Kaempferia Parviflora Extract Research Articles

8-Week Kaempferia parviflora Extract Administration Improves Submaximal Exercise Capacity in Mice by Enhancing Skeletal Muscle Antioxidant Gene Expression and Plasma Antioxidant Capacity.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE) is extracted from a ginger family plant grown in Thailand. The polyphenolic components have potential antioxidant effects and have been reported to enhance exercise performance. However, the impact of long-term KPE administration combined with long-term training on the endurance exercise performance of healthy individuals has not been fully studied. In this study, a healthy mouse model was used to investigate the effects of 8 weeks KPE administration and voluntary wheel running on the submaximal endurance exercise capacity and its mechanism. The results showed that 8 weeks of KPE administration significantly enhanced the submaximal endurance exercise capacity of mice and extended the daily voluntary wheel running distance. By measuring oxidative stress markers in plasma and the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes in skeletal muscle, we found that KPE significantly increased plasma antioxidant levels and activated the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)/ARE (Antioxidant Response Element) pathway and its downstream antioxidant genes expression in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that KPE may enhance the antioxidant capacity of plasma and skeletal muscle by activating the Nrf2-ARE-centered antioxidant pathway, thereby increasing the daily running distance and improving the submaximal endurance exercise capacity of mice.

Pharmacokinetic and toxicological assessment of a solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) of kaempferia parviflora in rats

Kaempferia parviflora (KP), renowned as an alternative medicine, has gained widespread acclaim for its efficacy in male sexual enhancement and anti-inflammatory applications. However, methoxyflavones, its primary compound, poses challenges due to inherent low water solubility and limited oral absorption. This study aims to develop a novel solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for KP (KPS-SMEDDS) and to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile and acute toxicity. The liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for KP (KPL-SMEDDS) was formed by combining Neobee® M − 5 (90 %) with a mixture of surfactant (10 %) consisting of Kolliphor® EL and polyethylene glycol 400 in a ratio of 1:2. Consequently, the KPL-SMEDDS was transformed into a powdered form by employing Sipernat® 22S as an absorbent in a 1:1 ratio. The developed formulations were subsequently evaluated for their physicochemical properties, in vitro dissolution tests, and in vivo oral absorption in rats by using methoxyflavones as the markers for quantitation. The findings demonstrated that the use of KPL-SMEDDS and KPS-SMEDDS improved the dissolution rate of methoxyflavones in 0.1 N HCl in comparison to KP powder. Comparative analysis revealed that the KPS-SMEDDS exhibited a significantly higher maximum drug concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) values in comparison to the conventional KP extract. Notably, the KPS-SMEDDS formulation at an oral dose of 250 mg/kg remarkably increased the bioavailability of polymethoxyflavones up to 2.7- to 3-fold. Furthermore, acute oral toxicity assessment revealed no statistically significant alterations in clinical observations or biochemical parameters. These compelling findings underlined the potential of the KPS-SMEDDS formulation to augment the absorption and bioavailability of methoxyflavones, establishing its safety as an oral supplement.

Enhancement of cryopreserved rooster semen and fertility potential after oral administration of Thai ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract in Thai native chickens.

Semen cryopreservation is an effective method of preserving genetic material, particularly in native chicken breeds facing a substantial decline. In this study, we evaluated the quality of frozen/thawed rooster semen treated with different concentrations of oral administrations of black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora: KP) extract and determined its fertility. Thirty-two Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum, 42 weeks old) were used in this study. The treatments were classified into four groups according to the concentration of KP extract administered to the roosters: 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The quality of fresh semen was analyzed before cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential were determined. Also, lipid peroxidation was determined. The results showed that sperm concentration and movement increased in roosters treated with 200 mg/kg of KP extract (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roosters receiving 200 mg/kg KP extract was lower than that in the other but had an insignificant difference within the KP treatment groups (p>0.05). The highest MDA levels were observed in the control group (p<0.05). The percentage of motile sperm (total motility and progressive motility) after semen thawing was higher in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). MDA levels decreased significantly in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). Fertility and hatchability were greater in the KP150 and KP200 groups than in the KP100 and control groups (p<0.05). The optimal amount of KP extract influencing initial sperm quality was determined to be 200 mg/kg. However, 150 mg/kg was the optimal low dosage of KP extract administration that maintained sperm quality and fertility following semen cryopreservation.

