Ginger Rhizome Extract Research Articles

Isolasi dan Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Senyawa Fenol Ekstrak Etil Asetat Rimpang Jahe Merah (Zingiber officinale Roscoe var. sunti)

In the treatment of infectious diseases, one of the serious problems faced is the occurrence of bacterial resistance to the antibiotics used. The search for new antimicrobial compounds is one of the important research activities, because of the background of the development of resistant bacterial populations. In line with this, the development of new drugs is needed to replace drugs that become resistant. This study aimed to isolate phenol compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of red ginger rhizome (Z. officinale Roscoe var. Sunti), and analyze the results of isolation using UV and FTIR spectrophotometers and test the antibacterial activity of phenol compounds to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The isolation stage was started by macerating the powder with n-hexane solvent then continued maceration using ethyl acetate solvents. After that the ethyl acetate extract was carried out by separation and purification of the compound using the vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC), guided gravity chromatography with thin layer chromatography (TLC) and also preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). From the isolation results obtained pure isolates, purity test, measurement using UV and IR spectrophotometers, and antibacterial activity tests. From the results of UV and FTIR analysis, it was concluded that the compounds obtained were groups of phenol compounds, in the form of yellow solids and showed the existence of a double bond system conjugated in the presence of –OH, C = O, C = C and –CH aromatic groups. Antibacterial activity test showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Escherichia coli bacteria was 12.5% with a minimum kill concentration (MBC) of 50%, whereas for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 6.3% and minimum kill concentration (MBC) of 25%.

Label-free evaluation of small-molecule–protein interaction using magnetic capture and electrochemical detection

The evaluation of interaction between small molecules and protein is an important step in the discovery of new drugs and to study complex biological systems. In this work, an alternative method was presented to evaluate small-molecule-protein interaction by using ligand capture by protein-coated magnetic particles (MPs) and disposable electrochemical cells. The interaction study was conducted using [10]-gingerol from ginger rhizome and a transmembrane protein αVβ3 integrin. Initially, the electrochemical behavior of the natural compound [10]-gingerol was evaluated with the disposable carbon-based electrodes and presented an irreversible oxidation process controlled by diffusion. The analytical curve for [10]-gingerol was obtained in the range of 1.0 to 20.0μmolL-1, with limit of detection of 0.26μmolL-1. Then MPs coated with αVβ3 integrin were incubated with standard solutions and extracts of ginger rhizome for [10]-gingerol capture and separation. The bioconjugate obtained was dropped to the disposable electrochemical cells, keeping a permanent magnet behind the working electrode, and the binding process was evaluated by the electrochemical detection of [10]-gingerol. The assay method proposed was also employed to calculate the [10]-gingerol-αVβ3 integrin association constant, which was calculated as 4.3 × 107M-1. The method proposed proved to be a good label-free alternative to ligand-protein interaction studies. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Ginger alleviates hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis and protects rats against diabetic nephropathy

Oxidative stress plays a major role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, the potential protective effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis was investigated. An experimental diabetic rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were treated orally with 400 or 800 mg/kg/day Z. officinale extract for six weeks. Diabetic animals exhibited elevated blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with altered lipid profile. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urea, and urine albumin levels were significantly increased in diabetic rats. Treatment with Z. officinale ameliorated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and kidney function. In addition, Z. officinale minimized the histological alterations in the kidney of diabetic rats. Chronic hyperglycemia resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytochrome c and caspase-3 in the kidney of rats. Z. officinale extract significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and enhanced antioxidant defenses in the diabetic kidney. In conclusion, this study strongly suggests that Z. officinale rhizome extract exerts a protective role against diabetes-induced renal injury by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

PENURUNAN LAJU PENUAAN REPRODUKSI MENCIT JANTAN (Mus muculus.Linn) DENGAN PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK JAHE (Zingiber officinale) DALAM PAKAN

