Comosa Extract Research Articles

Lowering of lysophosphatidylcholines in ovariectomized rats by Curcuma comosa

Decline of ovarian function in menopausal women increases metabolic disease risk. Curcuma comosa extract and its major compound, (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DPHD), improved estrogen-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) rat metabolic disturbances. However, information on their effects on metabolites is limited. Here, we investigated the impacts of C. comosa ethanol extract and DPHD on 12-week-old OVX rat metabolic disturbances, emphasizing the less hydrophobic metabolites. Metabolomics analysis of OVX rat serum showed a marked increase compared to sham-operated rat (SHAM) in levels of lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs), particularly lysoPC (18:0) and lysoPC (16:0), and of arachidonic acid (AA), metabolites associated with inflammation. OVX rat elevated lysoPCs and AA levels reverted to SHAM levels following treatments with C. comosa ethanol extract and DPHD. Overall, our studies demonstrate the effect of C. comosa extract in ameliorating the metabolic disturbances caused by ovariectomy, and the elevated levels of bioactive lipid metabolites, lysoPCs and AA, may serve as potential biomarkers of menopausal metabolic disturbances.

Effects of Curcuma comosa Roxb. Extract on the Expression of CYP450s in Immortalized Hepatocyte-like Cells (imHC)

Hepatocytes are the most abundant liver cells that produce biotransformation enzymes, including phase I metabolism enzymes and cytochrome P450s (CYP450s). These enzymes are induced or suppressed by several drugs and chemicals. Here, immortalized hepatocyte-like cells (imHC) were applied as a novel hepatocyte to study the CYP450 enzyme expression induced by a Thai folk herb, Curcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa). The results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels were dependent on cell cultivation conditions, the extract's concentration, and the duration of treatment. In the 3-day cultivation, 1 µg/mL C. comosa extract upregulated the mRNA expression levels of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 in imHC, after treatment for 48 h, which was comparable to the expression levels of those genes in HepG2 cells. In addition, C. comosa increased CYP3A4 protein expression in both imHC and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, 1 µg/mLC. comosa could neutralize erythromycin's inhibitory effect, a specific CYP3A4 inhibitor, on CYP3A4 enzyme activity. In conclusion, imHC exhibited several detoxification enzymes, and this cell could be used to replace hepatic carcinoma cells in hepatotoxic studies. The function of C. comosa as a CYP enzyme-inducing agent indicates a promising treatment for the prevention of drug-induced hepatotoxicity by activating detoxification enzymes.

Quality and stability assessment of commercial products containing phytoestrogen diaryheptanoids from Curcuma comosa

The Thai traditional medicine “YHA-SA-TREE” or women remedy is composed of many herbs, with phytoestrogenic Curcuma comosa (C. comosa) being the main active ingredient. These C. comosa containing products are popularly used to provide the phytoestrogenic supplements in both pre- and post- menstrual period of women. However, the product quality is not reported. Among several compounds found in C. comosa, diarylheptanoids were reported to possess their phytoestrogenic effects. Therefore, a validated HPLC method was applied to determine the quality of various commercial products containing C. comosa extract and the stability of active compounds under various storage conditions. The analysis of fifteen commercial products containing C. comosa revealed that diarylheptanoid contents varied greatly among products, ranging from 2.61 ± 0.34 to 121.75 ± 1.25% for (4E, 6E)-1, 7-diphenylhepta-4, 6-dien-3-ol (DA1), 4.53 ± 0.24 to 295.00 ± 1.54% for (6E)-1, 7-diphenylhept-6-en-3-ol (DA2), and the diarylheptanoids were not detected in liquid samples. In addition, a stability study of C. comosa extract demonstrated the time-and temperature-dependent degradation of diarylheptanoids with rapid degradation at 40 °C. At 180-day storage, the amounts of DA1 at −20 °C, 4 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C decreased to 91.05 ± 0.27, 82.89 ± 0.20, 83.34 ± 0.54 and 13.33 ± 0.07%, respectively. It was surprising to find that the amount of DA2 also increased to 145.40 ± 0.05% at 40 °C, which suggested that some other compounds in the oleoresin extract of C. comosa could be changed into DA2, and certain degraded products. To ensure the quality and efficacy of products containing C. comosa extract, these products should be stored at low temperature and under low humidity conditions within opaque packaging to prolong shelf life.

