Rhizome Powder Research Articles

Genotype and dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingibar officinale) rhizome powder affect egg quality traits of layer chickens

This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Z. officinale) rhizome powder on egg qualities of aged commercial and native hens using 160 Shaver Brown (SB) and Nigerian heavy ecotype native hens (HEN). Experimental groups per genotype were control group or basal diet group, and ginger rhizome powder supplemented group (20 g/kg, ginger group). For each genotype, forty (40) hens were assigned to the control group and 120 hens to the ginger group. Each experimental group had four (4) replicates containing 10 hens each for the control groups, and 30 hens each for the ginger groups. The hens were housed individually in laying cages and fed the experimental diets at 125 g/bird/day. Water was given ad libitum and photoperiod was 12 h light and darkness. 80 eggs from SB and 40 eggs from HEN control groups, and 80 eggs/genotype from the ginger groups were used to evaluate egg qualities while 10 shell samples were used to evaluate shell mineral contents for each group. In addition, within genotypes, eggs belonging to the ginger groups were grouped into egg weight and egg shape index grades and assessed for egg qualities. SB eggs had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher weight (EW), length (EL), diameter (ED), surface area (ESA), volume (EV), and shape index (ESI); yolk, albumen, and shell weights (YW, AW and SW); albumen height, diameter, and ratio (AH, AD, and AR); shell volume (SV), compression fracture force (SCFF), and calcium content but lower egg specific gravity (ESG), yolk ratio (YR), yolk/albumen ratio (Y/A ratio), shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents compared to HEN eggs. Ginger groups had higher EW, EL, ESA, EV, YW, YD, YR, AH, AI, Y/A ratio, and shell Zn but lower ESG, YH and YI compared to control groups. SB-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.000) AD while HEN-ginger group had highest (p ≤ 0.05) shell Zinc, and Phosphorus contents. EW grades differed significantly in EW, ESA, ESG, ESI and SCFF in the two genotypes while ESI grades differed significantly in ESI and Y/A ratio in SB but in ESI, YI and Haugh unit in HEN. In conclusion, genotype, diet, genotype x diet, EW and ESI grades influenced egg quality traits. These factors are important for egg quality evaluation and genetic improvement.

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) drink spiked with spices-Immunomodulatory properties

Indian gooseberry juice (20% (v/v) was reconstituted with 5% ginger juice (v/v) extracted from freshly harvested rhizomes, 2% each of turmeric rhizome powder and black pepper powder (w/v), followed by raising the total soluble solids to 130Brix by adding sugar syrup. Finally, 5% acid lime juice of 2.45% of titratable citric acid was added to the entire mixture in order to impart a fruity flavour to the product. The entire mixture was homogenized at 175 Bar (2500 psi) with a speed of 235 rpm and was subsequently pasteurized at 1000C for 10 minutes. LC-MS/MS analysis detected phenolic compounds (2-galloyl glucose, 2,6-galloyl glucose), capsaicinoids, curcuminoids, gingerol and shogaol. Though cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited the relative weight of thymus from 0.193 ± 0.048 in normal mice to 0.077 ± 0.034, treatment with the herbal drink significantly increased the relative weight of thymus, showing increased T cell differentiation. Mice treated with the drink showed marginal increase in the WBC count, indicating recovery of immunity. Recovery of bone marrow cellularity in mice fed with the herbal drink was directly proportional to the concentration of the drink. Increase in a-esterase activity was also directly proportional to the concentration of herbal beverage.

Effect of Turmeric Rhizome Powder as Feed Additive on Broiler Chicken’s Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Nutrient Digestibility Coefficient

A research investigation aimed to assess the impact of different levels of turmeric rhizome powder as a feed additive on broiler chickens' growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility coefficient. The study utilized two hundred and fifty-day-old chicks of the Abor Acre strain. Five diets were formulated for both the starter and finisher phases, incorporating turmeric rhizome powder at levels of 0g, 100g, 200g, 300g, and 400g per 100kg of feed. These diets were designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The birds were separated into five groups of fifty birds each, and each group was assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). A further division within each group resulted in five replicates, each containing ten birds. The birds' performance assessment findings during the starter phase revealed significant differences (P0.05). At the finisher phase, the final body weight, body weight gain and feed intake of the birds followed the same trend as in the starter phase. Significant differences were observed in final body weight gain and feed intake of the birds. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of the birds in the finisher birds. T5 had the lowest FCR (feed conversion ratio) values. Significant differences were recorded in the live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentages and primal cut-parts (breast, thigh, drumstick, back, wing and abdominal fat) of the birds. T5 had the highest values in all the traits measured (2510.43g, 2243.51g and 89.37%, 40.07%, 29.55%, 30.56%, 28.51% and 23.05% for live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, breast, thigh, drumstick, back and wing respectively).The abdominal fat of the broiler chickens were significantly affected.