The ginger rhizome contains antioxidants and is chemoprotective, therefore we suspect it can decrease the aging rate in the reproductive system. The purpose of this study, to determine the effect of ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) against reproductive aging of male mice (Mus musculus). This study, using 36 male mice (Mus musculus) aged 12-14 months, divided into three groups each 12 tails. Group 1 as controls, groups 2 and 3 were given 50 mg and 100 mg ginger extract / kg of pellets. The pellet is given for 70 days ad libitum. Next, observed the number of spermatogenic cells, as well as the number and quality of spermatozoa. The results showed that ginger extract had an effect on spermatogenic and spermatozoa (P <0,01) cells of mice. The results of preleptotene spermatocyte, pakhiten and spermatid spermatocyte counts were higher, as were the number of spermatozoa, the percentage of viability and motility, and the normal morphology of spermatozoa were more in the group given ginger extract than control (P <0.01). It was concluded that ginger rhizome extract given to mice entering the aging period could inhibit the rate of decline in reproductive function.

Effects of natural products on several stages of the spore cycle of Clostridium difficile in vitro.

To investigate the effect of natural products on the spore cycle of Clostridium difficile invitro. Twenty-two natural products were investigated using four C. difficile strains. Effects on sporulation, determined using microscopy and a conventional spore recovery assay, showed that fresh onion bulb extract (6·3% vv-1 ) and coconut oil (8% vv-1 ) inhibited sporulation in all four isolates by 66-86% and 51-88%, respectively, compared to untreated controls. Fresh ginger rhizome extract (25% vv-1 ) was also inhibitory, although to a lesser extent. Using a standard spore germination and outgrowth assay, germination was unaffected by the 22 products, whereas outgrowth was significantly reduced by artichoke extract (18·8mgml-1 ), fresh onion bulb extract (25% vv-1 ), Leptospermum honeys (8% wv-1 ) and allicin (75mgml-1 ; P<0·01). Sporicidal activity, investigated using a standard plate recovery assay, was minimal. Three of the 22 natural products (13%) showed inhibitory effects on sporulation of C. difficile and six products (27%) reduced vegetative outgrowth of C. difficile. This study shows the potential of natural products to inhibit different stages of C. difficile sporulation and encourages further investigation in this field.

Pengaruh Pemberian Kombinasi Ekstrak Etanol Daun Sidaguri (Sida rhombifolia L.) dan Rimpang Jahe Merah (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) pada Mencit Jantan Hiperurisemia

&#x0D; This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination of sidaguri leaves and red ginger rhizome extracts in uric acid levels of hyperuricemic male mice. Thirty-six mice were divided into nine groups including normal group, the positive control (+), negative control (-), extracts of four treatment groups with a variety of combinations and two groups of single extract. Hyperuricemia induction was performed by administering mixture melinjo 10% of the standard feed mice for 7 days dan potassium oxonate 250 mg/kg BB intraperitoneally at 2 hours before blood sampling. The results showed that the combination dose of sidaguri leaves of 50 mg/kg BB and red ginger rhizome 400 mg/kg BB had higher antihyperuricemia activity than other combinations in lowering uric acid levels of mice. Compounds may have antihyperuricemic activity were flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: sidaguri leaves, red ginger rhizome, antihyperuricemic activity, uric acid&#x0D;

Hepatoprotective effect of red ginger rhizome extract in deep frying oil-fed male wistar rats

BACKGROUNDNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease associated with increased free fatty acids, trans fatty acids and free radical compounds due to the consumption of deep frying oil (DFO). Ginger has hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties, and acts as an insulin sensitizer. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale Roxb var rubrum (EEZO) in DFO-fed male Wistar rats.METHODSA study of experimental design was conducted involving 24 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) male Wistar rats that were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group K1 (control) was given DFO-3 (3 times heated DFO) at a dose of 10 ìl/g BW/day. The treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) were given DFO-3 and red ginger rhizome extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW orally for 30 days. The histopathology examination assessed fatty degeneration, and degree of fibrosis. The data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-whitney test.RESULTS The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that fatty degeneration (steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and NASH) were significantly different among the four groups (p&lt;0.05). Mann-Whitney test proved that fatty degeneration was not significantly different between control and treatment groups (p&gt;0.05).CONCLUSIONDeep frying oil increased fatty degeneration and NASH, and none of red ginger rhizome extract doses was able to inhibit fatty degeneration significantly. For the future research it is intended to prolong the induction time and the administration of red ginger rhizome extract.

