Aqueous Extract Of Rhizome Research Articles

PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF ANTI-OBESITY POTENTIAL OF ACORUS CALAMUS LINN. IN HIGH FAT CAFETERIA DIET FED OBESE RATS

Objective: To study the anti-obesity potential of aqueous rhizome extract of Acoruscalamus Linn. (AREAC)in high fat diet fed obese rats.Methods: Adult strain male Wistar rats used in this study were fed with High Fat Diet (HFD) for 60 days. For the treatment groups,AREAC was administered in a dose levels of100, 200 and 300 mg/kgbw, orally once a day along with HFD. Rats fed with normal pellet chow were served as normal control. The effect of AREAC on physical parameterssuch as body weight, organ weight, fat pad weights and various biochemical parameterslike serum glucose, insulin, leptin,lipid profile, liver markers, kidney markers and oxidative stress markers were analysed.In-vitro pancreatic lipase inhibition assay of AREAC was also studied.Results: Data of in-vivo studies revealedsignificant (p<0.05) reduction in percentage body weight gain, organ weights, fat pad weights and levels of serum glucose, insulin and leptin after treatment with AREAC in a dose dependent manner. Also, administration of AREAC significantly inhibited the increases in the concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, free-fatty acid and phospholipids in a dose dependent manner whereas, the level of HDL-cholesterol was found to be elevated on treatment. Moreover, on treatment with test drug,the elevated levels of serum liver and kidney markerssuch as AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine were also brought back to near normalcy. Antioxidant status was found to be enhanced in liver tissues after treatment.In-vitro studies showed significant inhibition in the activity of pancreatic lipaseby AREAC.Conclusion: The data of the results obtained clearly depicted that AREAC was found to have pronounced anti-obesity activity particularly at the dose levels of 300 mg/kg bw.Key Words: Obesity, High Fat Diet, Leptin, AcoruscalamusLinn., Orlistat.

The effects of bacteria-nanoparticles interface on the antibacterial activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Neutralization of bacterial cell surface potential using nanoscale materials is an effective strategy to alter membrane permeability, cytoplasmic leakage, and ultimate cell death. In the present study, an attempt was made to prepare biogenic silver nanoparticles using biomolecules from the aqueous rhizome extract of Coptis Chinensis. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface modified with chitosan biopolymer. The prepared silver nanoparticles and chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were cubic crystalline structures (XRD) with an average particle size of 15 and 20nm respectively (TEM, DLS). The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface stabilized by polyphenolic compounds (FTIR). Coptis Chinensis mediated silver nanoparticles displayed significant activity against E.coli and Bacillus subtilus with a zone of inhibition 12±1.2 (MIC=25μg/mL) and 18±1.6mm (MIC=12.50μg/mL) respectively. The bactericidal efficacy of these nanoparticles was considerably increased upon surface modification with chitosan biopolymer. The chitosan modified biogenic silver nanoparticles exhibited promising activity against E.coli (MIC=6.25μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilus (MIC=12.50μg/mL). Our results indicated that the chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were promising agents in damaging bacterial membrane potential and induction of high level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, these nanoparticles were observed to induce the release of the high level of cytoplasmic materials especially protein and nucleic acids into the media. All these findings suggest that the chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles are efficient agents in disrupting bacterial membrane and induction of ROS leading to cytoplasmic leakage and cell death. These findings further conclude that the bacterial-nanoparticles surface potential modulation is an effective strategy in enhancing the antibacterial potency of silver nanoparticles.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC PROPERTIES OF PENTANISIA PRUNELLOIDES FROM THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA.

