compounds identified from fruit of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire

This research was aimed to isolate the active compounds with antioxidant and anti-tumour properties from Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire, a traditional health food in China. Ethanol (95%) extract and ethyl acetate fraction was found to have significant DPPH radical scavenging activities and cytotoxicities against cervical cancer cell Hela, hepatoma cells HepG-2 and SMMC-7721, and lung cancer cell A549. Four compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction, and compounds III and IV are identified as new compounds. Compounds III and IV showed high DPPH radical scavenging activities. Compound II, III and IV exhibited good anti-tumour activity against HepG-2, SMMC-7721, Hela and A549 cell lines. Compound I showed a strong anti-tumour activity only against Hela cell lines. Compounds III and IV were concluded to be the active compositions responsible for potent antioxidant and anti-tumour properties of A. tsaoko, whose molecular mechanism and pathways of inhibiting tumour cell need to be further studied.

Evaluation of 3-week Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity on Amomum tsao-ko Extract in Balb/c Mice

본 연구는 다양한 효능을 지닌 초과(Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire)의 안전한 이용을 위한 독성평가로 식품의약품안전처 고시 제2014-6호 '의약품등의 독성시험기준'에 맞는 독성시험법에 따라 Balb/c mouse를 이용하여 3주간 반복경구투여를 통해 초과의 안전성을 확인하고자 하였다. 3주간 반복 경구투여 후 체중, 장기중량 측정, 혈액분석 및 혈액생화학 검사를 실시하여 안전성을 확인 한 결과, 초과에 의한 특별한 증상이나 체중, 장기중량의 변화는 관찰되지 않았으며, 복대동맥으로부터 채혈한 혈액을 통한 혈구분석결과에서도 대조군과 초과 추출물 투여군 간의 통계적인 유의성을 관찰 할 수 없었다. 또한 혈청을 이용하여 간기능(GOT, GPT, LDH, ALB, TP-S, T-BIL, D-BIL), 신장기능(BUN, CRE), 지질영양 관련(TG), 전해질 관련(I.P) 지표들의 생화학분석을 수행한 결과, 대조군과 유사하게 모두 정상 범위 내의 결과를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과를 통하여 초과 추출물의 최대무독성용량은 최고 투여량인 2000 mg/kg 이상으로 판단되며, 본 연구결과는 초과의 기능성 식품, 화장품, 의약품 등 다양한 소재로서의 활용에 안전성 관련 기초자료로 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 【In the present study, we investigated the oral toxicity of Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, (Zingiberaceae) extract in Balb/c mice (BALB, n=60) for 3 weeks. Balb/c mice (10 mice/group, 6 group, $20{\pm}2g$ , 6 weeks) were orally administered for 21 days, with dosage of 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg/day. Ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko did not affect any significant change of mortality, clinical signs, organs and body weights. Also, there were not significantly difference from the naive group (control) in hematological and serum biochemical examination. Consequently, these findings indicate that 3-week treatment with the ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko was not any toxic effects in Balb/c mice and the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for oral toxicity was determined to be 2000 mg/kg/day under our experimental conditions.】

Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis properties of the oil of Amomum tsao-ko and its major component, geraniol

Context: Trichomonosis, caused by the flagellate protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) and 5-nitroimidazole drugs are used for the treatment. However, a growing number of T. vaginalis isolates are resistant to these drugs, which make it becomes an urgent issue.Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-T. vaginalis activity of the essential oil from A. tsao-ko used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a spice and its main component, geraniol.Materials and methods: The anti-T. vaginalis activities of A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol were evaluated by the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in vitro. The morphological changes of T. vaginalis were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, sub-MLC concentration treatment with sub-MLC A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol was also performed.Results: This study shows that MLC/IC50 of A. tsao-ko essential oil was 44.97 µg/ml/22.49 µg/ml for T. vaginalis isolate Tv1, and 89.93 µg/ml/44.97 µg/ml for T. vaginalis isolate Tv2. Those of geraniol were 342.96 µg/ml/171.48 µg/ml, respectively. After A. tsao-ko essential oil or geraniol treatment, obvious similar morphological changes of T. vaginalis were observed by TEM: the nuclear membrane was damaged, nuclei were dissolved, and the chromatin was accumulated; in the cytoplasm, numerous vacuoles appeared, rough endoplasmic reticulum dilated, the number of ribosomes were reduced, organelles disintegrated, the cell membrane was partially damaged, with cytoplasmic leakage, and cell disintegration was observed. The action time did not increase the effect of A. tsao-ko essential oil or geraniol against T. vaginalis, as no significant difference was observed after sub-MLC concentration treatment for 1, 3, and 5 h with A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol.Discussion and conclusion: The study describes the first report on the activity and morphological changes of A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol against T. vaginalis. The results obtained herein presented new opportunities for antitrichomonal drugs.

