Turmeric Rhizome Research Articles

Preventive Effects of Traditional Plant Concoction “Combo” on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Exposure to chemotherapeutic agents like cyclophosphamide (a drug for cancer treatment), leads to infertility due to its toxic effect on the ovaries. Combo, “a commonly used plant concoction in traditional medicine for the treatment of infertility” is composed of Clove (dried flower), garlic (bulb), ginger (rhizome), and turmeric (rhizome). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible prophylactic effects of Combo therapy in cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in female Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 6 animals each. Group A (normal control) received distilled water only. Group B (negative control) received 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide only, while group C (positive control) received only 29mg/kg of Combo. On the other hand, groups D, E and F were pretreated with Combo doses of (15, 29, and 290 mg/kg) and were later treated with 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide after 7 days. All administrations were done orally. The reproductive hormones assayed were oestrogen and progesterone, while the oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated include glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. Their levels were used as diagnostic markers for assessing the reproductive functions of the ovaries. Combo pre-treatment significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and significantly (p<0.05) increased glutathione, oestrogen and progesterone levels when compared with cyclophosphamide group. Histopathological investigation showed that Combo mitigated degenerative cells in follicles, stromal oedema, and atresia of the follicles when compared with cyclophosphamide group. In conclusion, Combo has fertility potentials and can protect against ovarian degeneration in cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.

Efficacy of Different Botanicals against <i>Caryedon serratus</i> (Oliver) in Stored Groundnut

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of some botanicals as grain protectant against Caryedon serratus (Oliver) in stored groundnut at Prayagraj during 2019 to 2020. Seven botanicals viz., Neem oil, castor oil, neem leaf powder, turmeric rhizome powder, lantana leaf powder, mint leaf powder, tulsi leaf powder were evaluated as compared to control on the basis of adult mortality (%), number of adult emergence and weight loss (%) in stored groundnut. The results showed that neem oil was more effective followed by castor oil, neem leaf powder.

Potensi Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol Rimpang Kunyit (Curcuma longa) sebagai Antibakteri Escherichia coli

Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is well known as one of the many medicinal plants in the form of rhizomes, both on a home and industrial scale. The chemical components contained in the rhizomes include fat, ascorbate, protein, starch, tannin, curcumin, flavonoids and essential oils. Turmeric is commonly used by people to reduce the frequency of diarrhea. Apart from having chelating properties, it is also anti-inflammatory and even antibacterial. Objective: The study was directed to investigate the potential of ethanol extract of turmeric rhizomes (EERK) on Escherichia coli. Method: Dry rhizome powder was macerated using 96% ethanol, then rotary evaporated to obtain dry turmeric rhizome extract (EKRK), and divided into concentrations of 30%, 40% 50%, positive or negative control. Results: The study shows that there is an influence of EKRK concentration on the antibacterial potential of Escherchia coli. One-way ANOVA described that there was a significant difference (p < 0.010) in the use of various EKRK concentrations as inhibitors of bacterial growth and development. Antibacterial activity at 30, 40, and 50 % was 14.3, 17.5, and 19.7 mm, respectively. Conclusion: EERK has strong potential as an antibacterial for Escherichia coli.

Disease incidence, larval parameters and mortality of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. effected by bed disinfectants

With an aim to find out an effective bed disinfectant regulating disease incidence, larval growth parameters and mortality of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. revealed a positive influence on the disease incidence, and larval growth of mulberry silkworm race, (CSR6 × CSR26) × (CSR2 × CSR27). The commercial bed disinfectant, Ankush manifested better result in terms of reduction in disease incidence (1.833 %) and larval parameters (larval duration, 21.888 days; full grown larval weight, 4.596 g; silk gland weight, 0.889 g and 24.181% SGTSI) compared to the control (22.667 days, 3.976 g, 0.817 g and 20.726 %, respectively) followed by Sericillin and Turmeric rhizome powder alone or in combinations. However, a combination of bed disinfectants viz., Ankush + Sericillin, Ankush + Turmeric rhizome powder and Sericillin + Turmeric rhizome powder recorded better results compared to Turmeric rhizome powder alone. Though bed disinfectants did not show any significant effect on mortality percentage but Ankush resulted highest reduction of mortality over control (46.933 %). The performance of all the bed disinfectants was found to be better during the late spring season.