Effect of Incorporation of Fenugreek Seed Powder and Turmeric Rhizome Powder on Performance of Broilers

Effect of Incorporation of Fenugreek Seed Powder and Turmeric Rhizome Powder on Performance of Broilers

Antioxidant Activity Properties of Extract of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Plant

In this study, it was aimed to determine the chemical components in the ethanol extract of the turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plant rhizomes sold as powder in spice-sellers and to determine its antioxidant activity properties. For this purpose, turmeric rhizomes powder was extracted by maceration method using ethanol solvent and its chemical content was determined by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. After chemical components were determinate for the turmeric ethanol extract, the inhibitory activities of these chemicals against the Crystal structure of Human peroxiredoxin 5 (HP5) (PDB ID: 1HD2) and Bovine Xanthine Oxidase (BXO) (PDB ID: 3NRZ) downloaded from the Protein Data Bank site were compared. The highest activity of the molecule was investigated by Gaussian calculations.

MORPHOLOGY AND MICROANATOMY DESCRIPTION OF BỒNG NGA TRUẬT, OR FINGERROOT, (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf) COLLECTED IN KIEN GIANG PROVINCE

Background: Bồng Nga truật, or Fingerroot, (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf syn. Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr.), also known as Ngải bún, is a common ginger species in Mekong Delta. Its tuber roots and rhizomes are often used to cook rice noodles as an alternative to Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.). Despite being used commonly in Indonesia and Thailand, the plant has not been used and researched as a herb in Vietnam. This research was for starting projects to increase the value of this species. Objectives: This study was to primarily describe morphological and microanatomical figures of Bồng Nga truật, together with characteristic figures in rhizome and tuber root powder. Materials and methods: The whole plant of Fingerroot, including rhizomes and tuber roots, was collected in Giong Rieng, Kien Giang. A portion of rhizomes and tuber roots was then cleansed and basked to dry in December 2019. Fresh samples were used for the microanatomy study, dried sample was pulverized for the powder study. All of the observations were done following general instructions in Vietnam Pharmacopoeia V. Results: The study described botanical figures of Bồng Nga truật sample in Giong Rieng, Kien Giang, including morphology, microanatomy of whole plant and characteristic particles in Bồng Nga truật rhizome and tuber root powders. The plant had common figures of Zingiberaceae and looked similar to Tumeric except for leaf sheath bases, flowers, and particular palmated tuber shapes. Microanatomy of leaf veins and leaf blades was characterized by large sub-rectangle secretory vesicles, V-shaped vascular bundles reinforced by hardened tissues on both sides. Rhizome and tuber root microanatomy were not specific. However, tubers of Fingerroot were more likely tuber root than colonial rhizome as referred. Similarly, particles found in powder samples were common among Zingiberaceae species. Conclusions: The sample has common morphological figures compared with one in Malaysia, and common figures of Zingiberaceae.

Mechanism of Nicotiflorin in San-Ye-Qing rhizome for anti-inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis

BackgroundThe incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise globally and the development of drugs targeting UC is urgent. Finding the target of action of natural products is important for drug discovery, elucidation of drug action mechanism, and disease mechanism. San-Ye-Qing (SYQ), is an ancient herbal medicine, but whether the powder of its rhizome has pharmacological effects against UC and its mechanism of action are not clear. PurposeTo evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of rhizome powder of SYQ in treating UC, and conduct an isolation and characterization of the chemical constituents of the powder. Further, screen the most potent compounds among them and determine the potential mechanism for treating UC. MethodsIn vivo, the therapeutic effect of SYQ's rhizome powder on UC was assessed by mice's body weight, DAI score, colon length, tissue MPO activity, serum inflammatory markers, etc. Additionally, HPLC was used to isolate and identify the specific chemical components of SYQ's rhizome powder. Then, the most effective compounds and their therapeutic targets were analysed and screened in SYQ rhizome powder using network pharmacology, combined with CCK-8 assay, NO release assay and molecular docking assay, in conjunction with CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay. Finally, the biological effects of the key compound on the targets were validated using Western blot and ELISA. ResultsIn vivo, SYQ rhizome powder effectively restored mice's body weight, lowered DAI and pathological score, downregulated the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, and restored colon length, as well as the colonic epithelial and mucus barriers. Afterward, 9 compounds were isolated and identified from the powder of the rhizomes of SYQ by HPLC. Nicotiflorin is the primary compound in SYQ with the highest concentration. According to both CCK-8 and NO release tests, Nicotiflorin is also the most efficacious compound. Combined with network pharmacological prediction, molecular docking analysis, CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay, Nicotiflorin may ultimately suppress inflammation by targeting p65 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. To verify this conclusion, Western blot and ELISA experiments were conducted. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the extract from SYQ rhizomes has therapeutic properties for UC. Its active ingredient Nicotiflorin exerted potent anti-UC effects by binding to p65 and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes.