Bioactivity evaluation of ingredients identified from the fruits of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire, a Chinese spice.

In this work, a phytochemical investigation was conducted on Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire, a traditional Chinese spice. Based on spectroscopic methods including MS, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, DEPT135 and HMQC spectroscopy, eight main chemical compositions, sitosterol, daucosterol, meso-hannokinol, quercetin, epicatechin, quercetin-7-O-β-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside, and catechol, were isolated and identified from A. tsaoko, among which quercetin, quercetin-7-O-β-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside were first found in A. tsaoko. Their bioactivities were evaluated by the inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, the protective effect on H2O2-induced apoptosis of PC-12 cells and the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Epicatechin exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory properties; its inhibition rate was up to 63.65% at a concentration of 100 μg mL(-1). In addition, quercetin showed the strongest neuroprotective effect of PC-12 cells induced by H2O2, and the cell viability was up to 78.9% at a concentration of 50 μg mL(-1). Quercetin also exhibited excellent DPPH radical-scavenging activity at a concentration of 100 μg mL(-1) (DPPH radical inhibition rate > 80%), which was very close to Vc at the same concentration. It is concluded that, in A. tsaoko, different ingredients have their own health functions.

Identification of seven Zingiberaceous species based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of seeds

BackgroundThe fruits and seeds of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other. This study aims to identify the seeds of these seven species from Zingiberaceae family based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics.MethodsWe compared the morphological structures of seed coats by observing the microscopic characteristics of seeds in transverse sections. We described the macroscopic characteristics of seeds in detail.ResultsThe seeds of these three genera could not be identified to the species level based on their macroscopic features. However, based on the anatomical features of the seed coat observed in transverse sections, a dichotomous key for these seven species was feasible.ConclusionSeven species in the Zingiberaceae family could be identified based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of transverse section of seed.

Chemical constituents and insecticidal activities of the essential oil from Amomum tsaoko against two stored-product insects.

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical constituents and toxicities of the essential oil derived from Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie fruits against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius). Essential oil of A. tsaoko was obtained from hydrodistillation and was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 43 components, of which eucalyptol (23.87%), limonene (22.77%), 2-isopropyltoluene (6.66%) and undecane (5.74%) were the major components. With a further isolation, two active constituents were obtained from the essential oil and identified as eucalyptol and limonene. The essential oil and the two isolated compounds exhibited potential insecticidal activities against two storedproduct insects. Limonene showed pronounced contact toxicity against both insect species (LD50 = 14.97 μg/adult for T. castaneum; 13.66 μg/adult for L. serricorne) and was more toxic than eucalyptol (LD50 = 18.83 μg/adult for T. castaneum; 15.58 μg/adult for L. serricorne). The essential oil acting against the two species of insects showed LD50 values of 16.52 and 6.14 μg/adult, respectively. Eucalyptol also possessed strong fumigant toxicity against both insect species (LC50 = 5.47 mg/L air for T. castaneum; 5.18 mg/L air for L. serricorne) and was more toxic than limonene (LC50 = 6.21 mg/L air for T. castaneum; 14.07 mg/L air for L. serricorne), while the crude essential oil acting against the two species of insects showed LC50 values of 5.85 and 8.70 mg/L air, respectively. These results suggested that the essential oil of A. tsaoko and the two compounds may be used in grain storage to combat insect pests.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Amomum tsaoko (Zingiberaceae), an economically important plant in China.

Twenty-four microsatellite markers were isolated from the genomic DNA of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire, an important economic plant in China, using the method fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO). Polymorphism within each locus was assessed in 60 individuals from three populations in Yunnan Province, China, and nine of them were polymorphic. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus was 2, and the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.224 to 0.513, and from 0.050 to 0.600, respectively. Among nine microsatellite markers with polymorphism, five showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.01), probably due to anthropic selection and short-cloning history in cultivation. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected between loci in our analysis. These polymorphic microsatellite markers will facilitate further studies of gene flow, population structure, identification of cultivated variety, and evaluation of germplasm resources.

