Ginger Research Articles

Screening and druggability analysis of Zingiber officinale bioactive compounds against diabetes mellitus using a computational approach

Screening and druggability analysis of Zingiber officinale bioactive compounds against diabetes mellitus using a computational approach

Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and LC-MS/MS analysis of methanolic extract of Fusarium proliferatum ZO-L2-4, an endophytic fungus isolated from Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and LC-MS/MS analysis of methanolic extract of Fusarium proliferatum ZO-L2-4, an endophytic fungus isolated from Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Insight into anti-corrosion mechanism of Zingiber officinale Roscoe leaf extract as inhibitor

Insight into anti-corrosion mechanism of Zingiber officinale Roscoe leaf extract as inhibitor

6-Shogaol attenuates cisplatin induced emesis by inhibiting the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway in a rat pica model.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a traditional anti-emetic herb. 6-shogaol, the main active compound of ginger, is reported to possess a variety of bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-emetic effect of 6-shogaol in a cisplatin-induced pica rat model and explore its underlying mechanism. The rat pica model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. The pathological damage of gastric antrum and ileum were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of serum 8-Hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected by ELISA. The expression of ZO1 tight junction protein (TJP-1) and occludin in ileum were determined by IHC. The levels of 8-oxo G DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), phospho-STING (p-STING), TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), phospho-TBK1 (pTBK1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and phospho-NF-κB (p-NF-κB) in gastric antrum and ileum were assayed by western blotting. We found that 6-shogaol significantly improved pica behavior in rats by downregulating NF-κB and IL-1β level, and ameliorating inflammatory damage in gastric antrum and ileum. Mechanistically, cGAS-STING axis activated by mtDNA is responsible for the cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal inflammatory responses. 6-Shogaol inhibited the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway by increasing the level of base-excision repair enzyme OGG1 and decreasing the level of endonuclease FEN1. This study indicates that 6-shogaol has a therapeutic effect against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), potentially attributable to the suppression of the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Effect of fermentation of herbal products on growth performance, breast meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens: a meta-analysis

Although it has widely been applied in human applications for therapeutic purposes, the use of fermented herbal products to improve growth performance in broiler chickens is still disputable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of fermented versus unfermented herbal products in improving the growth performance, breast meat quality, and small intestinal morphology of broiler chickens and to determine the optimal conditions according to meta-analysis and response surface methodology. The database was developed based on 23 articles comprising 123 data points collected in 2023. The metadata was analysed using OpenMEE and R, with the inclusion of fermented herbal products as fixed factors and individual studies as random factors. The optimal dosage was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was detected between unfermented and fermented herbal products in terms of broiler body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase. The principal notable impact is associated with the utilisation of Zingiber officinale and fermenting agents, such as Lactobacillus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both treatments resulted in a substantial reduction (p < 0.01) in the FCR. According to the meta-regression, growth performance exhibited a consistent pattern with the results of the meta-analysis, including overall production parameters during the starter phase (p < 0.05), such as body weight, average daily gain, and daily feed intake. Significant differences were detected in breast meat quality, particularly in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05), as well as in the morphology of the digestive tract, such as duodenum crypt depth, villus height, and their ratio (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that fermenting dietary herbs can enhance the growth, breast meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens, particularly during their initial growth phase. It is envisaged that broiler producers ferment herbs before adding them to chicken feed at ∼26.3 g/kg.

Review on The Potential of Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), a leading complication of diabetes mellitus, presents a significant global health challenge due to its progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Conventional therapies for DKD focus on glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, and renin-angiotensin system inhibition but often fall short in halting disease progression. This review explores the potential of herbal medicine as a complementary approach to managing DKD. Herbal medicines, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and renoprotective properties that may mitigate key mechanisms driving DKD progression. Notable compounds include quercetin, curcumin, berberine, and ursolic acid, which target oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, herbs like Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Panax ginseng have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies, improving renal function and reducing proteinuria. Despite their potential, challenges remain in standardizing herbal formulations, understanding herb-drug interactions, and ensuring safety in patients with compromised renal function. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials, mechanistic studies, and integrative treatment models combining herbal and conventional therapies. By leveraging the strengths of traditional and modern medicine, herbal interventions offer a promising pathway to improve outcomes for individuals with DKD

Analisis Ayat-Ayat Al-Qur’an tentang Jahe untuk Kesehatan dalam Perspektif Al-Quran dan Sains

This study aims to analyze Quranic verses that mention ginger (Zingiber officinale), particularly in Surah Al-Insan [76:17], and to examine its benefits from both a modern scientific and Islamic spiritual perspective. The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach and thematic tafsir (maudhu'i). The primary data sources include the Qur'an and tafsir literature, while secondary sources consist of scientific research on the bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. The results indicate that ginger has significant health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, immune system enhancement, and prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. From a spiritual perspective, the mention of ginger in the Qur'an as a drink for the inhabitants of paradise symbolizes the balance between physical and spiritual blessings. The integration of Quranic teachings and modern science affirms that ginger is a blessed plant, reminding humans of the importance of maintaining health as an expression of gratitude to Allah SWT. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between scientific knowledge and revelation, while encouraging the use of herbal plants to improve quality of life.