Characterization, catalytic, and recyclability studies of nano-sized spherical palladium particles synthesized using aqueous poly-extract (turmeric, neem, and tulasi)

Green synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) has gained immense significance compared to other metal ions owing to their unique properties. Among them, palladium ‘Pd’ has been in the spotlight for its stable and superior catalytic activity. This work focuses on the synthesis of Pd NPs using the combined aqueous extract (poly-extract) of turmeric (rhizome), neem (leaves), and tulasi (leaves). The bio-synthesized Pd NPs were characterized to study its physicochemical and morphological features using several analytical techniques. Role of Pd NPs as nano-catalysts in the degradation of dyes (1 mg/2 mL stock solution) was evaluated in the presence of a strong reducing agent (sodium borohydride; SBH). In the presence of Pd NPs and SBH, maximum reduction of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine-B (Rh–B) dyes was observed under 20nullmin (96.55 ± 2.11%), 36nullmin (96.96 ± 2.24%), and 27nullmin (98.12 ± 1.33%), with degradation rate of 0.1789 ± 0.0273 min−1, 0.0926 ± 0.0102 min−1, and 0.1557 ± 0.0200 min−1, respectively. In combination of dyes (MB + MO + Rh–B), maximum degradation was observed under 50nullmin (95.49 ± 2.56%) with degradation rate of 0.0694 ± 0.0087 min−1. It was observed that degradation was following pseudo-first order reaction kinetics. Furthermore, Pd NPs showed good recyclability up to cycle 5 (72.88 ± 2.32%), cycle 9 (69.11 ± 2.19%) and cycle 6 (66.21 ± 2.72%) for MB, MO and Rh–B dyes, respectively. Whereas, up to cycle 4 (74.67 ± 0.66%) during combination of dyes. As Pd NPs showed good recyclability, they can be used for several cycles thus influencing the overall economics of the process.

Visceral Characteristics of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Supplemented with Turmeric Rhizome Powder (Curcuma longa)

Visceral Characteristics of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Supplemented with Turmeric Rhizome Powder (Curcuma longa)

Impacts of combination of onion bulb, holy basil and turmeric rhizome on shelf- life, flesh and microbial quality of smoked Clarias gariepinus

The increasing use of synthetic antimicrobials has created a situation leading to a pond ecological imbalance and enrichment of multiple multi-resistant pathogenic microorganisms. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of spices and natural preservatives using a mixture of Onion Bulb (OB), Holy Basil (HB) and Turmeric Rhizome (TR) on shelf–life, flesh and microbial quality of smoked Clarias gariepinus during 56 days storage. Spices were added at the point of processing with five treatments of 8 fresh C. gariepinus (1.2-2kg) were distributed into experimental containers; the control (without Onion Bulb, Holy Basil and Turmeric Rhizome), (TR + OB)2, (TR+ HB)3, (OB +HB)4, (TR + OB + HB)5 and the experiment were carried out in triplicates. Clarias gariepinus were smoked in a smoking kiln at 40ºC- 60ºC and 120-150ºC for 6 and 18 hours respectively. Proximate composition, biochemical parameters, organoleptic assessment, and microbial analysis were carried out using standard methods. The result showed that the crude protein of C. gariepinus was higher in the treated groups compared to the control. Also, the result shows that the biochemical parameters, organoleptic assessment and the microbial loads in smoked C. gariepinus were reduced in the treated groups than in the control at 1 day, 28 days and 56 days storage respectively. The results indicated that using onion bulb, holy basil, and turmeric rhizome in combination may be useful in improving the shelf life, consumer acceptability of smoked C. gariepinus and preventing bacteria pathogens in smoked C. gariepinus.Keywords: Catfish, Onion Bulb, Holy Basil, Microbial Loads, Turmeric Rhizome

Analysis of Seeds and Rhizomes of Spices for Metals, Amino Acids, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity for Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality

Eleven plant extracts from the seeds and rhizomes of spices cultivated in Transylvania were investigated. To evaluate seeds and rhizomes nutritional profiles, several parameters were analyzed including metals, amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant activity, polyphenols, and flavonoids were determined using UV-Vis analytical methods. From investigated seeds and rhizomes, the most pronounced antioxidant character and the highest concentration of polyphenols were achieved in nutmeg seeds, allspice seeds, and ginger rhizomes. The highest flavonoid content was identified in turmeric rhizome and dill seeds. For the free amino acids quantification, a GC-MS analytical method using the 15N-glycine as internal standard was used. 16 amino acids were determined in the analyzed samples, and ginger rhizome and oregano seeds proved to have the highest content of essential amino acids. The trace metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Essential trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and toxic trace elements (As, Cd, and Pb) were determined in the samples. From essential trace elements, Mn and Zn were quantified in higher concentrations; for toxic elements As and Cd were found in the studied herbs. The findings indicate that the studied herbs parts may be valuable sources of compounds with bioactive properties.

Analysis of Bioactive Content of White Turmeric Rhizome (Kaempferia rotunda) Growing In Central Kalimantan

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels and components of essential oils between the rhizome and tuber parts of the white turmeric (Kaempferi rotunda) plant. Sampling of white turmeric was done purposively. The plant parts analyzed were the rhizome and tuber of white turmeric. The study was conducted in August 2021. Sampling of white turmeric was carried out in Hampatung Village, Kapuas Hilir District, Kapuas Regency. Laboratory studies were carried out in 3 places, namely the Laboratory of Chemical Technology for Forest Products, Department of Forestry, University of Palangka Raya, BPOM Laboratory of Palangka Raya City and the Test Laboratory of the Academy of Analytical Chemistry, Bogor Polytechnic. From the results of the analysis of white turmeric essential oil content in the rhizome (0.2969%). The results of GC-MS analysis of essential oils obtained from the rhizome showed 33 components and there were 4 main component compounds, namely Bornyl acetate (64.81%), Champhene (35.07%), Pentadecane (47.53%) and ethyl cinnamate (48.57%).

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization Using Curcuma longa (Turmeric Rhizome)

Cerium oxide and turmeric are widely used in the medical field because of their distinctive properties. Turmeric, predominantly used in Asian cuisines, is also an anti-inflammatory element in ayurvedic medicines. The lower bioavailability of turmeric rhizomes has restricted their medical applications to a specific limit, both in vitro and in vivo. Previous investigations have reported that the conjugation of curcumin and cerium oxide nanoparticles improves turmeric’s stability, making them efficient in treating chronic diseases such as cancer. The main objective of this study is to carry out the synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using turmeric rhizomes. Various methods were used to characterize the cerium oxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the morphological properties of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the structural properties of those nanoparticles. The BEAS-2B cells were cultured in a controlled environment, and the biocompatibility studies were conducted using an MTT assay to assess their cytotoxicity. Based on toxicity studies of cerium oxide nanoparticles, future research will be performed on their biomedical applications.

Protective effects of curcumin and Ginkgo biloba extract combination on a new model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative illnesses, and yet, no workable treatments have been discovered to prevent or reverse AD. Curcumin (CUR), the major polyphenolic compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are natural substances derived from conventional Chinese herbs that have long been shown to provide therapeutic advantages for AD. The uptake of curcumin into the brain is severely restricted by its low ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Meanwhile, GBE has been shown to improve BBB permeability. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects and pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin and GBE combination to find out whether GBE can enhance curcumin’s beneficial effects in AD by raising its brain concentration. Results revealed that CUR + GBE achieved significantly higher levels of curcumin in the brain and plasma after 30 min and 1 h of oral administration, compared to curcumin alone, and this was confirmed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The effect of combined oral treatment, for 28 successive days, on cognitive function and other AD-like alterations was studied in scopolamine-heavy metal mixtures (SCO + HMM) AD model in rats. The combination reversed at least, partially on the learning and memory impairment induced by SCO + HMM. This was associated with a more pronounced inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, hippocampal amyloid beta (Aβ1-42), and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) count, and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukine-1beta (IL-1β), as compared to the curcumin alone-treated group. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and increased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), when compared with the curcumin alone. These findings support the concept that the combination strategy might be an alternative therapy in the management/prevention of neurological disorders. This study sheds light on a new approach for exploring new phyto-therapies for AD and emphasizes that more research should focus on the synergic effects of herbal drugs in future.Graphical abstract