Mucoadhesive sustained-release tablets for vaginal delivery of Curcuma comosa extracts: Preparation and characterization

The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize the mucoadhesive vaginal tablets of Curcuma comosa (C. comosa) extract for local delivery of the active phytoestrogens in a sustained release manner. The oleoresin-like C. comosa extract was converted into apparently dry powder by adding it into the mixture of polymer, namely polycarbophil (PCP), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or the blends of PCP:HPMC, and silica. The absence of interaction between C. comosa extract and excipients was confirmed using FTIR. C. comosa mucoadhesive powder was directly compressed into 24-mm capsule shape tablets. All prepared tablets had acceptable physical properties and uniformity of diarylheptanoids (DAs), namely (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DA1) and (3S)-1,7-diphenyl-(6E)-4,6-hepten-3-ol (DA2). Blending PCP with HPMC could improve swelling and mucoadhesive properties of the tablets (p < 0.05). In vitro release showed that DAs were released over a period of 72 h in a sustained manner. The almost complete DA release was found in the formulation prepared with HPMC, of which the mean dissolution time of DA1 and DA2 stood at 34.7 ± 4.1 and 32.1 ± 3.7 h, respectively. Stability study reveals that C. comosa tablets were stable in terms of tablet properties, DA content and release characteristics when stored in a refrigerator.

Preparation of Curcuma comosa tablets using liquisolid techniques: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Curcuma comosa (C. comosa) is a Thai medicinal herb that provides numerous pharmacologic activities due to its estrogen-like action. This study aimed to investigate the use of liquisolid technique to prepare tablets containing oleoresin-like crude extract of C. comosa, and to improve the dissolution profiles of its major compounds, diarylheptanoids (DAs). Free flowing powders of C. comosa extract were obtained by adsorption onto solid carriers, microcrystalline cellulose, with colloidal silica as coating material. FTIR results ruled out possible interactions between C. comosa extract and excipients. The results indicated that all of liquisolid tablets met the USP requirements. The release of DAs were significantly increased through liquisolid formulations, compared to crude extract. By decreasing the ratio of carrier to coating from 20 to 10, an improvement in dissolution rate was observed. Addition of additives - namely polymer (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and/or nonvolatile liquid (propylene glycol) affected tablet properties which involved longer disintegration time and lower DA dissolution. Optimized C. comosa liquisolid formulation was prepared in a carrier to coating ratio of 10 without additives. Stability studies showed that physical properties of liquisolid tablet were not affected by aging, but percent remaining and dissolution profiles of DAs were influenced by storage temperature. In vivo pharmacokinetic behavior of the optimized C. comosa liquisolid tablets was investigated following a single oral administration to rabbits. The results proved that the method used for preparation of liquisolid led to C. comosa tablets with low variation in content uniformity and tablet properties, as well as enhanced dissolution behavior.

The Influence of Accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN Irradiation on the Antibacterial Properties of Hydrophobic Coatings Containing Eucomis comosa Extract.

The purpose of this research was to examine the antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the water vapour characteristic of polylactic acid (PLA) films covered with a methyl–hydroxypropyl–cellulose (MHPC)/cocoa butter carrier containing Eucomis comosa extract as an active substance. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation (UV-aging) on the antimicrobial properties and the barrier characteristic of the coatings. The results of the study revealed that MHPC/cocoa butter coatings had no influence on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus atrophaeus. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings containing E. comosa extract reduced the number of bacterial strains. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings also decreased the water vapour permeability of PLA. It was shown that accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiations altered the chemical composition of the coatings containing cocoa butter. Despite the alteration of the chemical composition of the layers, the accelerated Q-SUN and UV-A irradiation had no influence on the antimicrobial properties of E. comosa extract coatings against S. aureus and B. cereus. It was found that only Q-SUN irradiation decreased the coating activity with an extract against B. atrophaeus, though this was to a small degree.