Evaluating the Hepatoprotective Potential of Ginger Ethanolic Extract Against Lambda-Cyhalothrin-Induced Toxicity in Male Rats

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a traditional plant that is widely used as a spice or folk medicine. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely used to control insecticide. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of ginger ethanolic extract (GEE) on liver toxicity experimentally induced by LCT in albino rats. The experiment involved thirty adult male rats (‎Rattus norvegicus)‎, randomly ‎allocated to ‎one of three groups (n=10/group: control group, administered distilled water orally for 12 weeks‎; ‎LCT-treated group, received 5.43 mg/kg BW ‎(1/15 LD50‎ dose calculated in this study as 81.5 mg/kg BW) orally, for 12 weeks;‎ LCT-‎GEE-treated group, received the same dose of ‎LCT along with GEE at 100 mg/kg BW orally. Body weights were ‎recorded at the start, and at ‎‎4, 8, and 12 weeks into the treatment. Upon completion of the study, blood ‎samples were collected for liver ‎enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)‎, ‎and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ‎assessment. Additionally, liver samples were collected for histopathological‎ ‎examination‎.‎ The LCT-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in BW at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to the control ‎and LCT-GEE-treated groups. The LCT-treated rats showed increased levels of liver enzymes ALP, AST, and ‎ALT. Histological evaluation revealed signs of liver necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and congestion in ‎LCT-treated rats. These pathological changes were less pronounced in the LCT-GEE-treated group, indicating ‎a mitigating effect. The study demonstrates the detrimental effects of LCT on the health of male rats, ‎particularly regarding BW and liver health. Alongside, it highlights Zingiber officinale's potential in reducing ‎these adverse effects, suggesting its efficacy in environments with LCT exposure‎‎‎.

Anti-Inflammatory 8-Shogaol Mediates Apoptosis by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Sensitizes Radioresistance in Gastric Cancer.

Radiotherapy is a powerful tumor therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer patients. However, radioresistance is a major obstacle to kill cancer cells. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) exerts a potential function in various cancers and is a noble combined therapy to overcome radioresistance in gastric cancer radiotherapy. In this study, we suggested that 8-shogaol, a monomethoxybenzene compound extracted from Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory murine models in vivo and in vitro, 8-shogaol suppressed LPS-mediated cytokine production, including COX-2, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β. In xenograft mouse models of AGS gastric cancer cell lines, 8-shogaol reduced tumor volume. In gastric cancer cell lines AGS and NCI-N87, 8-shogaol reduced cell viability and increased caspase-3 activity and cytotoxicity LDH. However, combined with Z-VAD-FMK, 8-shogaol blocked caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. 8-Shogaol induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response via the PERK-CHOP signaling pathway. Thapsigargin (TG), an ER stressor, mediated synergistic apoptosis and cell death in 8-shogaol-treated AGS and NCI-N87 cell lines. Nevertheless, loss of PERK or CHOP function suppressed ER-stress-induced apoptosis and cell death in 8-shogaol-treated AGS and NCI-N87 cell lines. 8-Shogaol-induced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) activation is related to ROS generation. However, NOX4 knockdown and ROS inhibitors DPI or NAC blocked ER-stress-induced apoptosis by suppressing the inhibition of cell viability and the enhance of caspase-3 activity, intracellular ROS activity, and cytotoxicity LDH in 8-shogaol-treated AGS and NCI-N87 cell lines. Radioresistant gastric cancer models (AGSR and NCI-N87R) were developed and combined with 8-shogaol and radiation (2 Gy) to overcome radioresistance via the upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin and the downregulation of E-cadherin. Therefore, these results indicated that 8-shogaol is a novel combined therapeutic strategy in gastric cancer radiotherapy.