Optimization of Ultrasonic- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antibacterial Compounds from Amomum tsao-ko Fruit

Optimization of Ultrasonic- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antibacterial Compounds from Amomum tsao-ko Fruit

The Influence of Altitude and Latitude on Breeding of Amomum tsaoko (Zingiberaceae)

Objective: To explore the effect of altitude and latitude on breeding of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire, a flexistylous ginger, which fruit is used as common materia medica and a food condiment. Methods: The 7 populations were selected randomly from the three floristic zones of Yunnan. Adult plants and infructescences were chosen randomly to gain flower number and fructification percentage per inflorescence, and seed number per fruit. All date was analyzed by SPSS (13.0 version). Results: As A. tsaoko was distributed (or transplanted) from a habitat at lower latitude and/or altitude to a site of higher latitude and/or altitude, the flower number per inflorescence increased, on the contrary, the fructification percentage per inflorescence decreased. The competition for reproductive resource was beneficial to increase flower number and seed production. Conclusions: The habitats in south of the tropic of cancer were favorable to the reproduction of A. tsaoko, which reproductive costs were lower and harvest was higher. Increasing flower number per inflorescence may be a strategy to promote the plant to distribute into alpine habitats for both female and male reproductive success.

Two New Compounds and Anti-complementary Constituents from Amomum tsao-ko

Two new compounds, (2R,3R,4R)-3',5'-dimethoxy-3,4,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-flavan (1) and 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoyl)-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (2), together with 35 known phenolic compounds were obtained from the fruits of Amomum tsao-ko. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic means, including 2D NMR, a n d high-resolution M S analysis. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for t heircomplement-inhibitory properties against the classical pathway (CP) and alternative pathway (AP). The results showed that 14 compounds exhibited anti-complementary activities against the CP and AP with CH50 values of 0.42 - 4.43 mM and AP50 values of 0.53 -1.51 mM. Preliminary mechanism studies showed that 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4(E)-hepten-3-one (8) blocked C1q, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C9 components of the complement system, and hydroquinone (15) acted on C1q, C2, C3, C5 and C9 components.

Ranging behavior of eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) in a northern montane forest in Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China

Generally, food abundance and distribution exert important influence on primate ranging behavior. Hoolock gibbons (genus Hoolock) live in lowland and montane forests in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China. All information about hoolock gibbons comes from studies on western hoolock gibbons (Hoolock hoolock) living in lowland forest. Between August 2010 and September 2011, we studied the ranging behavior of one habituated group of eastern hoolock gibbon (H. leuconedys) living in a seasonal montane forest in Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China. Results show that the study group did not increase foraging effort, calculated in this study as the daily path length, when fruit was less available. Instead, the gibbons fed more on leaves and decreased traveling to conserve energy. They relied heavily on a single food species in most study months which was patchily distributed within their total (14-month) home range, and during most months they used only a small portion of their total home range. In order to find enough food, the group shifted its monthly home range according to the seasonal availability of food species. To satisfy their annual food requirements, they occupied a total home range of 93ha. The absence of neighboring groups of gibbons and the presence of tsaoko cardamom (Amomum tsaoko) plantations may also have influenced the ranging behavior of the group. Further long-term studies of neighboring groups living in intact forests are required to assess these effects.

Effect of Medicinal Plant Extract Incorporated Carrageenan Based Films on Shelf-Life of Chicken Breast Meat

This study was performed to examine the possibility of water extracts for several medicinal plants, such as Amomum tsao-ko, Alpinia oxyphylla, and Citrus unshiu, as an active packaging ingredient for prevention of lipid oxidation. Chicken breast meats were packed with medicinal plant extracts incorporated carrageenan based films and their physico-chemical and microbial properties during storage at <TEX>$5^{\circ}C$</TEX> were investigated. In chicken meat samples packed with A. tsao-ko (TF) or A. oxyphylla (OF) extract incorporated carrageenan based films, pH value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the population of total microbes were significantly lower than those of the negative control (film of no extract was incorporated, CF) after 5 d of storage (p<0.05). Especially, TBARS value of TF (<TEX>$0.12{\pm}0.01$</TEX> mg malonaldehyde/kg meat) was significantly lower than chicken meat samples packed with positive control (ascorbic acid incorporated film, AF, <TEX>$0.16{\pm}0.01$</TEX> mg malonaldehyde/kg meat) at 3 d of storage, and it means TF has enough antioxidative activity to prevent the lipid oxidation of chicken meat. However, there was no consistent effect on VBN values of chicken meats packed with medicinal plant extracts incorporated films during storage. Based on the obtained results, it is considered that A. tsao-ko extract has potential for being used as a natural antioxidant ingredient in active packaging areas.