Background:Pentanisia prunelloides is a medicinal plant widely used to remedy various ailments including infections, fever and rheumatism in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There is scanty report on the phytochemical and biological properties of the plant; hence various solvent extracts of the dried plant materials were phytochemically screened, and its aqueous extract evaluated for acute toxicity effect, analgesic and antiinflammatory properties in rodents.Methods and Materials:Different extracts of both leaf and rhizome were obtained separately with ethanol, methanol and water. Portions of the filtrate were used for qualitative screening of secondary metabolites and remaining portions were concentrated and dried. Dried grounded leaf and rhizome of the plant were also used for quantitative screening for some major components. The aqueous extract of the leaf and rhizome were used for acute toxicity (LD50) test, antiinflammatory and analgesic activities in rodents.Results:The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of several phytoconstituents with saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids constituting highest constituents in the leaf and rhizome. The LD50: of the aqueous extracts (from leaf or rhizome) was found to be ≥5000 mg/kg orally. The leaf and rhizome aqueous extract (250-500 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.01) reduced egg albumin-induced paw oedema and paw licking in mice induced by formalin, signifying antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities respectively.Conclusion:It is concluded that the leaf and rhizome of P. prunelloides are rich in various phytochemicals which could be associated with their medicinal uses. The aqueous leaf and rhizome extracts are similarly non-toxic orally, showed antiinflammatory and analgesic potentials thus rationalizing its use in folkloric medicine.

Gas Chromatographic Method for Analysis β-Asarone in Rhizome extracts of Acorus calamus and Their Microbiological Evaluation

Introduction: The aim of study was to develop a simple, sensitive and precise gas chromatographic method for the analysis of β-asaronein ethanolic, ethyl acetate, aqueous extracts from the rhizomes of Acorus calamus and validate according to current ICH guidelines. Followed by evaluation of antimicrobial activity of prepared extracts in comparison with penicillin disc. Methods: The β-asarone was one chief active constituent from the rhizomes of Acorus calamus. The ethanolic, ethyl acetate, aqueous extract of rhizomes was prepared and further evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus Mutants by agar well diffusion method. The GC method was used for the analytical determination of β-asarone. The sample was estimated using gas chromatography with flame ionization as a detector. Nitrogen at a flow rate of 1.18 mL/min was used as a carrier gas and total run time was 10 minutes. The injection port and detector temperature were set to 225˚C and 270˚C, respectively. The retention time of β-asarone was found to be 6.9 minutes. Results: The linearity of the developed method was tested in the range of 100 ng/mL-500 ng/mL for β-asarone, limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 22.78 and 69.05 ng/mL respectively and the percentage recovery was from 99.63- 100.64%. Conclusion: A simple, precise and accurate GC-FID method has been developed for the determination of β-asarone in ethanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of rhizomes. Key words: Acoruscalamus , β-Asarone, Alcoholic, Aqueous, Ethyl acetate, Extracts, GC- FID, Microbiological evaluaiton, Stability studies.

The aqueous extract of rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume attenuates locomotor defect and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraumatic brain injury (TBI) has an incident rate of 200–300 people per 100,000 annually in the developed countries. TBI has relatively high incidence at an early age and may cause long-term physical disability. Patients suffered from severe TBI would have motor and neuropsychological malfunctions, affecting their daily activities. Traditionally, Gastrodia elata Blume is a Chinese Medicines which was used for the head diseases, while their efficiency on reducing brain damage was still largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of water extract of G. elata Blume (GE) against TBI and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Materials and methodsSprague-Dawley rats were treated with GE for 7 days, immediately after controlled cortical impact-induced TBI. Impaired neurobehavioral functioning was measured on day 3 and 6 after TBI. Histology of TBI was examined to assess the extent of inflammation, and the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined by immunofluorescence study on day 7. ResultsGE treatment significantly improved the impaired locomotor functions induced by TBI. GE treatment reduced inflammation and gliosis in the penumbral area. The increase in brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha observed in non-GE treated TBI rats were also reversed. ConclusionsGE treatment attenuated the locomotor deficit caused by TBI. The anti-inflammatory activity might be mediated by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines responses in the TBI-brain.

Allelopathic Potential of Medicinal Plants: Costus speciosus Koen ex. Retz and Justicia adhatoda Linn

The study was carried out to evaluate the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of rhizome and leaves of Costus speciosus Koen ex. Retz and Justicia adhatoda Linn. respectively on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn.) and pea (Pisum sativum Linn.). Effect was assessed by recording their effects on germination and percentage growth of root and hypocotyle of test plants. However, the extent of inhibitory and stimulatory effect of extracts varied with the plant species. The extract reduced the germination of the test seeds. However, root and hypocotyle elongations of wheat and pea seedlings were significantly inhibited by the extract of studied plant parts, with the percentage of inhibition increased as the concentration of the extract increased. The observed allelopathic activity of the extract of both medicinal plants on the seed germination and seedling growth of wheat and pea was attributed to the presence of the allelopathic phytochemicals in medicinal plants. The results showed that Justicia adhatoda Linn. had strong inhibitory effect on germination as well as root and hypocotyls growth of test seeds. Phytochemical screening of both medicinal plants was also carried out by using standard methods. The extract contained alkaloid, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins in different proportions; with more of alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 57-65