Development and evaluation of topical films containing phytoestrogenic diaryheptanoids from Curcuma comosa extract

Rational: Phytoestrogens have been found to delay signs of skin aging in post-menopausal women, in a way similar to the effects of estrogens. Diarylheptanoids from a rhizome of traditional Thai herb named Curcuma comosa is considered to be a novel class of phytoestrogens.Objectives: The aims of this study were to prepare effective topical films using mixed types and vary ratios of hydrophobic (Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS, and Eudragit NE) and hydrophilic polymer (hydroxylpropyl methycellulose, HPMC) with Transcutol as a permeation enhancer for delivery of diarylheptanoids to improve signs of skin aging in post-menopausal women.Material and methods: Topical films were characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. In vitro release, skin permeation and accumulation were evaluated using Franz diffusion cell and the concentrations of diarylheptanoids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.Results: The combined formulations between HPMC and Eudragit NE showed the satisfactory physical and mechanical properties, and also provided the highest amount of drug released compared to Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS. When the proportion of HPMC amount in the polymer matrix increased, the cumulative drug release also increased (HPMC: Eudragit NE 6:4 > 5:5 > 4:6). Moreover, they provided a high accumulation of diarylheptanoids within skin when using transcutol as a permeation enhancer.Conclusion: The obtained data provided the skin permeation and accumulation behavior of diarylheptanoids, indicating the feasibility of a skin delivery of the C. comosa extract. The developed films might be topically used as an alternative therapy for protection of skin aging in peri and post-menopausal women.

Leopoldia comosa prevents metabolic disorders in rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Obesity is the main feature of a complex illness known as metabolic syndrome. Anti-obesogenic therapies are often associated with side effects and represent a high cost in conventional pharmacological approaches. New strategies based on natural remedies are under continuous investigation. Leopoldia comosa (L.) Parl. (L. comosa) is a spontaneous plant with diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recently, a hypoglycemic activity mediated by inhibition of carbohydrate digestion has been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with L. comosa extracts on a rat model of diet-induced obesity. Leopoldia comosa bulb extracts were obtained using a dynamic extractor. Phytochemical properties and in vitro determination of the antioxidant activity and of the inhibitory effects on lipase and pancreatic amylase were performed.Rats were fed (12weeks) a standard diet, or a high-fat diet (HFD), or an HFD plus L. comosa (20 or 60mg/die) extracts. The metabolic and anthropometric parameters were recorded. Results indicated that L. comosa inhibited lipase and pancreatic amylase activities. In vivo data showed that the supplementation with both doses of L. comosa extracts counteracted the HFD-dependent effects. It reduced body weight, abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia, and improved glucose tolerance with a reduction of lipidic tissue hypertrophy and liver steatosis, as compared to HFD-fed rat. In liver, L. comosa reduced protein expression levels of PEPCK and G6Pase. We suggest that L. comosa extracts prevent obesity-dependent metabolic disorders. This paves the way for their therapeutic application as a natural anti-obesity drug.

Curcuma comosa reduces visceral adipose tissue and improves dyslipidemia in ovariectomized rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) or Wan chak motluk Zingiberaceae family, is widely used in Thai traditional medicine for treatment of gynecological problems as well as relief of postmenopausal symptoms. Since C. comosa contains phytoestrogen and causes lipid lowering effect by an unknown mechanism, we investigated its effect on adiposity and lipid metabolism in estrogen-deprived rats. Materials and methodsAdult female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and received daily doses of either a phytoestrogen from C. comosa [(3R)–1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)–4,6-heptadien-3-ol; DPHD], C. comosa extract, or estrogen (17β-estradiol; E2) for 12 weeks. Adipose tissue mass, serum levels of lipids and adipokines were determined. In addition, genes and proteins involved in lipid synthesis and fatty acid oxidation in visceral adipose tissue were analyzed. ResultsOvariectomy for 12 weeks elevated level of serum lipids and increased visceral fat mass and adipocyte size. These alterations were accompanied with the up-regulation of lipogenic mRNA and protein expressions including LXR-α, SREBP1c and their downstream targets. OVX rats showed decrease in proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation including AMPK-α and PPAR-α in adipose tissue, as well as alteration of adipokines; leptin and adiponectin. Treatments with E2, DPHD or C. comosa extract in OVX rats prevented an increase in adiposity, down-regulated lipogenic genes and proteins with marked increases in the protein levels of AMPK-α and PPAR-α. These findings indicated that their lipid lowering effects were mediated via the suppression of lipid synthesis in concert with an increase in fatty acid oxidation. ConclusionsC. comosa exerts a lipid lowering effect in the estrogen deficient rats through the modulations of lipid synthesis and AMPK-α activity in adipose tissues, supporting the use of this plant for health promotion in the post-menopausal women.

