Ginger Rhizome Extract Research Articles

Formulation of Face Serum Combining Pedada Leaf Extract (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) and Kencur Rhizome Extract (Kaempferia galanga L.) As an Antioxidant Cosmetic Preparation

Plants containing natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have the potential to be utilized and formulated into cosmetic products. Pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) leaves, a type of mangrove plant and aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga L.) rhizomes are two plants known for their high antioxidant activity. This study aimed to formulate facial serum using a combination of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the formulations. The extraction of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes was performed using the maceration method with 96% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method. The facial serum was formulated with combinations of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes in ratios of 1:1 (F1), 2:1 (F2), and 3:1 (F3). The serum formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and irritation potential. The results indicated that the IC50 values of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts were 10.78 ppm and 634.41 ppm, respectively. The best combination was a 3:1 ratio, which yielded an IC50 value of 15.74 ppm. The most effective serum formulation was F2, with an IC50 value of 394.98 ppm. The pH values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 6.23, 5.72, and 5.43, respectively, and the stability test at 5°C, 28°C, and 40°C for three months showed pH values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The viscosity values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 655, 1810, and 2776 cps, respectively. Acute dermal irritation tests on rabbits indicated that serum formulations F2 and F3 showed no adverse responses

Effective Herbal Mouthwash: A Green Approach

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, with plaque buildup and increased oral microorganisms being major contributors to poor oral health. Various herbal extracts, including german chamomile, terminaliachebula, aloevera, green tea, peppermint satva, turmeric, neem, triphala, pomegranate extracts, guava extract, propolis, alum, darim leaves, mulethi, and others, exhibit properties similar to chlorhexidine in controlling plaque and reducing gingivitis. Many herbal mouthwashes contain herbs with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. A combination of neem, tulsi, guava leaves, turmeric and ginger rhizome and clove oil extracts used as a mouthwash has shown to be more effective than chlorhexidine in gingival index, bleeding index and colony count. Therefore, using green herbal mouthwash can enhance oral hygiene without adverse effects. Thus maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Poor oral hygiene often results from plaque accumulation and an increase in oral microorganisms. In recent years, herbal mouthwashes have gained popularity for their potential benefits in promoting oral health. This research paper explores the advantage of herbal mouthwash when compared to the standard chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Antioxidant and anti hyperalgesia activity of ethanol extract and fraction from red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) in early painful diabetic neuropathy mice

Background: Gingerol and shogaol are two major bio-components of Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum (red ginger) has been widely reported as an antioxidant crucial in painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Objective: Determines the activity of the ethanolic extract of red ginger rhizome and its fraction by in vitro antioxidant and the in vivo study in PDN mice. Method: Red ginger was extracted using ethanol and fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The antioxidant was tested using DPPH and CUPRAC. Diabetes was induced using alloxan 225 mg/kg BW ip in male BALB/c mice. After 14 days, mice were randomly divided into normal, diabetic, ethanol extract, chloroform fraction, ethyl acetate fraction on the same dose of 400 mg/kg BW, metformin (200 mg/kg BW), and gabapentin (100 mg/kg BW). Treatments were given orally, once daily, for 21 days. Latency time and blood glucose levels were measured every week. Histology of the spinal cord was analysed using Hematoxylin-eosin staining. Result: The ethyl acetate fraction had the best antioxidant activity using DPPH (IC50 13.93 ± 0.06) and CUPRAC (IC50 4.07 ± 0.06). This fraction showed the most potent ability to decrease BGL (69.78 ± 18.36%), same as metformin, and hyperalgesia (59.34 ± 7.90%) better than gabapentin. This treatment repaired the spinal cord by reducing the number of inflammatory cells and neuron degeneration in PDN mice. Conclusion: The EERG of 400 mg/kg BW significantly affects arthritis-induced hyperalgesia.