In-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico anti-inflammatory evaluation of hedychenone and its semisynthetic derivative

Hedychium spicatum is a perennial shrub that is commonly found in the Himalayan region. Thin layer chromatography fingerprint screening of various Hedychium species revealed that only the species Hedychium spicatum possesses hedychenone. Purification and isolation of hedychenone was carried out from methanolic extract of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes powder using column chromatography. After crystallization of enriched fraction, 2.19% of hedychenone crystalline powder was yielded. The physiochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of the active pharmaceutical components was conducted using artificial learning and machine learning (AL/ML) approaches. The results indicate that both medications adhere to Lipinski’s rule of five. The docking study indicated that compound 2 (MBE-10.4 kcal/mol) exhibited a more sub-stantial interaction with the cannabinoid receptor 2 compared to hedychenone (MBE -9.85 kcal/mol). A study was done to assess the physical and chemical stability of hedychenone under biological pH conditions. Furthermore, the administration of both medication concentrations, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/ kg, effectively inhibits the development of acute paw edema caused by ovalbumin. A preliminary investigation of hedychenone and its synthetic derivative indicated that these compounds have the potential to be utilized as active medicinal ingredients in herbal pharmaceutical preparations.

Effect of Curcuma longa Rhizome Powder on Metabolic Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in High-Fructose and High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Metabolic disorders have become a major and growing global health problem, so finding potentially novel solutions with fewer harm is favourable to solving this problem. Thus, this research aimed to determine the effect of a diet supplemented with Curcuma longa rhizome powder on markers of oxidative stress as well as biochemical and haematological parameters of rats with diet-induced metabolic disorders. The powder was obtained from fresh Curcuma longa rhizome for preparation of extracts, which were used for in vitro analysis. After induction of metabolic disorders in male Wistar rats, they were separated into five groups: base, control, and high-fructose and high-fat diet supplemented with Curcuma longa rhizome powder at 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the Curcuma longa rhizome powder extracts revealed the presence of phenols (96.97 ± 0.79 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (133.19 ± 1.64 mg CE/g) and also showed good activities in DPPH free radical scavenging (79.46 ± 2.12%) and good inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme (94.12 ± 2.84%). The food supplementation with Curcuma longa rhizome powder lowered Lee index (326.88 ± 3.08 to 262.45 ± 4.71), glycaemia (189.25 ± 5.98 to 120.5 ± 4.91 mg/dl), peritoneal fat deposition (2.18 ± 0.02 to 1.35 ± 0.14 g/100 g of body weight), triglycerides (58.35 ± 5.37 to 109.94 ± 1.42 mg/dl), total cholesterol (208.53 ± 1.53 to 114.18 ± 2.20 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (128.73 ± 3.64 to 17.55 ± 1.59 mg/dl), malondialdehyde (67.54 ± 2.48 to 39.75 ± 1.02 nmol/ml), and nitric oxide (27.83 ± 1.44 to 19.36 ± 1.28 nmol/ml) and increased HDL-cholesterol (48.12 ± 1.82 to 74.21 ± 1.04 mg/dl) and catalase activity (4.12 ± 0.56 to 11.58 ± 0.83 U/min/ml) with the best result at 5% supplementation. According to these results, the Curcuma longa rhizome powder supplement is a promising alternative for the treatment of metabolic disorders and oxidative stress.

Determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, and testing of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum)

Determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, and testing of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum)

Hermetic storage for eco-friendly management of insect pests infesting stored sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame provides excellent food, nutrition, health care, edible oil, and biomedicine. Insect pest infestations in stored sesame have been a problem of major concern in recent years. Two hermetic storage bags, viz., high density polyethylene (HDPE) bag and double layered polythene (DLP) bag, were evaluated alone and in combination with botanical treatment (sweet flag rhizome powder @ 10 g/kg seed) against rice moth and red flour beetle under storage condition in comparison with conventional farmers’ storage bags (jute gunny bag and cloth bag). Among the treatments, sesame seeds stored in HDPE bag with sweet flag rhizome powder and HDPE bag recorded significantly low seed damage due to the pests as compared to sesame seed stored in cloth and jute gunny bags at 6 months after treatment. The study revealed that HDPE bag alone or in combination with sweet flag rhizomepowder could be employed as an eco-friendly method for preventing storage insect pests infesting sesame under storage conditions.

Evaluation of certain botanicals for eco-friendly management of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) infesting stored sesame

The experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of different botanicals for the eco-friendly management of red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) infesting stored sesame. The effectiveness of the botanicals was assessed based on the parameters viz., per cent seed damage, per cent weight loss, number of adults emerged and germination percentage at 6 months after storage. From this study, it was observed that the treatment sweet flag rhizome powder @ 10 g/kg sesame seeds recorded the lowest number of adult emerging (2.3 adults), the lowest percentage of seed damage (11.7%), percentage of seed weight loss (2.9%) and highest percentage germination (74.7%) after six months of storage. Therefore, it can be concluded that sweet flag rhizome powder @ 10 g/kg was the most effective eco-friendly method to manage red flour beetle beetle on stored sesame.

Effects of Graded Levels of Typha angustifolia Rhizomes on Intestinal Microflora, Immune System, and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The ability of growth-promoting antibiotics to accumulate in livestock products such as meat, eggs, and milk, and the antibiotic resistance conferred on bacteria has prompted researchers to turn to phyto-additives. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of Typha angustifolia rhizome powder as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken. Materials and methods: For this purpose, 512 one-day-old chickens of the Cobb500 strain were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design of 8 treatments of 16 chicks replicated four times. Experimental rations consisted of incorporating into a control ration 1 g of Doxycycline® (0+), and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g of Typha angustifolia /kg of feed, respectively. Results: The main results revealed that feed intake was not significantly affected by the different treatments. Over the study period, supplementing chicken with 6 g of T. angustifolia/kg increased live weight and weight gain by about 6.72% and 6.82%, respectively, compared to the negative control. Similarly, this phyto-additive, at the incorporation rate of 6 g/kg, decreased the chicken feed conversion ratio by 12.83% compared to the control without additives. The 6 g of Typha angustifolia/kg of feed induced a significant increase in the weight, length, and density of the intestine as compared to the negative control ration. This phyto-additive, whatever the rate, significantly increased the number of lactic acid bacteria, and the digestibility of crude protein and dietary fiber compared to the negative control. Apart from the serum concentration of total cholesterol and high-density cholesterol, which increased significantly with 1 g of Typha angustifolia compared to the negative control, all the haemato-biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by this phyto-additive, whatever the incorporation rate. Conclusion: In the condition of the present study, it was concluded that 6 g of Typha angustifolia/kg of feed can be used as a substitute for antibiotics growth promoters in animal feed.

Chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of rhizomes essential oil and nutrient components from rhizomes powder of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric) collected from Garhwal region of Uttrakhand, India

The current study was performed to analyse the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the essential oil separated from Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric) rhizomes. The essential oil of Curcuma caesia (C. caesia) rhizomes was separated by hydrodistillation technique. Further, essential oil was subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis for chemical analysis. Additionally, rhizome powder was investigated for nutritional content using standard reported methods. Subsequently, antioxidant potential of essential oil was analysed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay followed by α-amylase inhibitory assay. Results of the study suggested the presence of various important compound viz. curzerenone (29.78%), α-Bulnesene (14.43%), eucalyptol (13.32%), curzerene (4.88%), and camphor (4.71%), respectively. Similarly, potent antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities were observed in oil. It was concluded from the present work that essential oil of C. caesia rhizomes contains many therapeutic useful aromatic bioactive and nutritional components. Additionally, essential oil of C. caesia rhizomes exhibits profound antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities.