Effect of Curcuma comosa extracts on the functions of peptide transporter and P-glycoprotein in intestinal epithelial cells.

Curcuma comosa has been widely used as a herbal medicine in Thailand; however, it remains unclear whether C. comosa influences the absorption of drugs that are substrates for the transporters in the small intestine. In this study, we investigated the effect of C. comosa extracts on the functioning of peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1), an influx transporter, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an efflux transporter, in Caco-2 cells and rat intestine. In Caco-2 cells, the ethanolic extract of C. comosa (CCE) lowered the uptake of glycylsarcosine (Gly-Sar), a PEPT1 substrate, while it enhanced the uptake of rhodamine 123 (Rho123), a P-gp substrate, in a concentrationdependent manner. In addition, CCE inhibited apical-to-basal transport of Gly-Sar and basal-to-apical transport of Rho123. Furthermore, the absorption of cephalexin, another PEPT1 substrate, and the exsorption of Rho123 across the rat intestine were inhibited by CCE. Conversely, CCW, the hot water extract of C. comosa, suppresses the function of PEPT1 but not of P-gp in Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that C. comosa used as a herbal medicine in Thailand may affect the intestinal absorption of certain drugs.

Serum lipidomics analysis of ovariectomized rats under Curcuma comosa treatment

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) or Wan Chak Motluk, Zingiberaceae family, has been used in Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of gynecological problems and inflammation. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of C. comosa by determining the changes in the lipid profiles in the ovariectomized rats, as a model of estrogen-deficiency-induced hyperlipidemia, after treatment with different components of C. comosa using an untargeted lipidomics approach. Materials and methodsLipids were extracted from the serum of adult female rats subjected to a sham operation (SHAM; control), ovariectomy (OVX), or OVX with 12-week daily doses of estrogen (17β-estradiol; E2), (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DPHD; a phytoestrogen from C. comosa), powdered C. comosa rhizomes or its crude ethanol extract. They were then analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, characterized, and subjected to the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis statistical model to identify tentative biomarkers. ResultsLevels of five classes of lipids (ceramide, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingomyelin, 1-O-alkenyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine) were elevated in the OVX rats compared to those in the SHAM rats, while the monoacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were decreased. The E2 treatment only reversed the levels of ceramides, whereas treatments with DPHD, C. comosa extract or powder returned the levels of all upregulated lipids back to those in the SHAM control rats. ConclusionsThe findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of C. comosa on preventing the increased ceramide levels in OVX rats, a possible cause of metabolic disturbance under estrogen deficiency. Overall, the results demonstrated the power of untargeted lipidomics in discovering disease-relevant biomarkers, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of treatment by C. comosa components (DPHD, extract or powder) as utilized in Thai traditional medicine, and also providing scientific support for its folklore use.

Effects of Vehicles and Enhancers on the Skin Permeation of Phytoestrogenic Diarylheptanoids from Curcuma comosa.

Curcuma comosa (C. comosa) is widely used in traditional medicine as a dietary supplement for health promotion in postmenopausal women in Thailand. It contains several diarylheptanoids, which are considered to be a novel class of phytoestrogens. However, the diarylheptanoids isolated from the plant rhizome are shown to have low oral bioavailability and faster elimination characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the permeation behavior of the active compounds of diarylheptanoids. The effects of binary vehicle systems and permeation enhancers on diarylheptanoids permeation and accumulation within the skin were studied using side-by-side diffusion cells through the porcine ear skin. Among the tested binary vehicle systems, the ethanol/water vehicle appeared to be the most effective system for diarylheptanoids permeation with the highest flux and shortest lag time. The presence of transcutol in the vehicle system significantly increased diarylheptanoid's permeation and accumulation within the skin in a concentration-dependent manner. Although the presence of terpenes in formulation decreased the flux of diarylheptanoids, it raised the amount of diarylheptanoids retained within the skin substantially. Based on the feasibility of diarylheptanoid permeation, C. comosa extract should be further developed into an effective transdermal product for health benefits and hormone replacement therapy.