Exploring Phytotherapeutic Alternatives for Reye Syndrome: Potential for Safe and Effective Treatment

Reye syndrome is a rare, acute, and potentially life-threatening condition marked by rapid liver and brain damage, primarily affecting children and adolescents following viral infections like influenza or varicella. Though the exact cause remains unclear, studies indicate a strong association with the use of aspirin and other salicylates during viral infections, which may disrupt mitochondrial function and lead to hepatic steatosis and encephalopathy. Given the risks of aspirin use in susceptible populations, exploring natural anti-inflammatory alternatives is essential. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Boswellia serrata, Pinus pinaster, and Paeonia lactiflora possess notable anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties, potentially mitigating inflammation without salicylate risks. Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways. Boswellia’s boswellic acids, Pinus pinaster’s proanthocyanidins, and Paeonia lactiflora, paeoniflorin further contribute to immune modulation and neuroprotection. This review discusses these natural alternatives' mechanisms and their potential role in preventing and managing inflammation in children at risk of Reye syndrome, highlighting the need for further studies to validate their safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.

Understanding the variation in morphology and rhizome yield of Indian ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) through distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors: A natural marker to enhance crop productivity

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a widely consumed and economically significant plant known for its medicinal and culinary properties. Understanding the diversity within ginger germplasm is vital for its successful use in breeding programs and conservation efforts. Morphological characterization plays a key role in identifying distinct varieties, ensuring uniform traits, protecting breeders' rights and conserving genetic diversity, all of which support commercial production and drive innovation in breeding. The present investigation was carried out at the Hybrid Rice Evaluation Centre, Gudalur, Nilgiris, with 32 genotypes to study the variability for identifying the best performing ginger genotypes. Genotypes were examined for 2 qualitative and 8 quantitative traits using Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) parameters. Out of the traits assessed, plant height, number of leaves on the main stem and dry recovery were monomorphic, with no variation within the population. However, 4 characters, normal growth habit, shoot diameter, leaf length and leaf width, exhibited 2 distinct variations within the genotypes, indicating dimorphism. Additionally, 3 traits such as the number of tillers per clump, rhizome thickness and rhizome shapes showed multiple variations among the studied genotypes, illustrating polymorphism within the population. Principal component analysis was conducted on 7 principal components with eigenvalues of more than one accounted for 98.28 % of the total variability. Among these traits, leaf length, rhizome thickness and number of tillers demonstrated the highest variation, while the remaining traits showed lower variability. Based on PCA and cluster analysis, the genotypes Nadia, Manipur Local, Aswathy, Nagaland Local, Bhaise, ACC 578, Himachal Local, Rio De Janeiro, IISR Vajra, Humnabad Local, Hassan Local, Thalavadi Local and Chikkamagalore Local 2 were identified as the most diverse genotypes.

Growth and Yield Response of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) to Different Application Levels of High Molecular Weight Chitosan

Purpose: This study examines soaking ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in different High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWCHT) concentrations to assess its influence on growth and yield. The study examined the impact of chitosan soaking on ginger growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a randomised complete block design. Three chitosan concentrations (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were used, and growth parameters (plant height, leaf count, and chlorophyll content) were assessed over 12 weeks. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) as the significance test at p≤ 0.05. Findings: Weeks 10 and 12 saw remarkable values for plant height (66.3 cm and 69.1 cm), leaf count (20.33 and 22.0), and chlorophyll content (79.0 and 81.0) in ginger soaked in 50 ppm, highlighting the potential of high chitosan concentrations for ginger growth. Moreover, 50 and 100 ppm chitosan resulted in significantly higher yields, with ginger soaked in 100 ppm yielding the most (1830 g). Research Limitation: The study's controlled conditions and limited chitosan concentrations may not fully capture field variability or broader application ranges. Practical Implications: Soaking ginger in 100 ppm chitosan significantly enhances growth and yield, offering practical, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilisers. Social Implications: Improved ginger yields support food security, farmer income, and sustainable agricultural development through environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Originality/Value: This study underscores the positive impact of high-molecular-weight chitosan soaking on ginger's growth and yield response. Chitosan, particularly at a concentration of 100 ppm, holds promise as a growth enhancer for commercial ginger cultivation.