The effect of Thai ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract orally administration on sperm production, semen preservation, and fertility in Thai native chickens under heat stress

Thai indigenous roosters are exposed to unsuitable temperatures and humidity, resulting in a lower reproductive potential. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract containing methoxyflavones was fed to roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Thirty-two Thai native roosters were orally administered KP extract at 300, 450, and 600 mg, calculated according to their average body weight, for at least 14 d before semen collection and continued supplementation until the end of the experiment. The nonsupplemented group served as the control. Fresh semen in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass movement score, and sperm viability were evaluated. Semen preservation at 5°C and fertility test were examined for total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation up to 48 h of storage. Testosterone concentrations and testicular function were also determined. The results showed that the highest sperm concentration and sperm motility of fresh semen were observed in KP extract at 600 mg (P < 0.001). KP extract at 600 mg resulted in higher sperm viability than the control and KP extract at 300 mg (P < 0.05), but was not different from KP at 450 mg (P > 0.05). The highest MOT, PMOT, and viability were found in the roosters that received 600 mg oral KP extract (P < 0.05), while those of the roosters that received oral KP extract 300 mg and the control were the lowest (P < 0.05) at all storage times. Lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the KP extract up to 24 h (P < 0.05). The fertility and hatchability of the KP extract at 600 mg at T48 showed a minor decrease compared to the control at T0. These results might be inferred as a result of good spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone activity. In summary, oral administration of 600 mg KP extract improved sperm production and successfully preserved rooster semen for a long duration of up to 48 h of storage.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human studies demonstrates the beneficial effects of Kaempferia parviflora on metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction

Kaempferia parviflora (KP) has traditionally been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. Scant evidence is available to explain the relationship between KP and metabolic syndrome and impotence. We sought to test the hypothesis that administration of KP extract enriched with active ingredients, such as polymethoxyflavone, could improve metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and related outcomes in in vivo. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the in vivo effects of KP extract on metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and related outcomes. Studies from 4 databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception up to December 2022. Animal experiment studies and randomized controlled trials comparing KP extract to a placebo control were retrieved and analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. The effect estimate was presented as the standardized mean difference along with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 664 articles, a total of 57 articles met our prespecified criteria. KP extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in both animal and human studies with standardized mean difference of –0.88 (95% CI, –1.63 to –0.14) and –0.51 (95% CI, –0.98 to –0.05), respectively. Furthermore, KP extract also markedly improved sexual function and physical performance. In sum, KP extract is shown to have effects beneficial to metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and physical performance.

A Functional Drink Containing Kaempferia parviflora Extract Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Flexibility in Adult Volunteers.

Owing to the reputation of Kaempferia parviflora and the crucial role of oxidative stress on the disturbance of physical fitness, the effect of a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract (KP) on the physical fitness of healthy adult volunteers was assessed. Healthy male and female volunteers (19-60 years old) were randomly divided into placebo, KP90, and KP180 groups. All the subjects in KP90 and KP180 were directed to consume a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract at doses of 90 and 180 mg per serving per 80 mL, respectively. Parameters of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, together with changes in lactate, creatinine kinase, and oxidative stress markers were assessed before the intervention, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. The oxidative stress markers, creatine kinase, and lactate were also measured. Subjects who consumed the developed drink had increased VO2 max and improved performance in a timed shuttle run test and 5 min distance run, and exhibited decreased oxidative stress and lactate; therefore, K. parviflora extract can be successfully used for developing a KP drink to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance by improving oxidative stress and lactate.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract enhances circadian rhythm and promotes lipolysis in mice fed a high-fat diet

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract enhances circadian rhythm and promotes lipolysis in mice fed a high-fat diet

Cytotoxic Activity, Anti-Migration and In Silico Study of Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) Extract against Breast Cancer Cell.