A diarylheptanoid phytoestrogen from Curcuma comosa, 1,7-diphenyl-4,6-heptadien-3-ol, accelerates human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation

Curcuma comosa Roxb. is ginger-family plant used to relieve menopausal symptoms. Previous work showed that C. comosa extracts protect mice from ovariectomy-induced osteopenia with minimal effects on reproductive organs, and identified the diarylheptanoid (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DPHD) as the major active component of C. comosa rhizomes. At 1–10μM, DPHD increased differentiation in transformed mouse osteoblasts, but the effect of DPHD on normal bone cells was unknown. We examined the concentration dependency and mechanism of action of DPHD relative to 17β-estradiol in nontransformed human osteoblasts (h-OB). The h-OB were 10–100 fold more sensitive to DPHD than transformed osteoblasts: DPHD increased h-OB proliferation at 10nM and, at 100nM, activated MAP kinase signaling within 30min. In long-term differentiation assays, responses of h-OB to DPHD were significant at 10nM, and optimal response in most cases was at 100nM. At 7–21 days, DPHD accelerated osteoblast differentiation, indicated by alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast-specific mRNA production. Effects of DPHD were eliminated by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780. During differentiation, DPHD promoted early expression of osteoblast transcription factors, RUNX2 and osterix. Subsequently, DPHD accelerated production of bone structural genes, including COL1A1 and osteocalcin comparably to 17β-estradiol. In h-OB, DPHD increased the osteoprotegerin to RANKL ratio and supported mineralization more efficiently than 10nM 17β-estradiol. We conclude that DPHD promotes human osteoblast function in vitro effectively at nanomolar concentrations, making it a promising compound to protect bone in menopausal women.

Pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of diarylheptanoid phytoestrogens from Curcuma comosa in rats

Curcuma comosa is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for gynecological diseases in South East Asia. Previous studies reported that it has phytoestrogenic activity, and several diarylheptanoids were found to be the active constituents. In this study, the pharmacokinetics profile and organ distribution of three active compounds of C. comosa hexane extract were investigated. Rats were separately administered C. comosa hexane extract intravenously at the dose of 125 mg/kg and orally at the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight, after which blood and target organs were collected at specified time intervals from 0 to 24 h. HPLC was used to measure the concentration of three major compounds, (6E)-1,7-diphenylhept-6-en-3-one (DPH1), (4E,6E)-1,7-diphenylhepta-4,6-dien-3-ol (DPH2), and (6E)-1,7-diphenylhept-6-en-3-ol (DPH3), which were found to be present in the blood and tissues and were subsequently used as markers. In the intravenous study, the volumes of distribution (V(d)) were 1.06, 8.57, and 6.56 L/kg and clearance values (CL(s)) were 0.28, 5.56, and 3.39 L/kg/h for DPH1, DPH2, and DPH3, respectively. After oral administration, the three major compounds of both doses reached a maximum systemic concentration at 2 h with maximum concentration (C(max)) of 0.85, 0.17, and 0.53 mg/L for the lower dose and 1.46, 0.17, and 0.61 mg/L for the higher dose. The bioavailabilities were 31.2, 24.01, and 31.56% for lower dose and 22.61, 17.66, and 17.73% for higher dose with a terminal half-life (t(1/2)) of 10.86, 6.3, and 4.62 h for lower dose and 3.85, 2.77, and 2.10 h for higher dose for DPH1, DPH2, and DPH3, respectively. These three major compounds are all found distributed in the brain, liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus after oral and intravenous administration and their related pharmacokinetic parameters are described. This study provides the essential pharmacokinetic data for diarylheptanoid phytoestrogenic compounds of C. comosa extract which are required for clinical dose and dosage design.

A protective effect of Curcuma comosa Roxb. on bone loss in estrogen deficient mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance Curcuma comosa Roxb. or Wan chak motluk is an indigenous medicinal herb and has traditionally been used among postmenopausal women for relief of unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Aim of the study Estrogen deficiency is a causative factor in the development of osteoporosis in menopausal women. Phytoestrogens, non-steroidal plant-derived compounds which have an array of beneficial effects, are considered as an effective alternative compound in preventing bone loss caused by the deficiency of estrogen. The present study determined the potential effect of Curcuma comosa Roxb. ( C. comosa) hexane extract containing phytoestrogens in protecting bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice. Materials and methods Mature Swiss albino female mice were ovariectomized and treated with the C. comosa extract for 5 weeks. Bone calcium content, bone mass density, histology, and bone markers were evaluated. Results The ovariectomized mice showed a marked decrease in total bone calcium content and bone mass density of lumbar vertebrae 5–6, femur and tibia bone in comparison with the intact control mice. Bone histology demonstrated the poor development of endochondral bone formation in ovariectomized mice which correlated with a decrease in plasma bone alkaline phosphatase activity. Treatment with C. comosa protected against the loss of total bone calcium content and bone mass density in both trabecular and cortical bones, similar to results observed with estrogen treatment. In addition, C. comosa treatment resulted in less increase in uterine weight compared to estrogen treatment. Conclusion Our results suggest that C. comosa prevents bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. Therefore, C. comosa would be a potential alternative treatment for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Inhibitory effect of Curcuma comosa on NO production and cytokine expression in LPS-activated microglia