Effectiveness of combined herbal products for cough during acute respiratory diseases in children in outpatient settings

Background. Coughing is an important defense mechanism of the respiratory system to remove mucus, harmful substances and infectious agents from the respiratory tract. There are pharmacological ways to influence different loci of the cough reflex arc. The most physiologic approach is to act at the level of cough receptors in order to preserve clearance function while maintaining a high quality of life for patients. This goal can be achieved by using combinations of substances of plant origin, in particular cumin fruit, ginger rhizome extract, althea root extract and ivy leaf extract, carob syrup, dried black currant extract due to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective, moisturizing, soothing effects. Aim. To determine the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the syrup based on extracts of althea roots, plantain leaves, chamomile flowers, thyme herb, mint leaves, and ascorbic acid "Kidz syrup with althea and plantain" for cough during acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children. Materials and methods. The study included 70 primary school children aged 7 to 11 years with diagnosed ARI accompanied by cough; all children received standard symptomatic therapy for ARI. Of these, 35 children received the dietary supplement “Kidz syrup with althea and plantain” (study group), and 35 children received an alternative plant-based drug with the same indications for medicinal use (control group). Results. The addition of the dietary supplement "Kidz syrup with althea and plantain" to the standard therapy made it possible almost to halve the rates of all intoxication and respiratory symptoms. By the end of the study, 25 (71.4%) children did not have a cough, and 6 (17.1%) had a mild short-term cough, which did not disturb their well-being. In the control group, cough was absent in only 8 children (22.9%). Conclusion. This study shows that "Kidz syrup with althea and plantain" is highly clinically effective. The complex of plant-based components contributed to the activation of the protective functions of the body, confirmed by the improvement.

Effect of Ginger Extract and Polyphosphate on Microbiological Properties of Chicken Meat

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Trisodium phosphate (TSP), fresh ginger rhizome extract (GE) and their mix on some microbiological properties of chicken meat. The chicken carcasses samples were collected after evisceration processes and before coming into the immersion chiller, from the production line of private automatic poultry slaughterhouse in Dhamar city, Yemen. The chicken `s carcasses were divided into four treatment groups and control: The G-I was acts as control (3 carcasses), G-II (6 carcasses), G-III (6 carcasses) and G-IV (3 carcasses) were dipped in 3 and 5% ginger extracts, 6 and 8% TSP solutions and mix of TSP (6%) and ginger extract (3%) respectively. Measurements were taken before and post treatment at 0, 48 and 72 hrs. at 4±1˚C. The results showed a significant reducing(P<0.05) in populations of total bacteria counts and Staphylococcus by 0.85 and 0.79 log cfu/ml in treated group with 8% TSP; while, in treated groups with 6%, 8% TSP and with the mix of (3% GE + 6 % TSP) caused a significant reduction in Salmonella counts by 0.82, 1.05 and 0.89 log cfu/ml respectively. Changes in microbial loads during cold storage indicated that chicken meat group treated with 8% TSP resulted in a significant reduction in total bacterial counts by 3.45 log cfu/ml compared to control group 4.36 log cfu/ml after 48 hrs. of storage at 4±1˚C; while, Salmonella count was significantly reduced by 2.46 log cfu/ml as compared to control 3.78 log cfu/ml after 72 hrs. of storage at 4±1˚C. In conclusion, Trisodium phosphate, ginger, and Trisodium phosphate and ginger in combination at different concentration exhibited antibacterial activities in reduction of bacterial counts and load on chicken meat. Trisodium phosphate compound showed more efficacy compared to ginger extracts. The treatments of chicken meat with TSP, GE and their mix increased the shelf life of the meat. Further studies are needed to study the effect of other plant extract on microbiological properties of chicken meat.

Evaluation of Phyto-extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Blight of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) Caused by Alternaria cucumerina

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf blight of cluster bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) caused by Alternaria cucumerina under field conditions. Three replications of cluster bean were planted in a randomized block design at the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Ginger rhizome extract @ 10%, onion bulb extract @ 10%, eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10%, neem leaf extract @ 10%, garlic clove extract @ 10% and mancozeb 0.2% were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (29.63) and maximum yield (2.50 t/ha). Neem leaf extract @ 10% was recorded maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 1.80), as compared to treated mancozeb @ 0.2%(treated) and T0 control.