Method Development and Validation of Curcuminoids in Curcuma Angustifolia Roxb. By RP-HPLC and Its Antifungal Activity

Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., a rhizomatous herb, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of plants. The species is rich innutrients and is used mostly as a source of starch for Indian dishes and medicines. The published research articles for themeasurable estimation of components in Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. rhizomes are very scarce. The present study aimed to developa quantitative analysis method for estimating the constituents in the methanolic extract of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. rhizome andto investigate its biological activity. Within the context of this challenge, the current work is a unique effort that recommends ahigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for estimating curcuminoids, namely curcumin, demethoxycurcumin,and bis-demethoxycurcumin, present in the methanolic extract of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. rhizome. A reverse-phase HPLCmethod was developed to estimate curcuminoids in the extract. The method was validated and found to be precise, sensitive,specific, linear, accurate, and robust. The method validation study's findings demonstrated the method's suitability for routine use.The HPLC method was successfully applied to a marketed formulation containing rhizome powder from Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.as one of its constituents. This study investigates the antifungal activity of the methanolic extract in vitro using an agar well diffusionassay method. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established, and the antifungal activity was evaluated against Candidaalbicans and Candida glabrata with fluconazole as the standard reference. The development and validation of an HPLC method fortesting curcuminoids in Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. rhizome and the evaluation of rhizome extract antifungal activity are excellentexamples of herbal medicine quality control in its entirety. The in vitro antifungal activity results reaffirm the usage of Curcumaangustifolia Roxb. as a source of antifungal agents. They can lead to the developing of new herbal medicines in the coming days.

Natural deep eutectic solvent extraction of xanthorrhizol and curcuminoids from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb and simultaneous determination by high-performance liquid chromatography

Context: Curcuma xanthorrhiza, a native to Indonesia, has been recognized as a potential medicinal plant. Xanthorrhizol (XTZ), curcumin (Cur), bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), and demethoxycurcumin (DMC) are the main major metabolites with different bioactivities. Thus, the selective extraction of these markers is required. Aims: To characterize and use natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the extraction of XTZ and curcuminoids (CURS) from C. xanthorrhiza. Methods: Four NADES, comprising of glucose:lactic acid (Glu:LA, 1:3), choline chloride: malic acid (ChCl:MA, 1:1), choline chloride: glycerol (ChCl:Gly, 1:1), and choline chloride: sucrose (ChCl:Suc, 3:1) were synthesized and subjected to FTIR. The physicochemical properties of NADES were characterized, including polarity, viscosity, and density. Their antioxidant profiles were evaluated. The toxicity of NADES was assessed towards Escherichia coli by real-time growth monitoring. Tested NADES were employed to extract marker compounds from the rhizome of C. xanthorrhiza. A validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was applied to simultaneously quantify XTZ and CURS in NADES extracts. Results: FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between components. Using the DPPH and FRAP methods, all NADES and NADES extracts displayed antioxidative activity, suggesting the contribution of NADES to the activity. Of the tested NADES, Glu:LA (1:3) obtained the highest content of XTZ over Cur, BDMC, and DMC, comparable to that of ethanol maceration. All tested NADES were harmless to E. coli, except for ChCl:MA (1:1). However, NADES extracts of Glu:LA (1:3) and ChCl:MA (1:1) suppressed the growth of the bacterium. Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated the destruction of the surface structure of the rhizome powder by NADES-ultrasonication. Conclusions: The study recommended the use of Glu:LA (1:3) to selectively extract XTZ to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable extraction.

Synthesis of Berberis aristate rhizome extract stabilized magnesium nanoparticles using green chemistry: rhizome characterization, in vitro antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity

ABSTRACT In the present study, magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) were synthesized utilizing an aqueous extract of Berberis aristate rhizome and evaluated for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Technofunctional properties of rhizome powder were evaluated and during thermal stability evaluation four stages of decomposition with a maximum delta Y value of 76.04 % was observed. Optimization of Mg NPs was carried out by employing eight different concentrations (C1-C8) and the C4 showed maximum absorbance at 330 nm confirming the NPs synthesis. The Mg NPs showed the particle size of 62 nm, zeta potential of −24.7 mV and hexagonal mprphology. Potential inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli (76.78 ± 0.05% and 74.62 ± 0.17%)and anti-inflammatory activity ranging from 42.43 ± 0.07–82.92 ± 0.04% was observed for Mg NPs. Therefore, green synthesis of Mg NPs is a promising approach for the development ofbiological active NPs to cure microbial infections.