OPTIMASI FORMULASI SABUN MANDI CAIR EKSTRAK ETANOL RIMPANG JAHE MERAH (Zingiber officinale Rosc. var rubrum) DENGAN METODE SIMPLEX LATTICE DESIGN

Prevention of diseases caused by bacteria can be carried out with the use of antibacterial soap. The use of antibacterial soaps derived from natural one is to plant a red ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc. var rubrum) which proved to have antibacterial activity. Therefore, preparations to make it more acceptable liquid soap containing antibacterial compounds 6-shogaol, gingerol, and zingiberen from red ginger plant. Simplex Lattice Design is a method which to find a good formula of dosage from. The study aims to determine the optimum formulation liquid soap ethanolic extract of red ginger rhizome using the method of Simplex Lattice Design. Simplex Lattice Design Methods used to optimize the formulation of liquid soap with five formulas with variations in the amount of olive oil and potassium hydroxide (KOH), FI (0%:100%), FII (25%:75%), FIII (50%:50%), FIV (75%:25%), FV (100%:0%). Evaluation of liquid soap ethanol extract of red ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Rosc. var rubrum) include an examination viscosity, pH, and free alkali. Physical stability was analized to find higher total response value (R total) as parameter of the optimum formula by Simplex Lattice Design Methods with Design Expert software version 8.0.7.1. Optimum formula liquid soap ethanolic extract of red ginger rhizome with the proportion of variation base olive oil 98,1%(27,167 g) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) 1,9%(3,99 g). Data obtained physical characteristics test compared with prediction value using Design Expert software version 8.0.7.1. The result showed that physical properties of liquid soap formula optimum didn’t different significantly for easy response.

Self-organizing silver and ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles prepared with ginger rhizome extract: Characterization, biomedical potential and microstructure analysis of hydrocolloids

Multimodal nanoparticles (NPs) that may be used for therapies and diagnostics is the most promising trend for efficient therapy. We demonstrate that nanocomposite based on self-organizing silver and ultrasmall magnetic iron oxide NPs (MAg) produced in one-step synthesis revealed unique combination of fluorescence, bactericidal, fungicidal properties and have a potential as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Using the green chemistry approach, ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract was applied as capping agent for MAg synthesis, providing also additional fluorescent properties of NPs and inducing hydrocolloids structuring. The MAg were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive microanalysis (EDS), fluorescence microscopy, cryo-SEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopies. MAg dispersions in water and some biological media are very stable which is important for biomedical application. The existence of microstructure in MAg hydrocolloids was proved. The hierarchical character and high ordering of this microstructure were discovered and its level-by-level building blocks were investigated. The microstructure was found to be responsible for fluorescence emittance of MAg hydrocolloids. The properties as well as potential application of the MAg hydrocolloids is yet to be discovered.

PERBEDAAN EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK RIMPANG TEMULAWAK (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) DENGAN EKSTRAK DAUN SALAM (Eugenia polyantha Wight) PADA PENURUNAN KADAR KOLESTEROL TOTAL TIKUS PUTIH JANTAN (Rattus norvegicus)