Curcuma comosa is an indigenous plant of Thailand, which has been traditionally and widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of postpartum uterine bleeding and uterine inflammation. However, the scientific investigation on its anti-inflammatory activity has not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract from C. comosa on the responses in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pretreatment of highly aggressively proliferating immortalized (HAPI) cells, a rat microglial cell line, with the hexane extract of C. comosa rhizome at 10 − 9 to 10 − 5 g/ml significantly suppressed the levels of NO released from these cells. The attenuation in iNOS protein and mRNA expression was also observed suggesting an interference at transcriptional level. In addition, C. comosa extract inhibited interferon regulatory factor-1 expression which is an essential transcription factor governing the iNOS expression. Moreover, the levels of mRNA expressions of MCP-1 and IL-6 induced by LPS were also prominently decreased in the presence of C. comosa extract. These results suggest that C. comosa extract possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and has a potential to be developed as a therapeutic compound for diverse neurological disorders associated with inflammation.

Reduction of plasma cholesterol by Curcuma comosa extract in hypercholesterolaemic hamsters

The influence of the extract of Curcuma comosa Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) on lipid metabolism was investigated in hypercholesterolaemic hamsters. Intragastric administration of the ethyl acetate extract of C. comosa rhizome (0–500 mg/kg per day) to hypercholesterolaemic animals for 7 days decreased both plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of plasma cholesterol levels was accompanied by a significant increase in the hepatic cholesterol content while the triglyceride content was not significantly changed. The increase of the hepatic cholesterol content was brought about by an expansion of the free cholesterol pool which specifically augments biliary cholesterol excretion. The C. comosa extract also increased plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and decreased plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. These results suggest that the C. comosa extract exerts a hypolipidaemic action by acceleration of lipid mobilization from extrahepatic tissue to the liver which subsequently increases excretion of cholesterol via the bile for excretion.

Effect of Curcuma comosa Extract on Male Fertility in Rats

We investigated the effect of a hexane extract of Curcuma comosa Roxb., previously reported to mediate estrogenic activity, on fertility in adult male rats. Intragastric administration of the C. comosa extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days significantly decreased weights of testes, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles. The decreased testicular weight corresponded with a marked regression of spermatogonia and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Biochemical analysis revealed significantly decreased activity of acid phosphatase in the ventral prostate. The activity of a-glucosidase in the cauda epididymides, and the fructose content in coagulating glands, were not significantly affected. Sperm concentration and motility in the cauda epididymides were also significantly suppressed. However, this 7-day treatment did not significantly affect fertility of the animals. Alterations by C. comosa extract were similar to effects mediated by estradiol. This suggests that the suppressing effect of C. comosa on male reproductive organs is mediated through the estrogenic-like action of the plant extract.

Growth Suppressing Effect of Curcuma Comosa Extract on Male Reproductive Organs in Immature Rats

The effects of Curcuma comosa extracts on the growth of male reproductive organs were investigated in immature rats. Intragastric administration of a hexane extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days significantly suppressed weights of testes, epididymis, ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and levator ani muscle, whereas the same dose of ethyl acetate extract did not affect the organ weights. Suppression of the growth of the organs by the hexane extract was dose-dependent. Histological examination revealed regression of the spermatogonium in the seminiferous tubules and necrosis of epithelial cells in the epididymis. All effects of the hexane extract were similar to the effects of estradiol. Concurrent treatment with either hCG or testosterone did not fully abolish the suppressing effects of the extract. The growth-suppressing effect of C. comosa extract on male reproductive organs can be attributed to inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion and subsequent reduction of testosterone production, or to direct action on the male accessory sex organs.