Acorus calamus rhizome extract mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their bactericidal activity against human pathogens.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis and characterization is an area of vast interest due to their broader application in the fields of science and technology and medicine. Plants are an attractive source for AgNP synthesis because of its ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with strong reducing potentials. Thus, the present study describes the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous rhizome extract of Acorus calamus (sweet flag). The AgNP formation was evaluated at different temperatures, incubation time and concentrations of AgNO3 using Response surface methodology based Box–Behnken design (BBD). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The surface plasmon resonance found at 420 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. SEM images reveal that the particles are spherical in nature. The EDS analysis of the AgNPs, using an energy range of 2–4 keV, confirmed the presence of elemental silver without any contamination. The antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against the clinical isolates Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and it was found that bacterial growth was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner. The results suggest that the AgNPs from rhizome extract could be used as a potential antibacterial agent for commercial application.

Biological and electrical properties of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized biochemically at room temperature using aqueous extract of rhizome of Rheum australe plant. The as-synthesized AgNPs were further studied for their morphological, biological and electrical characterization. The morphological studies, such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV–vis spectrum confirmed their successful synthesis. Biological analysis revealed their antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Electrical characterization showed that the conductivity of the mixture of AgNPs with DPPH assay is more than the AgNPs dispersed in distilled water. The obtained results may have potential applications as sensors.

Antifertility Effects of Rhizome ofCurcuma longaon Seminal Parameters of Swiss Albino Male Mice

The effects of aqueous extract of rhizome of Curcuma longa on the seminal parameters of Swiss Albino male mice were investigated in this study. 36 mice were divided into six groups of six mice each with one group serving as control. Distilled water (0.1 ml) was administrated orally to control group while remaining five groups were fed with 0.1 ml (500 mg/kg BW/day) aqueous extract of rhizome of Curcuma longa for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days. After completion of respective days, controls along with treated mice were sacrificed and semen from caudal epididymal part was assessed for seminal parameters such as sperm counts, motility of spermatozoa, seminal pH and mortality of the sperms. Sperm counts, sperm motility and seminal pH of cauda epididymis shows highly significant decline during 30 to 50 days treatment (p<0.001) than the control while mortality of spermatozoa increases significantly (p<0.001) than the control group of mice. Such significant alteration suggest that aqueous extract of rhizome of Curcuma longa produced adverse effects in seminal parameters and thus cause infertility among the treated groups of mice.

Biological activities of green silver nanoparticles synthesized with Acorous calamus rhizome extract

Nanomedicine utilize biocompatible nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous rhizome extract of Acorus calamus (ACRE) and evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial as well as anticancer effects of synthesized A. calamus silver nanoparticles (ACAgNPs). The formation of ACAgNPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy and their average size was found to be 31.83 nm by DLS particle size analyzer. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed spherical shape of ACAgNPs and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) data showed the presence of metallic silver. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of phenol/alcohol, aromatic amine and carbonyl groups in ACRE that were involved in reduction and capping of nanoparticles. ACRE and ACAgNPs exhibited substantial free radical quenching ability in various in vitro antioxidant assays performed in this study. ACAgNPs also displayed appreciable antibacterial activity against three different pathogenic bacteria and the growth kinetic study with Escherichia coli designated the inhibition of bacterial growth at the log phase. The cytotoxic effect of ACAgNPs was assessed by MTT assay in HeLa and A549 cells. The IC50 value of ACAgNPs respectively after 24 and 48 h was found to be 92.48 and 69.44 μg/ml in HeLa cells and in A549 cells it was 53.2 and 32.1 μg/ml. Apoptotic cell death in ACAgNPs treated cells was indicated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and annexinV-Cy3 staining techniques. Staining with propidium iodide (PI) and 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride (DAPI) also confirmed nuclear changes such as condensation and fragmentation. Further, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed distribution of ACAgNPs treated cells in the late apoptotic stage. These findings emphasize that such biocompatible green nanoparticles with multifaceted biological activities may find their applications in the field of nanomedicine.