Dyslipidemia is a coronary heart disease risk factor. Dyslipidemia is characterized by the elevated levels of LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and the decrease in HDL. Ginger rhizome (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) and bay leaf (Eugenia polyantha Wight.) are local plants that have the abilities to decrease total cholesterol. This research design was true experimental with pre- and post-control group design. Criteria of sample were white rats, wistar strain, male, age of 8-12 weeks, and body weight range of 150-200 grams. Sampling method was simple random sampling. The experimental rats were acclimatized for seven days. Hypercholesterol diet was fed two weeks, and then the rats were given intervention and get hypercholesterol diet for two weeks. During intervention, the experimental rats were divided into 6 groups of administrationi.e, rats administered with 1) carboxymethil celluse/CMC, 2) simvastatin 0,9 mg/kg BW/day, 3) ginger rhizome extract 200 mg /kg BW/day, 4) ginger rhizome extract 400 mg/kg BW/day, 5) bay leaf extract 200 mg/kg BW/day, and 6) bay leaf extract 400 mg/kg BW/day. Blood samples were taken from caudal vein and total cholesterol levels were measured by spectrophotometry. The analysis used paired T test, One Way ANOVA test. The results showed ginger rhizome extract did not effectively reduce total cholesterol. However, bay leaf extract effectively decreased total cholesterol levels with the highest total cholesterol reduction was found in rats administered with dose of 400 mg/kg BW/day i.e, 15.4 mg/dl. Bay leaf extract have the same effectivity with simvastatin as a standard drug in lowering cholesterol level.

Characterisation of ginger extracts obtained by subcritical water

Subcritical water extraction is gaining increased popularity in the production of natural extracts. Higher yields of target compounds, broader range of extracted compounds, its green character and safety make this extraction technique convenient for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in many traditional medicines. Modern science also recognises and confirms its beneficial health effects including antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Subcritical water extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome were compared to extracts obtained by boiling water at atmospheric pressure in respect to antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against eight microbial strains two of which belong to fungal class. Cytotoxic activity was observed for three tumor cell lines derived from human cervix carcinoma, human rhabdomyosarcoma and murine fibroblast. Chemical composition of subcritical water extracts of ginger was determined by HPLC-ESI-TOF–MS.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) Extract And 10- Gingerol Enhance The Activity Of Clarithromycin Against Resistant Helicobacter Strains

Previously, we have demonstrated that a methanol extract of ginger rhizome inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in vitro (MIC range of 0.78 to 12.5 µg/ml), with the gingerols being the active constituents [1] Furthermore, the ginger extract reduced HP load in Mongolian gerbils and significantly reduced both acute and chronic muscosal and submucosal inflammation, cryptitis, as well as epithelial cell degeneration and erosion induced by HP [2]. Since clarithromycin is a key component of many therapeutic regimens recommended for H. pylori eradication, and that resistance to clarithromycin has emerged, we tested the ginger extracts and gingerols for possible synergism with clarithromycin in 12 HP clinical isolates. The combination effect of antibiotics and ginger extract/gingerols in agar medium was determined using the checkerboard assay and evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. The combination of clarithromycin and the ginger extract or 10-gingerol was synergistic in 8 of the clinical HP strains tested, including the 5 clarithromycin resistant strains, as well as the ATCC 43504 control strain. The results from the FIC checkerboard showed that more than 80% of all clinical isolates, were susceptible to the effect of the combination of ginger extract/or 10-gingerol and clarithromycin, with synergistic and additive effects. For clinical isolate #10, the MIC of clarithromycin (CL) decreased significantly from 100 µg/ml to 6.25 µg/ml, in the presence of 10 µg/ml 10-gingerol. These data support the hypothesis that specific natural products have additive and synergistic effects with clarithromycin against CL-susceptibile and CL-resistant HP strains.

Ovicidal effects of indigenous plant extracts alone and with triazophos 40 EC on Spodoptera litura (F.)

Against Spodoptera litura (F.) the plant extracts when evaluated neem seed extract 5% recorded minimum egg hatching followed by subza (Ocimum basilicum) leaf extract and these were significantly superior over marigold (Tagetes erecta) leaf extract, orange (Citrus reticulata) peel extract and ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract @ 5% each. However, none of these alone could surpass the effects of trizophos 40 EC. There was an increase in the ovicidal activity when these extracts were mixed with trizophos 40 EC compared with their individual effects. All the plant extracts and their combinations with trizophos 40 EC were effective in reduced egg hatching but not effective compared to trizophos. The post hatching observations indicated that the moribund larvae were more with leaf extracts.