Metastatic breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women worldwide. This condition necessitates extensive research to find an effective treatment, one of which is the natural medicine approach. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) is a plant believed to possess anticancer properties. Therefore, this study aims to determine KP's bioactive compound, cytotoxic, and anti-migration activity in the highly metastatic breast cancer cell line model 4T1, also in the breast cancer cell model MCF-7 and noncancerous cell line NIH-3T3. Maceration with ethanol (EEKP) and infusion with distilled water (EWKP) was used for extraction. The MTT assay was used to test for cytotoxicity, and the scratch wound healing assay was used to test for the inhibition of migration. Phytochemical profiling of EEKP was performed using UHPLC-MS, and the results were studied for in silico molecular docking. Result showed that EEKP had a better cytotoxic activity than EWKP with an IC50 value of 128.33 µg/mL (24 h) and 115.09 µg/mL (48 h) on 4T1 cell line, and 138.43 µg/mL (24 h) and 124.81 µg/mL (48 h) on MCF-7 cell line. Meanwhile, no cytotoxic activity was observed at concentrations ranging from 3-250 µg/mL in NIH-3T3. EEKP also showed anti-migration activity in a concentration of 65 µg/mL. Mass Spectrophotometer (MS) structures from EEKP are 5-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone (HDMF), 5-Hydro-7,8,2'-trimethoxyflavanone (HTMF), Retusine, and Denbinobin. The in silico docking was investigated for receptors Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, ERK2, and FAK, as well as their activities. In silico result indicates that HTMF and denbinobin are bioactive compounds responsible for EEKP's cytotoxic and anti-migration activity. These two compounds and standardized plant extract can be further studied as potential breast cancer treatment candidates.

Anti-arthritis Effects of Zingiberaceae Extracts on Models of Inflammatory Joint Disease.

Due to this becoming an aging society, the number of arthritis cases has been increasing. Unfortunately, some currently available medications can cause adverse effects. Using herbal remedies as a form of alternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular. Zingiber officinale (ZO), Curcuma longa (CL), and Kaempferia parviflora (KP) are herbal plants in the Zingiberaceae family that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of ZO, CL, and KP extracts on in vitro and ex vivo inflammatory models. The combinatorial anti-arthritis effect of each extract is also evaluated in an in vivo model. ZO extract preserves cartilaginous proteoglycans in proinflammatory cytokines-induced porcine cartilage explant in a fashion similar to that of CL and KP extracts and suppresses the expression of major inflammatory mediators in SW982 cells, particularly the COX2 gene. CL extract downregulates some inflammatory mediators and genes-associated cartilage degradation. Only KP extract shows a significant reduction in S-GAGs release in a cartilage explant model compared to the positive control, diacerein. In SW982 cells, it strongly suppresses many inflammatory mediators. The active constituents of each extract selectively downregulate inflammatory genes. The combined extracts show a reduction in inflammatory mediators to a similar degree as the combined active constituents. Reductions in paw swelling, synovial vascularity, inflammatory cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia are found in the combined extracts-treated arthritic rats. This study demonstrates that a combination of ZO, CL, and KP extracts has an anti-arthritis effect and could potentially be developed into an anti-arthritis cocktail for arthritis treatment.

Fabrication, Optimization, and Characterization of Antibacterial Electrospun Shellac Fibers Loaded with Kaempferia parviflora Extract.

This study aimed to develop a Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract based on electrospun shellac fibers capable of transporting methoxyflavones. This study used a Box-Behnken design to determine the optimal production parameters that influence the fiber diameter and bead-to-fiber ratio responses. The optimization step produced fibers with a small diameter (574 nm) and a lower bead-to-fiber ratio (0.48 beads per fiber) by combining 37.25% w/w shellac and 1.50% w/w KP extract with a solution feed rate of 0.8 mL/h and an electrical voltage of 18 kV. The KP extract was found to be dispersed throughout the electrospun shellac fibers during the characterization study. The results were highly correlated with the theoretical values, indicating that the regression models used to predict the response variables were adequate. A study of in vitro dissolution confirmed that KP extract-loaded electrospun shellac fibers could produce a sustained-release profile within 10 h. Additionally, KP-infused shellac fibers demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This KP loading method combined with shellac properties provided a new delivery system and could be used to explore novel biomedical materials.

Synergistic Effects of Some Methoxyflavones Extracted from Rhizome of Kaempferia parviflora Combined with Gentamicin against Carbapenem-Resistant Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic Kaempferia parviflora extracts and the combined effects of the plant's specific compounds with gentamicin against clinical strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of gentamicin and Kaempferia parviflora extracts against the tested bacterial strains were determined by using broth microdilution. The combined effects of Kaempferia parviflora extract and gentamicin were investigated by using a checkerboard assay and expressed as a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Crude ethanolic extract of Kaempferia parviflora showed the lowest median values of MIC towards the tested isolates (n = 10) of these tested bacteria at doses of 64 µg/mL, compared to those of other Kaempferia extracts. Among the isolated compounds, only three compounds, namely 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone, and 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, were identified by NMR structural analysis. According to their FICIs, the synergistic effects of gentamicin combined with 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone were approximately 90%, 90%, and 80% of tested carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), and Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), respectively. The present study concluded that 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone extracted from Kaempferia parviflora potentiated the antibacterial action of gentamicin to combat bacterial resistance against the tested bacteria.

Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) Extract Enhances Endurance Capacity by Improving Energy Metabolism and Substrate Utilization in Mice.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE), extracted from KP, a member of the ginger family that grows in Thailand, has a good promotion effect on cellular energy metabolism and therefore has been used to enhance exercise performance and treatment of obesity in previous studies. However, the effect of single-dose administration of KPE on endurance capacity has not been thoroughly studied, and whether the positive effect of KPE on cellular energy metabolism can have a positive effect on exercise capacity in a single dose is unknown. In the present study, we used a mouse model to study the effects of acute KPE administration 1 h before exercise on endurance capacity and the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a single administration of KPE could affect endurance performance in mice and whether the effect was produced through a pro-cellular energy metabolic pathway. We found that a single administration of KPE (62.5 mg/kg·bodyweight) can significantly prolong the exercise time to exhaustion. By measuring the mRNA expression of Hk2, Slc2a4 (Glut4), Mct1, Ldh, Cd36, Cpt1β, Cpt2, Lpl, Pnpla2 (Atgl), Aco, Acadm (Mcad), Hadh, Acacb (Acc2), Mlycd (Mcd), Pparg, Ppargc1a (Pgc-1α), Tfam, Gp, Gs, Pfkm, Pck1 (Pepck), G6pc (G6pase), Cs, and Pfkl in skeletal muscle and liver, we found that acute high-concentration KPE administration significantly changed the soleus muscle gene expression levels (p < 0.05) related to lipid, lactate, and glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial function. In gastrocnemius muscle and liver, glycogen metabolism-related gene expression is significantly changed by a single-dose administration of KPE. These results suggest that KPE has the potential to improve endurance capacity by enhancing energy metabolism and substrate utilization in muscles and liver.

Inhibition of CYP3A-mediated Midazolam Metabolism by Kaempferia Parviflora.

Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract has recently attracted attention in Japan as a dietary supplement; however, there is little information regarding food-drug interactions (FDIs). The current study was conducted to clarify the FDI of KP extract via inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), a typical drug-metabolizing enzyme. The inhibitory effects of KP extract and its main ingredients, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) and 3,5,7,3’,4’-pentamethoxyflavone (3,5,7,3’,4’-PMF), on CYP3A-mediated midazolam 1’-hydroxylation (MDZ 1’-OH) activity were investigated in human liver microsomes. In addition, the effect of a single oral treatment with KP extract (135 mg/kg) on oral MDZ (15 mg/kg) metabolism was investigated in rats. Serum MDZ concentration was analyzed and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with the control group. KP extract competitively inhibited MDZ 1’-OH activity with an inhibition constant value of 78.14 µg/ml, which was lower than the estimated concentration in the small intestine after ingestion. Furthermore, KP extract, 5,7-DMF, and 3,5,7,3’,4’-PMF inhibited the activity in a time-, NADPH-, and concentration-dependent manner. In vivo study showed that administration of KP extract to rats 2 h before MDZ significantly increased the area under the serum concentration-time curve and the maximum concentration of MDZ significantly by 2.3- and 1.9- fold, respectively (p < 0.05). Conversely, administration of MDZ 18 h after KP extract treatment displayed a weaker effect. These results suggest that KP extract competitively inhibits CYP3A-mediated MDZ metabolism, and that this inhibition may be time-dependent but not irreversible. This work suggests an FDI through CYP3A inhibition by KP extract.