Bioactive substances from Red ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe var. sunti Val) as Anti-atherosclerotic agent: Inhibition of Lipoxygenase in arachidonic acid metabolism

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, a combination of inflammatory conditions, endothelial dysfunction, and theaccumulation of lipids to form plaques in blood vessels. The inflammatory environment within the atherosclerotic lesion stimulates the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, resulting in biosynthesis of the potent lipid inflammatory mediator. Our previous study showed fractions collected from n-hexane extract of red ginger rhizome has potential as NF-κB pathway inhibitor. This study aimed to examine its anti-inflammatory activity in macrophage cells and its effect on the lipoxygenase pathway also determined its metabolite profiles by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Results showed fraction F6 from red ginger n-hexane extract is a potent inhibitor of the lipoxygenase enzyme (IC50 36.40 ± 0.76 µg/ml), reduces the release of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and inhibits lipid peroxidation(IC50 45.97 ± 5.14µg/ml).Not only high in 6-gingerol (194,99 ± 1,43mg/g extract), this fraction also contains zingerone, 6-paradol, and 6-shogaol which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Tethered gold-liposome nanoparticles for iontophoresis-enhanced topical delivery for anti-inflammation

Topical delivery is a widely utilized drug administration route globally due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and minimal drug metabolism. However, the skin barrier, particularly the stratum corneum (SC), poses a challenge by hindering drug absorption and permeation. To address this issue, green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuG) were loaded into liposomes to increase electron density and facilitate cathodal iontophoresis for topical drug delivery enhancement. Ginger rhizome extract served as a model hydrophobic compound encapsulated within the gold-liposomes to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect. Our study demonstrated that the ginger-gold loaded liposomes (AuGL) enhanced cellular uptake of the hydrophobic payload and improved drug penetration through skin layers compared to conventional liposomes following iontophoresis. We investigated different ratios of gold nanoparticles to liposomes and characterized the nanoparticles using DLS, TEM, and FT-IR. Additionally, AuGL significantly inhibited nitric oxide release and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, we formulated AuGL-loaded topical emulgel, which exhibited good stability under accelerated conditions. Our findings suggest that the AuGL combined with iontophoresis offers superior benefits for topical drug delivery, potentially enabling the treatment of skin inflammations and inflammation-related skin cancers.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity against Acne-Causing Bacteria and Phytochemical Analysis of Galangal (Alpinia galanga) and Bitter Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) Extracts.

Galangal (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd) and bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe) are aromatic rhizomatous plants that are typically used for culinary purposes. These rhizomatous plants have many biological properties and the potential to be beneficial for pharmaceutics. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with a specific focus on acne-causing bacteria, as well as the phytochemical constituents, of different parts of galangal and bitter ginger. The rhizomes, stems, and leaves of galangal and bitter ginger were separately dried for absolute ethanol and methanol extractions. The extracts were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity using a DPPH radical scavenging assay (0.005-5000 μg/mL), antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria (0.50-31.68 mg/mL), and in vitro cytotoxicity toward human keratinocytes and fibroblasts (62.5-1000 μg/mL), as well as analyses of bioactive phytochemicals via GC-MS and LC-MS/MS (500 ppm). The ethanol and methanol extracts of bitter ginger and galangal's rhizomes (BRhE, BRhM, GRhE, and GRhM), stems (BStE, BStM, GRhE, and GRhM), and leaves (BLeE, BLeM, GLeE, and GLeM), respectively, showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The extracts of all parts of bitter ginger and galangal were greatly antioxidative with 0.06-1.42 mg/mL for the IC50 values, while most of the extracts were strongly antimicrobial against C. acnes DMST 14916, particularly BRhM, BRhE, GRhM, and GRhE (MICs: 3.96-7.92 mg/mL). These rhizome extracts had also antimicrobial activities against S. aureus TISTR 746 (MICs: 7.92-31.68 mg/mL) and S. epidermidis TISTR 518 (MICs: 7.92-15.84 mg/mL). The extracts of bitter ginger and galangal rhizomes were not toxic to HaCaT and MRC-5 even at the highest concentrations. Through GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis, phytochemicals in bitter ginger rhizome extracts, including zerumbone, tectorigenin, piperic acid, demethoxycurcumin, and cirsimaritin, and galangal rhizome extracts, including sweroside and neobavaisoflavone, were expected to provide the antioxidant and anti-microbial activities. Therefore, the results suggest that the bitter ginger and galangal extracts could be natural anti-acne compounds with potential for pharmaceutic, cosmetic, and aesthetic applications.