English

This study was an extension of our previous antiemetic work. Many researchers quoted Cynodone dactylon as anti emetic agent but none of them have provided strong pharmacological evidence for it, which drove us for its therapeutic evaluation. Crude aqueous rhizome extract of C. dactylon was evaluated for anti-emetic activity. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulphate, fresh aqueous extract of Brasica compestris while intravenous Cisplatin was used to induce emesis in fifteen days age chicks of either sex. The anti-emetic activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in number of emesis in comparison to those of control and standards. C. dactylon (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight orally) showed remarkable emesis suppressant activity when compared with standard drugs chlorpromazine, domperidone and metoclopramide. Both the doses showed remarkable antiemetic activity. &nbsp; Key words: Antiemetic, Cynodone dactylon, chick emesis model, domperidone, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, Brasica compestris.

Microwave Assisted Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Rhizome Extract of Alpinia galanga and Evaluation of Their Catalytic and Antimicrobial Activities

Biomediated methods are considered to be a safer alternative to conventional physicochemical methods for the fabrication of nanomaterials due to their eco-friendly nature. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by microwave irradiation using aqueous rhizome extract of the medicinal plant Alpinia galanga. The nanoparticles were also synthesized under ambient condition without the assistance of microwave radiation and the former method was found to be much faster than the latter. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis., FTIR, XRD, and HR-TEM analysis. UV-vis. spectroscopic studies provided ample evidences for the formation of nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of plant phytochemicals as stabilizing agent around the AgNPs. XRD and HR-TEM analyses clearly proved the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. From the TEM images, the nanoparticles were found to be roughly spherical in shape with an average diameter of 20.82 ± 1.8 nm. The nanoparticles showed outstanding catalytic activity for the reduction of methyl orange by NaBH4. The AgNPs were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activity by well diffusion method against S. aureus, B. subtilis, V. cholera, S. paratyphi, and A. niger. They were found to be highly toxic against all the tested pathogenic strains.

Suppression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor via Inactivation of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 by Alkaloids in Coptidis rhizome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Coptidis rhizome aqueous extract (CRAE) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Quality control of CRAE was determined. Secretion of VEGF protein and expression of its mRNA in MHCC97L and Hep G2 cells were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Synthesis of nascent protein was determined by AHA-protein-labeling technologies. The in vivo antiangiogenic effect of CRAE was evaluated with a xenograft model. Absence of organochlorine pesticides in CRAE was found, and phytochemical analysis showed that its components were in proportion of magnoflorine 2.2%, jatrorrhizine 1.68%, palmatine 4.4%, and berberine 13.8%. CRAE exhibited significant inhibition on VEGF secretion from MHCC97L and HepG2 cells at nontoxic doses. The mRNA transcripts of VEGF could not be inhibited by CRAE; however, synthesis of VEGF nascent protein was potently blocked by CRAE. CRAE intervention increased the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in HCC cells, which blocked eEF2 activity for proceeding nascent protein synthesis. The activity of eEF2 was restored in CRAE-treated HCC cells in the presence of A484594, leading to the recovery of VEGF expression. Berberine was found to be the major active component in CRAE; however, CRAE is more effective in inhibiting eEF2 activity compared to berberine treatment alone, suggesting the additive effect of other components present. Reduction of tumor size and neovascularization were observed in mice xenograft model. Our study postulates the antiangiogenic effect of CRAE on hepatocellular carcinoma via an eEF2-driven pathway.