EVALUATION OF PHYTOEXTRACTS AGAINST MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA (TASSI) GOID CAUSING ROOT ROT OF SESAME

Occurrence of root rot disease in sesame has become a major constraint for cultivation of sesame in Junagadh district of Gujarat State (India). Considering the fact, the following investigation was carried out for this pathological problem. The efficacy of various botanicals were evaluated against Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid causing root rot of sesame. The phytoextracts of nine plant species were evaluated in vitro by poisoned food technique against M. phaseolina. The extract of garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.) was proved excellent with maximum inhibiting (77.65 %) mycelial growth and scanty sclerotial formation followed by onion bulb extract (Allium cepa L.) (63.98%). while least growth inhibition (32.34 %) was recorded in ginger rhizome extract.

Amelioration of pancreatic and renal derangements in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by polyphenol extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome

Free and bound polyphenol extracts of Zingiber officinale rhizome were investigated for their antidiabetic potential in the pancreatic and renal tissues of diabetic rats at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight. Forty Wistar rats were completely randomized into five groups: A–E consisting of eight animals each. Group A (control) comprises normal healthy animals and were orally administered 1.0mL distilled water on a daily basis for 42 days while group B–E were made up of 50mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Group C and D received 1.0mL 500mg/kg body weight free and bound polyphenol extracts respectively while group E received 1.0mL 0.6mg/kg of glibenclamide. Administration of the extracts to the diabetic rats significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum glucose and urea concentrations, increased (p<0.05) serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for β-cell dysfunction (HOMA-β) while the level of creatinine and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were not affected. Histological examination of the pancreas and kidney revealed restoration of the structural derangements caused by streptozotocin in the polyphenol extracts treated diabetic rats compared to the control groups. Therefore, polyphenols from Zingiber officinale could ameliorate diabetes-induced pancreatic and renal derangements in rats.

Synthesis, characteristics and antimicrobial activity of ZnO nanoparticles

The utilization of various plant resources for the bio synthesis of metallic nano particles is called green technology and it does not utilize any harmful protocols. Present study focuses on the green synthesis of ZnO nano particles by Zinc Carbonate and utilizing the bio-components of powder extract of dry ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale). The ZnO nano crystallites of average size range of 23–26nm have been synthesized by rapid, simple and eco friendly method. Zinc oxide nano particles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). FTIR spectra confirmed the adsorption of surfactant molecules at the surface of ZnO nanoparticles and the presence of ZnO bonding. Antimicrobial activity of ZnO nano particles was done by well diffusion method against pathogenic organisms like Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum. It is observed that the ZnO synthesized in the process has the efficient antimicrobial activity.

Kombinasi Ekstrak Rimpang Jahe dengan Insektisida Fipronil untuk Pengendalian Hama Trips pada Kacang Hijau

Thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus is an important pest on mungbean. Severe attack by thrips causes yield losses up to 64%. Control measure by combining the use of botanical and synthetic insecticides is expected to reduce the amount use of synthetic insecticides. The research was aimed to obtain the proper time and frequency applications of botanical and synthetic insecticides, most effectively control the thrips on mungbean. The research was conducted at Muneng research station during dry season of 2012. The treatment were arranged on randomized block design, three replications of 10 treatments. New mungbean varieties, Vima-1 was planted on plot of 20 m x 3 m, with 40 cm x 15 cm spacing, two plants per hill. Fertilization of 45 kg Urea + 45 kg SP36 + 50 kg KCl/ha were applied at planting. Observations were made on thrips populations, damages caused by thrips attack, grain yield and yield components. Results showed that the use of fipronil 2 ml/l at 10 days after planting (DAP) followed by application of ginger rhizome extract 20 g/l at 17; 24; 31 DAP and the use of fipronil 2 ml/l at 10 and 17 DAP followed by application of ginger rhizome extract 20 g/l at 24 and 31 DAP effective to control thrips, equivalent with the use of fipronil 2 ml / l at 10; 17; 24; 31 DAP . The use of ginger extract as botanical insecticide reduces the use of synthetic insecticide thus maintains the quality of environment by reducing the insecticide residue.