Phytoconstituent and In silico Screening of Active Compounds from Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Theilade) Rhizome and Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Leaves Extracts as Novel Inhibitors of MRSA

Red ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) and avocado leaves (Persea americana Mill.) are empirically known as one of the medicinal plants used in Taro Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali which have great potential in treating infectious diseases caused by antibiotic resistance, such as MRSA. This study aims to analyze the phytoconstituents and anti-MRSA potential contained in red ginger rhizome and avocado leaves extracts by assessing their inhibitory effects on three proteins related to MRSA resistance and virulence (PBAP2a, transglycosylase, and glycosyltransferase). Phytoconstituents of avocado leaf and red ginger extracts were analyzed using GC-MS. Molecular docking was performed in silico to determine the similarity properties of predicted drugs, bioactivity, toxicity, identification of active sites and validation of protein structures, and docking simulations were performed between compounds found in the extract and their target proteins. Phytoconstituent analysis revealed that avocado leaves and red ginger extracts as a whole have 43 types of compounds and 10 bioactive compounds each with beneficial drug-like properties. The compound 6,11-hexadecadien-1-ol from avocado leaves extracts was predicted to have hepatotoxic properties. There were at least 3 compounds, namely beta-bisabolene from avocado leaves extract, zingiberenol and gamma-curcumene from red ginger rhizome extract, showing the lowest binding affinity for the target protein. Red ginger rhizome and avocado leaves extracts showed valuable potential as anti-MRSA agents through the mechanism of inhibition of three resistance-related proteins, as predicted by in silico analysis.

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Neem Leaf and Ginger Rhizome on Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters of Pure and Crossbred Chickens

Neem leaf and ginger rhizome contain numerous chemical components that are biologically active and are widely utilized in medications to treat various illnesses. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of aqueous neem leaf and ginger rhizome extracts on the growth performance and hematological parameters in the three breeds of chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks from 3 genetic groups consisting of 120 Noiler chicks, 120 Heavy Ecotype chicks, and 120 main cross chicks were considered for this study. Each breed of chickens was randomly distributed into four groups, with three replications per group. Each replication consisted of eight females and two males, raised in a deep litter system. A 3×4 factorial arrangement was employed, involving four levels of plant extracts: a control group receiving the basal diet without any extract, a group receiving 200 ml of neem extract (NE200), a group receiving 200 ml of ginger extract (GE200), and a group receiving 100 ml of neem + 100 ml of ginger extract (NE100+GE100). The chickens were evaluated for growth parameters such as initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), average feed intake (AFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as some haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (P), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Noiler chickens receiving NE100+GE100 and GE200 showed the highest final body weight and daily weight gain. The results of the haematological indices revealed that the interaction effect of genotype and plant extracts on all the treatment groups were significantly different for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet (P). Some haematological indices such as Hb, PCV, WBC, and platelet were better for chickens receiving GE200 and NE100+GE100 compared to NE200 and control groups. In conclusion, the interaction of GE200 and NE100+GE100 with Noiler and main cross chickens was beneficial, with no adverse effects on the physiological traits and health status of the chickens 16 weeks of age. Keywords: Haematology, Heavy ecotype, Heterosis, Noiler, Performance, Plant extracts

Evaluation of Phyto Extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf spot on black gram caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of black gram were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic clove extract, ashoka leaf extract and Mancozeb were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (25.62) and maximum yield (7.45 q/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1: 2.54), as compared to treated check mancozeb @ 0.2% and untreated check control.

Effect of White Ginger Rhizome Extract (Zingiber officinale var. amarum) on Pregnancy in Mice (Mus musculus L.) Early Post-implantation Stage

White ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Amarum) contains compounds in the antifertility group, namely flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils (gingerol and shogaol). Flavonoids can interfere with zygote division and implantation, while terpenoids and essential oils disrupt sperm transport and cause sperm to clot in male animals. This study aims to determine the effect of white ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Amarum) rhizome extract on the mouse (Mus musculus L.) early post-implantation stage. This research type is experimental and structured using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) pattern. A total of 16 female mice weighing 20-30 g aged 2-3 months were divided into four treatments, namely K1 (control), K2 (0.7 mg/g BW), K3 (1.4 mg/g BW), and K4 (2.8 mg/g BW) white ginger rhizome extract. The extract is given orally at 0.5 mL/head/day on the 4th to 8th day of pregnancy. The mother's body weight is weighed every three days. On the 18th day of pregnancy, mice were sacrificed using chloroform and dissected to observe early post-implantation pregnancy parameters. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's follow-up test with a confidence level of 95%. The research showed that white ginger rhizome extract significantly reduced the percentage of implantation (IM) and the percentage of live fetuses (FH), causing fetal growth to be hampered. The rate of implantation (IM) is K1 (1.8%), K2 (0.52%), K3 (0.49%). The percentage of live fetuses (FH) was K1 (1.06%), K2 (0.48%), and K3 (0.30%), while no fetus was found in K4. K3 treatment (1.4mg/g) causes fetal growth to be hampered. White ginger rhizome extract, on average, increases post-implantation mortality (KPI) and percentage of embryo resorption (ER) and reduces fetal weight. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that white ginger extract has antifertility properties in female animals because it causes pregnancy disorders, so it is hoped that the use of white ginger in early pregnancy will be reduced.

Efficacy of biocontrol-agents and plant extracts against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing stem rot of chickpea

The present study was conducted to evaluate biocontrol-agents, including Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens and plant extracts, Ginger, Garlic, Tulsi, Lemon grass and Neem against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (ON831560.1) under in vitro condition. All the biocontrol-agents suppressed the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. Maximum suppression (69.29%) was observed with T. harzianum, followed by T. viride, which was on par with each other. The Pseudomonas fluorescens was observed to have minimum suppression (61.51%) but more than the control. Among the plant extracts maximum percent inhibition of the pathogenic fungus was observed in treatment with Neem leaf extract (42.58%), followed by garlic clove extract, ginger rhizome extract, and lemon grass leaf, while the minimum per cent inhibition was observed in Tulsi leaf extract (12.30%).

Phyto-extracts for Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot on Mung Bean

The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of Alternaria leaf spot on mung bean caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of mung bean were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The effect of neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic bulb extract, turmeric rhizome extract and Mancozeb were compared and tested the plant height (cm), pod length (cm), disease intensity (%) and B:C ratio recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS interval. The effect of foliar spray of T4–garlic bulb extract @ 10% was found the best for managing Alternaria leaf spot of mung bean under field conditions as minimum disease intensity (34.4%), maximum plant height (65.4cm), pod length significantly increased (8.4cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:2.05). Followed by minimum disease intensity (35.5%), plant height (60.9cm), pod length (7.8 cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:1.97) was recorded in T1–neem leaf extract @ 10% followed by T5–turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% when compared to (Treated check) T6–Mancozeb @ 0.2% and (Untreated check) T0–control. Overall results revealed that T4–garlic bulb extract @10% is significantly effective against A. alternata (Fr.) Kessler.

Impact of Humic Acid Addition and Ginger Rhizome Extract Spraying on Apricot Seedlings, Cv. Hamawi

During the growing season of 2021, the study was carried out in the lath house of the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping at the College of Agriculture at the University of Anbar, to investigate the impact of humic acid (H) addition at values of (0, 4, 8 ml L-1) and misting a ginger rhizome extract (Z) solution at (0, 5, 10 g L-1) concentrations On a few apricot seedling growth traits and chemical composition, cultivar Hamawi. The outcomes showed a considerable impact of humic acid addition on all attributes investigated, particularly the high level (H2, which exhibited the attributes with the highest values (seedlings height 30.57 cm, length of branches 18.6 cm, the stem diameter is 2.7 mm, number of leaves is 132.8 leaf seedlings-1, the percentage of dry matter of leaves is 51.86%, the leaf area 2065.02 cm2 seedlings-1, chlorophyll content of leaves 11.21 mg g-1 fresh weight, leaves content of total carbohydrates 13.76%). Spraying ginger rhizome extract was used as treatment (Z2), and it had the most notable effects on the characteristics (The rate of increase in seedling height, rate of increase in stem diameter, rate of increase in number of leaves, percentage of leaf dry matter, leaf area, content of leaves from chlorophyll, content of leaves from total carbohydrates) which were (26.58 cm, 2.6 mm, 126.7 seedling leaf-1, 50.79%, 1804.03 cm2 seedling-1, 11.13 mg g-1 fresh weight, and 12.95%) respectively.