Analysis of the responses of rats ileum to the effect of aqueous rhizome extract of &lt;i&gt;Zingiber Officinale&lt;/i&gt;

Background: The gastrointestinal system is innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). ANS mediate its effect by the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter secreted by the parasympathetic nervous system. Its stimulation produces increase intestinal motility, sphincter muscle relaxation and stimulation of secretion. The actions of acetylcholine can be blocked by using a cholinergic receptor, antagonist such as atropine.Aims: This study is aimed at determining the effect of aqueous rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale on an isolated rat ileumResult: The aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale produced similar effect as atropine, as seen when varied increasing doses(1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, 4mg/ml) of the extract was administered. It produced significant inhibition (P&lt; 0.05) at 1mg/ml (P&lt; 0.01) at 2mg/ml (P&lt; 0.001) and at 4mg/ml intestinal motility respectively , indicating anti diarrhoea effect.Keywords: Zingiber officinale, Acetylcholine, Atropine, Muscarinic receptor

Transdermal microemulsions of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.: characterization, stability and evaluation of antioxidant potential

The purpose of the present study is to formulate Glycyrrhiza glabra root and rhizome aqueous ethanolic extract in microemulsion carrier systems intended for transdermal delivery of incorporated antioxidant actives, flavonoids and polyphenols. The results obtained reveal that the microemulsion system ME3 possesses optimum properties regarding drug content (flavonoids and polyphenols), viscosity, pH, particle size and polydispersity index, zeta potential, stability, permeation of actives and hence possesses high in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant efficacy. These results indicate also that this microemulsion shows approximately 13-fold higher ex vivo antioxidant capacity compared with the liquorice extract solution. In addition, the proposed microemulsion is simple to dispense, cost effective and provides high patient compliance and convenience because of simple topical application and avoidance of non-comfortable oral or parenteral administration.

POTENTIAL DIURETIC EFFECT OF CURCUMA AMADA ROXB. RHIZOME EXTRACTS

The present study was undertaken to establish the diuretic activity of alcoholic and aqueous extract of dried rhizomes of Curcuma amada Roxb in rats. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of rhizomes were administered to experimental male Wistar rats orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg and compared with furosemide (10 mg/kg) as the reference standard. The parameters measured for diuretic activity were total urine volume, urine electrolyte concentration such as sodium, potassium and chloride have been evaluated. The rats treated with alcoholic and aqueous extract of Curcuma amada in a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg showed higher urine output when compared to the respective control. Both alcoholic and aqueous extracts have showed a significant dose-dependent increase in the excretion of electrolytes when compared to the control group. The result indicates that alcoholic and aqueous extract is an effective natriuretic and kaliuretic diuretic, which supports the traditional claim about the Curcuma amada Roxb being used as diuretics.

Determination of in vitro antidiabetic effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale rhizomes were studied to evaluate their antidiabetic effects on protein glycation and on the diffusion of glucose in vitro in the present study. Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract were examined at concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/L. The antidiabetic effects were found to be dose-dependent. Antidiabetic potential of Zingiber officinale was mainly through inhibition of the glucose diffusion and to a limited extent by reducing the glycation. However, further studies are needed to determine in vitro effects of therapeutic potential by restraining postprandial glucose absorptions and plasma protein glycations in diabetic subjects.

A comparative study on the hepatoprotective action of bear bile and coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract on experimental liver fibrosis in rats

Aim of the studyBear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma have been used in Chinese medicine with a long tradition in treating heat-diseases. Both bear bile and Coptidis Rhizoma are used to treat liver diseases in clinical practice of Chinese Medicine. Since bears are currently endangered, it raises the question whether the use of bear bile is ethical. To look for substitute for bear bile, the aim of this study is to compare the anti-fibrotic effects of Coptidis Rhizoma and its major component berberine with the actions of bear bile and its major compound tauroursodeoxycholic acid on experimental liver fibrosis in rats.MethodQuality assessment was conducted with high performance liquid chromatography. The experimental liver fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, and bile duct ligation respectively. The biochemical criteria in the blood and tissue samples were measured to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties and underlying mechanisms of the drugs.ResultsCoptidis Rhizoma Aqueous Extract (CRAE), berberine, and bear bile exerted anti-fibrotic properties on various liver fibrosis models in rats. CRAE and berberine significantly reduced the peroxidative stress in liver through increasing the superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. CRAE and berberine were able to excrete bilirubin products from the liver and protect hepatocytes from cholestatic damage. The effect of CRAE and berberine are comparable to that of bear bile.ConclusionInstead of using bear bile, CRAE and berberine can be potential substitutes in treating liver fibrosis.