Effect of ginger rhizome extract on lymphocytopenic guinea pig with azathioprine

The objectives of this study were to investigate quantitative alterations in leukocytes and immunosuppressive effects of ginger rhizome associated with oral administration of Azathioprine (AZA) on guinea pig model. This study was carried out at the Al Jouf University during the period from March to April 2013. A total of twelve guinea pigs randomly divided into three groups (four guinea pigs each) were used in this study. Group I, received daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg body weight of AZA in combination with 50 mg/ml of ginger rhizome extract for five days; Group II was treated with 50 mg AZA daily for five days, while Group III was used as a control group. Hematological alterations associated with ginger rhizome and AZA were measured using standard hematological and data analysis techniques. Ginger rhizome in combination with AZA was found to enhance the reduction in the lymph (%) compared to AZA treatment (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte was significantly lower in group II (AZA) and group I (AZA + ginger) (P < 0.05), 13 and 18%, respectively than the control group, 38%. This may be due to either inhibition in one of the lymphopoiesis growth factors or shortening the life span of lymphocytic cells by the action of AZA. The results of the present study indicated an immune suppressive effect of ginger rhizome extract associated with immunosuppressive agent (AZA) with mainly lymphocytopenia. The current findings suggest that ginger may have a role in either the stimulation of lymphopoiesis or discontinue the effect of AZA, as the percentage of lymphocytes was significantly higher in group II versus group I after mixing up AZA + ginger. Accordingly, further studies would be useful to estimate lymphocytic growth factors to know the relationship between ginger, AZA and lymphopoiesis. Key words: Azathioprine, ginger rhizome, blood cell counting, hematological alterations.

EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON SPORULATION AND SPORE GERMINATION OF STORED MELON SEED FUNGI

Frequently, stored melon seeds fail to preserve to their time of use. Storage fungi invade these seeds and cause their deterioration. A study was, therefore, carried out to determine the effect of guava (Psidiumguajava L.) leaf and ginger (Zingiberofficinale) rhizome extracts on the sporulation and spore germination of the invading seed fungi.Dried leaves and rhizomes were ground in sterile mortar, filtered through a wire sieve and then extracted usingthree different solvents. Results revealed that both extracts hindered sporulation and spore germination in the four fungi tested namely: Aspergillusflavus, A. niger, Rhizopusstolonifer and Fusarium species. The effect of the extracts on the test organisms increased with concentration of the extracts. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, lipids,tannins, flavonoids, and steroids. A reduction in nutrient contents was also observed in infested melon seeds. These results are significant and would serve as a template for planning the control of storage fungi in melon seeds in particular and other crop produce in general.

Green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using Zingiber officinale root extract and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against food pathogens.

In the present study, we synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles with a particle size of 10-20nm, using Zingiber officinale root extract as a reducing and capping agent. Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were mixed with Z. officinale root extract for the production of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The surface plasmon absorbance spectra of AgNPs and AuNPs were observed at 436-531nm, respectively. Optimum nanoparticle production was achieved at pH 8 and 9, 1mM metal ion, a reaction temperature 50°C and reaction time of 150-180min for AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) study provides proof for the purity of AgNPs and AuNPs. Transmission electron microscopy images show the diameter of well-dispersed AgNPs (10-20nm) and AuNPs (5-20nm). The nanocrystalline phase of Ag and Au with FCC crystal structures have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows the respective peaks for the potential biomolecules in the ginger rhizome extract, which are responsible for the reduction in metal ions and synthesized AgNPs and AuNPs. In addition, the synthesized AgNPs showed a moderate antibacterial activity against bacterial food pathogens.