Biological management of rhizome rot in ginger (Zingiber officinale ) plants and stored ginger seeds

Two endospore-forming endophytic bacteria (EEB1 A8 and EEB2 B13) were isolated from ginger rhizome collected from the fields of College of Agriculture, Vellayani and identified as Bacillus spp. Their antagonistic potential against Pythium myriotylum , the soft rot pathogen of ginger, was analyzed in vitro by dual culture plate assay and the agar well diffusion method. They tested positive for biocontrol traits such as the production of hydrogen cyanide, siderophore and volatile organic compounds. The bacterial isolates were applied to ginger plants to test biocontrol efficiency against P. myriotylum , individually and in combination with Piriformospora indica , a fungal root endophyte capable of promoting plant growth and enhancing plant defense. A lesser percent disease index (PDI) was observed in plants where the combination of EEB1 A8 and P. indica was applied. The activity of enzymes pertinent to protective mechanisms against pathogens, like peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, super oxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the plants were analyzed before challenging, 1st, 3rd and 5th day after challenging with pathogen. The values followed the same trend in all treatments as it increased after inoculation up to 3rd day and then decreased for peroxidase (PO) and SOD. The plants treated with EEB1 A8 and combination of EEB1 A8 and P. indica showed the highest values for the level of defense enzyme production. In a storage study, when ginger seed rhizomes were treated with individual bacterial isolates and as a consortium of both, followed by inoculation with the pathogen P. myriotylum , rhizomes treated with consortium were more tolerant to rhizome rot. Applying endospore-forming bacteria with biocontrol properties is a propitious method for controlling rhizome rot in ginger, in the field and during seed storage.

Exploring genetic diversity in Indian ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) through microsatellite markers

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) holds significant value as a rhizomatous spice known for its distinct taste and aroma. India is the worlds' largest producer, exporter, and consumer of ginger. Local names commonly know many ginger cultivars, and since the crop is propagated vegetatively, the chances of mixing are very high. This complicates the maintenance of purity and distinct characteristics of each variety. In the present study, thirty-two ginger genotypes were procured from various regions nationwide and assessed using 49 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers to evaluate their genetic diversity patterns. Among the 49 markers, 19 primers were amplified and produced 23 polymorphic bands, resulting in a polymorphism percentage of 52.63%. Additionally, the unweighted pair group method (UPGMA) cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters, with similarity coefficients ranging from 0.31 to 1.00. This suggests that each genotype exhibits substantial variability. Genotypes Maran and Acc. 581 showed a similarity value 1.00, indicating perfect similarity (100%) in their genetic characteristics. These findings emphasize the critical role of SSR markers in germplasm conservation and highlight the potential for utilizing genetic diversity in breeding programs to develop improved ginger varieties with desirable traits.

The Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Matricaria recutita Blossoms and Zingiber officinale Rhizome Ethanol Extracts

Background: Inflammation-induced oxidative stress is a pathophysiological mechanism of inflammatory diseases. Treatments targeting oxidative stress can reduce inflammatory tissue damage. Objectives: This study aimed to conduct phytochemical analysis and evaluate the antioxidant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita blossoms (M. recutita) and Zingiber officinale rhizomes (Z. officinale). Materials and Methods: The phytochemical analysis was carried out by measuring the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and polyphenolic compounds’ HPLC-ESI MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through H2O2 DPPH, FRAP, and NO scavenging assays. An in vivo experiment was performed on rats with turpentine oil-induced acute inflammation. Treatments were administrated orally for 10 days, with three dilutions of each extract (100%, 50%, 25%), and compared to the CONTROL, inflammation, Diclofenac, and Trolox groups. In vivo, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and total thiols (SH). Results: The phytochemical analysis found a high content of phenolic compounds in both extracts, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was significant. In vivo, M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts proved to be effective in increasing TAC and lowering oxidative stress markers, respectively, the TOS, OSI, MDA, and NO levels. The effects were dose-dependent, with the lower concentrations being more efficient antioxidants. Matricaria recutita and Z. officinale extract effects were as good as those of trolox and diclofenac. Conclusions: Treatment with M. recutita and Z. officinale alleviated inflammation-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts could be a promising adjuvant antioxidant therapy in inflammatory diseases.

In silico identification of Nipah virus protein inhibitors from secondary metabolites of medicinal plants using a high-throughput virtual screening approach.

The Nipah virus (NiV), a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, poses significant threats with its alarming mortality rates and pandemic potential. Despite historical cases, effective therapeutics remain elusive, prompting urgent exploration of potential antivirals. In this study, a structure-based virtual screening approach was employed to evaluate 690 metabolites sourced from ten medicinal plants (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Cocos nucifera, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia neriifolia, Moringa oreifera, Ocimum basilicum, Piper nigrum, Vitex negundo, and Zingiber officinale) for their antiviral activity against Nipah virus proteins. Through targeted and blind docking experiments, forty-three (43) compounds were found to exhibit high binding affinities (≤ -8 Kcal mol-1) and validated site-specificity. Subsequent analysis of the ADMET properties of these compounds, along with off-target docking to swine receptors, six (6) compounds with profiles akin to approved drugs and minimal off-target binding were identified. Stability screening via 100 ns and 300 ns molecular dynamics simulations identified two (2) of the six compounds that demonstrated sustained dynamic stability over an extended duration, coupled with favorable binding energies from MM-(GB/PB)SA calculations and biologically significant binding modes and residue interactions. Betulinic acid and CID 118716357 exhibited significant potential as inhibitors of Nipah virus fusion (F) glycoprotein trimer by targeting the oligomerization sites used to form the functional hexamer-of-trimer assembly. Coupled with their dynamic stability and favorable ADMET profiles in both human and swine conditions, these findings make them good candidates for subsequent invitro testing and further biological screening in the quest for potent antiviral drugs targeting Nipah virus proteins.