Effect of Alpinia zerumbet components on antioxidant and skin diseases-related enzymes

BackgroundThe skin is chronically exposed to endogenous and environmental pro-oxidant agents, leading to the harmful generation of reactive oxygen species. Antioxidant is vital substances which possess the ability to protect the body from damage cause by free radicals induce oxidative stress. Alpinia zerumbet, a traditionally important economic plant in Okinawa, contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. In this regard, we carried out to test the inhibitory effect of crude extracts and isolated compounds from A. zerumbet on antioxidant and skin diseases-related enzymes.MethodsThe antioxidant activities were examined by DPPH, ABTS and PMS-NADH radical scavenging. Collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase were designed for enzymatic activities to investigate the inhibitory properties of test samples using a continuous spectrophotometric assay. The inhibitory capacity of test samples was presented at half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50).ResultsThe results showed that aqueous extract of the rhizome was found to have greater inhibitory effects than the others on both of antioxidant and skin diseases-related enzymes. Furthermore, 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK), dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) and 8(17),12-labdadiene-15,16-dial (labdadiene), isolated from rhizome, were tested for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitions. We found that DK showed higher inhibitory activities on DPPH, ABTS and PMS-NADH scavenging (IC50 = 122.14 ± 1.40, 110.08 ± 3.34 and 127.78 ± 4.75 μg/ml, respectively). It also had stronger inhibitory activities against collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase (IC50 = 24.93 ± 0.97, 19.41 ± 0.61, 19.48 ± 0.24 and 76.67 ± 0.50 μg/ml, respectively) than DDK and labdadiene.ConclusionOur results indicate that the rhizome aqueous extract proved to be the source of bioactive compounds against enzymes responsible for causing skin diseases. Moreover, DK could be used as a potent inhibitor and be further exploited to be used in anti-skin disease formulations.

生姜水浸液对生姜幼苗根际土壤酶活性、微生物群落结构及土壤养分的影响

Ginger(Zingiber officinale) is an important horticultural crop in tropical Southeast Asia.However,the main problem for ginger culture is that ginger is not suitable for continuous cropping and ginger yields are low when this species is cultivated consecutively for years on the same land and rotated with other crops for not more than three years.Ginger aqueous extract can inhibit seed germination and seedling growth of soybean and chive,it also can depress the growth of ginger seedlings.However,allelochemicals in this plant species are unclear,and the effects of ginger aqueous extracts on soil enzyme activity,soil nutrient content and microbial numbers are not well-understood.Therefore,the objectives of the paper were to(1) study the effects of rhizome,stem and leaf aqueous extracts of ginger at different concentrations(10、20、40 and 80 g/L) on microbe number,enzyme activities and nutrient content in the rhizosphere soil of ginger seedlings using a potted planting experiment,and(2) reveal allelochemicals in the rhizome,stem and leaf of the ginger aqueous extracts by HPLC.The results indicated that the rhizome,stem and leaf ginger aqueous extracts had different effect on six soil enzyme activities(urease,denitrifying,acid phosphatase,proteinase,polyphenol oxidase,invertase).Acid phosphatase and invertase were impacted most strongly,and significantly stimulated when the aqueous extract concentration over 10 g/L.Six soil enzyme activities increased with the concentration of the aqueous extracts.Bacterial and fungi numbers increased,while antinomyces decreased with the concentration of the aqueous extracts of the identical ginger parts.The ginger aqueous extracts reduced soil organic matter content,and promoted NO-3-N accumulation in the soil.Rhizome aqueous extract had similar effects on available P,available K and NH+4-N in the soil,i.e.,nutrient content were increased at the lower concentrations,and decreased at the higher concentration.The main allelopathic components of three types of the aqueous extracts were as follows: syringic acid and vmbelliferone were mainly contained in the rhizome extract,while frulic acid was mainly in the stem extract where whose content was the highest(73.4 μg/g).The other six substances were detected,except for frulic acid in the ginger aqueous extracts,but the contents of syringic acid,vmbelliferone and p-coumaric acid were relatively higher.The result suggested that allelochemicals released from the ginger deteriorated chemical and biological properties in the soils of ginger land and resulted in the continuous cropping obstacle of ginger plants.The study could benefit for the development of sustainable management in the ginger planting.