Extraction and Determination of Essential Oil in Different Cultivars of Amomum Tsao-Ko

Essential oil in four cultivars fruits of Amomum tsao-ko were extracted and determined by the method of gas chromatography (GC) and GC-coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils content of 86.50%, 77.05%, 83.02% and 77.50% were achieved in the four cultivars of Ellipse, Fusiform, Spherical, and Conical A. tsao-ko fruits, respectively. The results showed that the identified major common components of the essential oil are 1,8-cineole, citral, α-terpineol, α-phellandrene, α-pinene, β-pinene, γ-terpinen, and nerolidol, the most abundant component is 1,8-cineole which accounts for about 36% in all four cultivars and it may be useful for industrial exploitation as well as chemotaxonomic characterization. The results also indicated that the four A. tsao-ko fruit cultivars belong to eucalyptol-rich type and the observed chemical variability between the studied species and cultivars seems to results from the gengtic variability.

Primary investigation of contaminating fungi on Panax notoginseng and Amomum tsaoko in Yunnan

To analyze the potential risks of fungal contaminants on Panax notoginseng and Amomum tsaoko. The primary investigation was conducted in the P. notoginseng and A. tsaoko major production areas in Yunnan. Samples of P. notoginseng and A. tsaoko were collected from drugstores and markets in 3 cities of Yunnan. Dilution-plate method was applied for the isolation of fungi, the obtained species were identified according to morphological and molecular approaches. Paecilomyces lilacinus and Penicillium citrinum were dominant on samples of Panax notoginseng. P. lilacinus and Aspergillus flavus were dominant on samples of Amomum tsaoko. In Yunnan province, the major fungal contaminants on P. notoginseng are P. lilacinus and P. citrinum and the major fungal contaminants on A. tsaoko are P. lilacinus and Aspergillus flavus. There exists a potential contamination risk of citrinin on P. notoginseng and aflatoxin on A. tsaoko.

Extraction Optimization of Antibacterial Substances from &lt;i&gt;Amomum tsao-ko&lt;/i&gt;

The aim of this work was to optimize extraction procedure of antibacterial compounds from amomum tsao-ko and verify antibacterial ability of yields. Two methods were carried out and compared. One is ethanol reflux extraction, and the other is ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction which selected due to better antibacterial efficiency of the extract obtained. In order to improve extraction rate and antibacterial activity which both varied with ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions, Box-Behnken design was employed. Studies showed that the optimum conditions for extraction antibacterial substances from amomum tsao-ko were determined to be: ethanol density 100%, soaking time 4h, extraction time 120min.

Exploring Natural Products for New Taste Sensations

This paper discusses the discovery of uncommon taste or trigeminal active compounds and their associated sensory analysis using human tasting panels with the aim of enhancing the overall taste experience whilst reducing where possible the sugar and salt content of foods. The first example outlines the discovery of the sensory quality attributes of (R)-2-(carboxymethylamino)propanoic acid, named (R)-strombine, as assessed by a panel of 47 subjects to confirm its contribution to the typical taste of scallop muscle. The second example discusses the pungency and trigeminal effect of polygodial, which is compared with piperine and capsaicin, as well as the elucidation of a new structure eliciting a trigeminal effect, (+/-)-trans-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1 H-indene-4-carbaldehyde, discovered in Amomum tsao-ko. Finally, the time intensity trigeminal effect of (-)-menthol is compared with (1R,2RS,4RS)-1-isopropyl-4-methylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol, named dihydroumbellulol, a new cooling compound obtained by hemi-synthesis from umbellulone extracted from Umbellularia californica Nutt.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil from &lt;i&gt;Amomum Tsao-Ko&lt;/i&gt; Cultivated in Yunnan Area

The essential oil (1.83% yield, w/w) of Amomum tsao-ko was obtained by hydrodistillation method in Clevenger apparatus. 38 constituents were detected in essential oil of Amomum tsao-ko by GC-MS analysis. 32 compounds representing 98.393% were identified, of which 1,8-cineole (40.891%), α-phellandrene (9.769%), 4-propyl-benzaldehyde (6.988%), and (E)-citral (4.949%) were major compounds. In particular, 1,8-cineole (48.03%) was quantified accurately by GC-FID using external standard method. As a reference to penicillin sodium, antibacterial activity of the essential oil and 1,8-cineole were evaluated against the bacteria and fungi using agar disc diffusion respectively. The order of antimicrobial activitiy of the essential oil against the bacteria was as follows: Bacillus subtilis.&gt; Staphylicoccus albus.&gt; Escherichia coli. The order of antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against the fungi was: Aspergillus oryzae&gt; Rhizopus sp.&gt; Penicillium sp.The 1,8-cineole showed weak inhibiting effect to the bacteria and ineffective against the fungi.