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.

Phytosome-Encapsulated 6-Gingerol- and 6-Shogaol-Enriched Extracts from Zingiber officinale Roscoe Protect Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurotoxicity.

The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders underscores the urgent need for effective interventions to prevent neuronal cell death. This study evaluates the neuroprotective potential of phytosome-encapsulated 6-gingerol- and 6-shogaol-enriched extracts from Zingiber officinale Roscoe (6GS), bioactive compounds renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The novel phytosome encapsulation technology employed enhances the bioavailability and stability of these compounds, offering superior therapeutic potential compared to conventional formulations. Additionally, the study investigates the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)-signaling pathway, a key mediator of the neuroprotective effects of 6GS. Neurotoxicity was induced in SH-SY5Y cells (a human neuroblastoma cell line) using 200 μM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), following pretreatment with 6GS at concentrations of 15.625 and 31.25 μg/mL. Cell viability was assessed via the MTT assay alongside evaluations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA]), and molecular mechanisms involving the PI3K/Akt pathway, apoptotic factors (B-cell lymphoma-2 [Bcl-2] and caspase-3), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]). The results demonstrated that 6GS significantly improved cell viability, reduced ROS, MDA, TNF-α, and caspase-3 levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, 6GS treatment upregulated PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 expression while suppressing caspase-3 activation. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by 6GS led to phosphorylated Akt-mediated upregulation of Bcl-2, promoting neuronal survival and attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, Bcl-2 inhibited ROS generation, further mitigating neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that phytosome encapsulation enhances the bioavailability of 6GS, which through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, exhibits significant neuroprotective properties. Incorporating these compounds into functional foods or dietary supplements could offer a promising strategy for addressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

In vitro efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolated from ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizosphere for biological control of plant pathogens

The excessive use of synthetic chemical pesticides in controlling plant diseases poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture. As an environmentally friendly alternative, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have shown promise by colonizing plant roots and forming symbiotic relationships that enhance plant growth and suppress plant pathogens. Research on the isolation of PGPR from ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizosphere in Indonesia remains limited, highlighting the need for further exploration to support genetic resource conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. This study aims to evaluate the potential of PGPR isolates from Z. officinale rhizosphere in Semarang, Indonesia, as biological control agents. Isolates were characterized based on morphology, biochemical traits, and their antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum sp., and Alternaria sp. A total of 14 isolates were obtained, exhibiting diverse morphological, biochemical, and antagonistic properties. Among them, isolate 235A2 demonstrated the highest potential as a biological control agent, with capabilities including phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, protease enzyme production, and significant inhibition rates of F. oxysporum (13.79%), Colletotrichum sp. (55.56%), and Alternaria sp. (35.61%) in vitro. These findings underscore the potential of PGPR as a sustainable alternative for biological control of plant pathogens, supporting both enhanced plant productivity and environmental conservation.

A Combined Extract from Dioscorea bulbifera and Zingiber officinale Mitigates PM2.5-Induced Respiratory Damage by NF-κB/TGF-β1 Pathway.

This research evaluated the protective role of a combined extract of Dioscorea bulbifera and Zingiber officinale (DBZO) against respiratory dysfunction caused by particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure in BALB/c mice. The bioactive compounds identified in the DBZO are catechin, astragalin, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 6-shogaol. DBZO ameliorated cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in PM2.5-stimulated A549 and RPMI 2650 cells. In addition, it significantly alleviated respiratory dysfunction in BALB/c mice exposed to PM2.5. DBZO improved the antioxidant systems in lung tissues by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Likewise, DBZO restored mitochondrial dysfunction by improving ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production. Moreover, DBZO modulated the levels of neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes (specifically CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+IL-4+ T cells) in blood and IgE levels in serum. DBZO was shown to regulate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) pathway. Histopathological observation indicated that DBZO mitigates the increase in alveolar septal thickness. These findings indicate that DBZO is a promising natural agent for improving respiratory health.