Morphological and anatomical studies of Conamomum vietnamense N.S. Lý & T.S. Hoang: An endemic plant from Vietnam

Abstract. Nhi NTT, Chen TV, Lam DNX, Nguyen DD, Dinh QD, Linh NHK. 2023. Morphological and anatomical studies of Conamomum vietnamense N.S. Lý & T.S. Hoang: An endemic plant from Vietnam. Biodiversitas 24: 5022-5034. Conamomum vietnamense N.S. Lý & T.S. Hoang (Zingiberaceae) is an endemic plant from Vietnam. Information on the anatomical structure of leaves, roots, rhizomes, and the powder characteristics of C. vietnamense has not been reported. This study aimed to combine macro- and micro-morphological analysis to identify C. vietnamense accurately. Twenty fresh plants were randomly collected from the wild habitats in Vietnam were used for the study. Macromorphological characteristics were observed and compared to earlier research. Iodine green-carmine staining was then used to histologically examine the leaves, roots, and rhizomes. The powdered rhizome and leaf features were described via a microscope. Macromorphologically, C. vietnamense is characterized by its stout stilt roots, short petioles, oblong-lanceolate leaf blades with lightly plicate, inflorescences with obovoid, and narrowly ovate bracts, hairy underside bracteoles, bilobed calyx, yellow flowers with broadly obovate, glabrous, trilobed labellum. Micromorphologically, the anatomical features of leaves, roots, and rhizomes have similarities with those of Zingiberaceae species. The tetracytic stomata was observed on both leaf surfaces. The stomatal indexes on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaves are 8.81±0.55% and 0.1±0.06%, respectively. Calcium oxalate crystals were found in the leaf. Starch grains and reticulate xylem vessels were present only in rhizome powder. These findings are important characteristics for identifying C. vietnamense.

Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidative response, and antibacterial capacity of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) reared in outdoor conditions

Unstable outdoor farming conditions weaken fish's health status and immunity, leading to high susceptibility to infectious diseases and low productivity. Feed additives have been applied recently to enhance the growth performance and well-being of striped catfish. This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidative response, and antibacterial capacity of striped catfish. Control and three test diets were supplemented with ginger rhizomes powder at 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %. After 90 days, the growth performance of striped catfish fed dietary ginger was marginally increased, with the highest being in the group receiving 1 % (p < 0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio was reduced following the same trend, with the lowest being in fish fed at 1 %. Fish fed 1 % ginger had the highest growth hormone level than the remaining groups (p < 0.05). The carcass composition, including total protein and lipids, was meaningfully affected by dietary ginger, while ash and fibers were unaffected. Amylase, protease, and lipase activities were significantly higher in striped catfish fed dietary ginger than in the control. The total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly higher in striped catfish fed 1 % and 1.5 % ginger than 0 % and 0.5 % (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in striped catfish fed ginger regardless of the dose. On the other hand, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was markedly reduced by dietary ginger in striped catfish, and those who received 1.5 % had the lowest MDA level. The Vibrio spp. and fecal coliform were markedly reduced by dietary ginger in striped catfish intestines. Interestingly fish fed 1.5 % had the lowest count for Vibrio spp. and fecal coliform. Overall, based on the regression analysis results, dietary ginger should be added at 1.02–1.58 % in the diets of striped catfish to show the best performance and well-being.

Experimental evidence of the neurotoxic effect of monosodium glutamate in adult female Sprague Dawley rats: The potential protective role of Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizomes

Strategies to prevent the health abnormalities associated with the extensive use of MSG (monosodium glutamate) as a flavoring booster are badly needed. The current study was conducted to investigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal lipid profile as the main risk factors of neurotoxicity in MSG-exposed female albino rats. Besides, the effect of concurrent consumption of Zingiber officinale rhizomes powder was studied at low doses. Twenty rats (total) were split into 4 separate groups. The 1st group was a negative control group (without any treatment), while the others received 6 mg MSG/kg. The 2nd group was left untreated, whereas the 3rd and 4th groups were given a regular laboratory diet that included ginger rhizome powder supplements (GRP, 0.5 & 1%, respectively) for six weeks. In brain tissue homogenates, exposure to MSG caused a significant depletion of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and total protein levels, while triglycerides and cholesterol contents were significantly elevated. Moreover, a noteworthy upsurge in oxidative load and inflammation markers was also noticed associated with a marked reduction of antioxidant levels, which histopathological staining verified further. The rat diet formulated with GRP, with a dose-dependent effect, resulted in increased GABA and total protein contents and attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, abnormal lipid profile, and marked histological changes in cerebral cortical neurons of MSG-administered animals. Therefore, this study reveals that GRP shields rats against the neurotoxicity that MSG causes. The anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant, and lipid-normalizing properties of rhizomes of ginger may be accountable for their observed neuroprotective action.