The efficacy and safety of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract in outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial.

Ginger, a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant remedy, is a potential therapeutic option for COVID-19. However, there was not enough clinical evidence about ginger and COVID-19. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ginger on clinical and paraclinical features in outpatients with COVID-19. In this randomized controlled trial, the outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ginger (1000 mg 3 times a day for 7 days) or placebo. The primary outcome was viral clearance after the end of the intervention. Oxygen saturation (SPO2), body temperature, respiratory rate (RR), hospital admission, and the incidence of adverse events were also assessed. A total of 84 patients (42 in the ginger and 42 in the control groups) were randomized. The viral clearance was not statistically improved in the ginger group (41.6%) compared to the placebo group (42.8%). The findings indicated that SPO2, body temperature, and RR had no significant difference between the groups at the end of the intervention. The imaging finding indicated pulmonary infiltrate significantly reduced on the 7th day of the intervention in the ginger group. The percentage of patients with SPO2 <96% in the ginger group decreased over the study compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the need for hospital admission and the incidence of adverse drug events were not different between the groups over the follow-up period. Ginger had no significant impact on the clinical and paraclinical parameters of patients. However, this intervention demonstrated a safe profile of adverse events and reduced pulmonary infiltrate. The trial was registered as IRCT20200506047323N1.

Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Rhizome on Serum Progesterone Level and Markers of Oxidative Stress in African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus) in Captivity

Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Rhizome on Serum Progesterone Level and Markers of Oxidative Stress in African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus) in Captivity

Optimizing Tomato Health: Holistic Approach to Early Blight Disease Management

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fungicide (mancozeb) and botanicals against early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani at the experimental field and glasshouse of Plant Pathology department, College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra, during Kharif season (2019-2020). Six treatments including control with four replications were taken up using Randomized Block Design RBD. Growth inhibition of fungus Alternaria solani causing early leaf blight of tomato was studied in vivo for determining the efficacy of one fungicide and eight botanicals. Exploring possibility of managing A. solani by use of botanicals revealed that the clove extract of garlic was the best followed by neem leaf and ginger rhizome extract showing highest growth inhibition of the fungus. Among the plant leaf extracts, garlic clove extract @10% was found effective to inhibit the growth of pathogen i.e. 64.60% Per cent disease control PDC (glasshouse trial) and 51.85% PDC (open Field trial). The contact fungicide Mancozeb@0.25% showed disease control of 75.52% (Glasshouse trial) and PDC of 70.34% (Field trial) in in vivo condition. Presently many farmers are using chemicals for control of early blight of tomato however, they cause health hazards. Therefore, this investigation provides valuable insights for farmers in selecting suitable plant extracts to control early blight of tomatoes.

Well-Established and Traditional Use of Vegetal Extracts as an Approach to the "Deep Roots" of Cough.

Cough is a common presenting symptom for patients in a primary care setting and significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Cough involves a complex reflex arc beginning with the stimulation of sensory nerves that function as cough receptors that stimulate the cough center in the brain. This "cough center" functions to receive these impulses and produce a cough by activating efferent nervous pathways to the diaphragm and laryngeal, thoracic, and abdominal musculature. Drugs that suppress the neural activity of cough are non-specific as those treatments are not directed toward pathogenic causes such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, they block a reflex called the watchdog of the lung and have a defense mechanism. Acute respiratory infections of the upper and lower airways most commonly cause acute cough. In contrast, the most common causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, all associated with an inflammatory reaction at the level of the cough receptors. The use of natural compounds or herbal drugs such as carob syrup, dry blackcurrant extract, dry extract of caraway fruit, dry extract of ginger rhizome, dry extract of marshmallow root, and dry extract of ivy leaves, to name a few, not only have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but also act as antimicrobials, bronchial muscle relaxants, and increase gastric motility and empty. For these reasons, these natural substances are widely used to control cough at its deep roots (i.e., contrasting its causes and not inhibiting the arch reflex). With this approach, the lung watchdog is not put to sleep, as with peripheral or central inhibition of the cough reflex, and by contrasting the causes, we may control cough that viruses use at self-advantage to increase transmission.