Preliminary studies of Volten VR4® Kaempferia parviflora herb extracts on blood glucose levels in human type-2 diabetes mellitus and its mineral element analysis

Summary Introduction Volten VR4® capsules containing herb extract of Kaempferia parviflora has been claimed to reduce blood glucose in patients with diabetes. Objectives This preliminary study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Volten VR4® on healthy individuals and type-2 diabetes mellitus volunteers. The extracts of 400 mg capsules of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) were used to measure the blood glucose level of 2-hour postprandial. Methods The healthy group consists of 15 young adults aged 20-30 with no history of serious diseases, while the diabetic group includes 12 individuals aged 35-75 diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data were validated through the Willcoxon and Friedman test statistics and error distribution. The investigation was continued to trace the capsules contents of elements using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) techniques. Results It has been shown that KP reducing blood sugar levels has been associated with flavonoids and methoxyflavones components. The result specifically showed that consuming VR4® capsules can significantly reduce blood glucose, either at the state of fasting or postprandially. In the study the content of mineral and heavy metal elements in VR4® capsules has been evaluated. Conclusion Volten VR4® Kaempferia parviflora extract is safe to be consumed at a single dose of 400 mg. The study also has shown that the participants are free from adverse reactions and hypoglycaemia.

Evaluating the Effect of Volten VR4® Kaempferia parviflora Extracts on Blood Glucose Levels in Human Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Individual: A Case-Control Study

Background: Volten VR4® capsules contain extract of Kaempferia parviflora (KP), which has been claimed to reduce blood glucose in patients with diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Volten VR4® on healthy individuals and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus volunteers. Materials and Methods: The extracts of 400 mg capsules of KP were consumed for five days. The fasting and blood glucose levels of 2-hour postprandial were measured at baseline and day 5. A group of 15 healthy young adults between the age of 20- and 30-years old were the control group of the present study, while 12 volunteers aged 35 to 75 years old diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus constituted the experimental group. Data were validated through the Willcoxon and Friedman test statistics and error distribution. Results: It had been shown that the specificity of KP reduced blood glucose levels and has associated with the flavonoids and polymethoxyflavones components. The results showed that consuming VR4® capsules significantly reduced blood glucose, either at the state of fasting or postprandially in diabetic individual. Conclusion: Volten VR4® Kaempferia parviflora extract is safe to be consumed at 400 mg at one time. The study also has shown that the participants are free from adverse reactions and hypoglycaemia. Keywords: Kaempferia parviflora; Blood glucose; Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus; Flavonoids; Polymethoxyflavones; Hypoglycemia and heavy metal elements

Anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory effects of Kaempferia parviflora in keratinocytes and macrophage cells

Kaempferia parviflora (KP) has been used as folk medicine for curing various conditions, including anti-inflammatory diseases. However, anti-psoriatic effects in an aspect of suppression of NF-κB activation have not been explored. Therefore, our current study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammation of KP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and anti-psoriatic effects of KP in cytokine-induced human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. We discovered that KP extract significantly suppressed LPS-induced inflammation at both gene expression and protein production. Specifically, dramatic reduction of nitric oxide (NO) was explored by using Griess method. Consistently, data from RT-qPCR, ELISA, and western blot analysis confirmed that crucial inflammatory and psoriatic markers including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 were significantly decreased by the action of KP. These events were associated with the results from immunofluorescence study and western blot analysis where the activation of NF-κB upon LPS stimulation was clearly inhibited by KP through its ability to suppress IκB-α degradation resulting in inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation. Furthermore, KP extract significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 in a dose-dependent manner, along with inhibition of ERK1/2 activation in both TNF-α- and EGF-induced HaCaT cells. Interestingly, HaCaT cells exposed to 15 μg/mL of KP also exhibited significant decrease of cell migration and proliferation. Our results revealed that KP extract has a potential to be developed as a promising agent for treating inflammation and psoriasis, in part through targeting the proliferation and the NF-κB pathways.

Kaempferia parviflora extract inhibits TNF-α-induced release of MCP-1 in ovarian cancer cells through the suppression of NF-κB signaling

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is an uncommon subtype of epithelial cell ovarian cancers (EOCs) that has poor response to conventional platinum-based therapy. Therefore, finding new potential therapeutic agents is required. Since inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), is strongly expressed in EOCs and associated with the level of tumor grade, disruption of this inflammation pathway may provide another potential target for OCCC treatment. We previously reported that Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. However, the effects of KP on OCCC, especially the aspects related to inflammatory cytokines, have not been elucidated. Our current study demonstrated the effects of KP extract on cytokine production in TNF-α-induced OCCC TOV-21G cell line. This study showed that KP extract inhibited interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production at both transcription and translation levels via the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction. In contrast, KP extract increased the expression of inhibitor kappa B (IκB) protein which may delay NF-κB translocation into the nucleus upon TNF-α activation. Moreover, the suppression of cytokines released from KP treated-TOV-21G reduced the migration of monocyte cell (THP-1). KP extract also exhibited the inhibition of IL-6 and MCP-1 production from THP-1 activated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cells treated with KP extract exhibited a decrease in extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein Mcl-1 (MCL-1) expression. Suppression of inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and inhibition of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) migration support the possibility of using KP for OCCC treatment.

Kaempferia parviflora Extract Alleviated Rat Arthritis, Exerted Chondroprotective Properties In Vitro, and Reduced Expression of Genes Associated with Inflammatory Arthritis.

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker (KP) has been reported to attenuate cartilage destruction in rat model of osteoarthritis. Previously, we demonstrated that KP rhizome extract and its active components effectively suppressed mechanisms associated with RA in SW982 cells. Here, we further evaluated the anti-arthritis potential of KP extract by using multi-level models, including a complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis and a cartilage explant culture model, and to investigate the effects of KP extract and its major components on related gene expressions and underlying mechanisms within cells. In arthritis rats, the KP extract reduced arthritis indexes, with no significant changes in biological parameters. In the cartilage explant model, the KP extract exerted chondroprotective potential by suppressing sulfated glycosaminoglycans release while preserving high accumulation of proteoglycans. In human chondrocyte cell line, a mixture of the major components equal to their amounts in KP extract showed strong suppression the expression of genes-associated inflammatory joint disease similar to that of the extract. Additionally, KP extract significantly suppressed NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The suppressing expression of necroptosis genes and promoted anti-apoptosis were also found. Collectively, these results provided supportive evidence of the anti-arthritis properties of KP extract, which are associated with its three major components.

Selective Cytotoxicity of Kaempferia parviflora Extracts in Human Cell Lines.

Aims of this study were to (1) compare anti-proliferative activity between aqueous and ethanol Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extracts in both cancer (Human urinary bladder cancer cell, T24) and normal cell lines (Human umbilical vein endothelial cell, HUVEC). (2) confirm selective cytotoxicity of ethanol KP extract to normal and different cancer cell lines (3) investigate its cellular mechanism through p53 and SIRT1 gene expression. Phytochemical difference between aqueous and ethanol extract was determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Screening for cytotoxic activity in human cell lines was performed by cell viability assay using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reagent. P53 and SIRT1 gene expression were quantified using RT-PCR. Results from the cell viability assay were shown as follows: (1) ethanol extract possessed higher toxicity to cancerous cells than aqueous extract (2) ethanol extract exhibited higher cytotoxicity to cancerous cells than normal cells (3) ethanol extract also showed cytotoxicity, with different levels, to three prostate cancer cell lines varying in aggressiveness. (4) ethanol KP extract induced cell death in T24 via p53 gene expression and prolonged cell survival in HUVEC through SIRT1 gene expression. These findings implied that ethanol KP extract might possibly be an alternative for cancer adjuvant therapy through the mechanism of selective p53 and SIRT1 gene expression.

Supplementation of Kaempferia parviflora Extract Enhances Physical Fitness and Modulates Parameters of Heart Rate Variability in Adolescent Student-Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

This randomized double-blind controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract on the physical fitness and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in adolescent sport school students. 194 male students were recruited and randomized into two groups (n = 97), matched by age and sports. The KP-treated group received KP extract capsules at a dose of 360 mg/day and the control group received placebo capsules, continuously for 12 weeks. Physical fitness performance and HRV parameters were monitored with blood biochemical analysis for product safety. KP extract significantly increased the right-hand grip strength, the back-leg strength and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and decreased the time used for 50-meter sprint test without changing the sit-and-reach test and the 40 yard technical test. For HRV parameters, KP extract significantly increased standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of square of successive normal to normal interval differences (RMSSD) and high frequency (HF) norm, without changing low frequency (LF) norm and LF/HF ratio. The increase in stress resistance and decrease in stress index were found in the KP-treated group, without changing the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and balance. Blood biochemical analysis showed normal values of all participants. This data indicates the safety and positive effects of KP on muscle strength, endurance and speed, but not on the flexibility and agility. The modulatory effects of KP extract on HRV parameters suggest its anti-stress effects and would encourage the application in a sport training and exercise.