Characterization of M-curcumin complexes (M= Cu, Co, Ag) in turmeric rhizome as sensitizer candidates in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

This experimental research aims to characterize the complex compound M-curcumin (M=Cu, Co, Ag) based on turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) rhizome as a candidate for photosensitizer in solar cells. The basic material used for manufacturing the M-curcumin complex compound in this study was curcumin from turmeric rhizome extract added to Cu2+, Co2+, and Ag+ metal ions. The results of the synthesis of the M-curcumin complex were characterized by FTIR and Uv-Vis spectrophotometers. The FTIR spectrophotometer test showed a curcumin compound in the viscous curcumin extract, characterized by an absorption wave number corresponding to the curcumin compound. In the M-curcumin complex, the bond between the metal and the ligand only appears in the Co-curcumin complex at the absorption number of 498.77 cm -1. The results of the UV-Vis spectrophotometer test showed that the maximum wavelength absorption in curcumin extract was 430 nm (abs = 0.688), Cu-Curcumin complex lmax 300 nm (abs = 2.573), Co-curcumin complex lmax 425 nm (abs = 1.067), and complex Ag-Curcumin lmax 430 nm (abs = 1.36). The UV-Vis and FTIR characterization showed that the Co-curcumin complex has good potential compared to the organic compounds (curcumin) and can be used as an alternative photosensitizer in solar cells

Efficacy of Plant Derivatives in Protecting Mungbean Grains against Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) under Storage Conditions in Southern Bhutan

Food grains infestation by insect pests in stores is a severe challenge in food production around the globe, especially in wet and humid regions. In Bhutan, mung bean is commonly grown for consumption as a superior source of protein. However, severe cowpea weevil infestation is observed while in storage condition. Controlling with synthetic pesticides is associated with health risks due to toxic residues which intervene in safe and healthy protection methods. Protecting the grains in-store through organic approach is imperative for consumption and seed purposes. Some botanical plant extracts are known for their protective properties which need location-specific studies based on availability and suitability. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of eight treatments (Acorus calamus rhizome powder, mustard oil, garlic cloves, turmeric rhizome powder, wood ash, Vitex negundo leaf powder, super grain bag including untreated control) against cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) in mungbean under storage condition. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The result revealed that the lowest mean number of grains perforated and percent grain perforated were recorded in grains treated with Acorus calamus rhizome powder (0.46 & 0.20 %) followed by mustard oil (1.05 & 0.47 %) and grains stored in super grain bag (5.74 & 2.49%), which were significantly lower (P<0.001) as compared to other treatments. The lowest number of adult cowpea weevils was also recorded in grains treated with Acorus calamus and mustard oil followed by grains stored in super grain bag. Germination percentage was found highest in wood ash followed by mustard oil, Acorus calamus and garlic-treated grains while the lowest was in super grain bag. Therefore, Acorus calamus rhizome powder and mustard oil were found to be effective in managing cowpea weevil without affecting seed germination and vigour.

Curcumin a Natural Phenol and Its Therapeutic Role in Cancer and Photodynamic Therapy: A Review

Cancer continues to cause an alarming number of deaths globally, and its burden on the health system is significant. Though different conventional therapeutic procedures are exploited for cancer treatment, the prevalence and death rates remain elevated. These, therefore, insinuate that novel and more efficient treatment procedures are needed for cancer. Curcumin, a bioactive, natural, phenolic compound isolated from the rhizome of the herbaceous plant turmeric, is receiving great interest for its exciting and broad pharmacological properties. Curcumin presents anticancer therapeutic capacities and can be utilized as a photosensitizing drug in cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Nonetheless, curcumin's poor bioavailability and related pharmacokinetics limit its clinical utility in cancer treatment. This review looks at the physical and chemical properties, bioavailability, and safety of curcumin, while focusing on curcumin as an agent in cancer therapy and as a photosensitizer in cancer PDT. The possible mechanisms and cellular targets of curcumin in cancer therapy and PDT are highlighted. Furthermore, recent improvements in curcumin's bioavailability in cancer therapy using nanoformulations and delivery systems are presented.

Safety and Efficacy of Moderately-High Dose Turmacin® (Turmerosaccharide >10% w/w) Supplementation on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Adults - A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Single Arm Study

Turmeric is well-known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties but 69.4% of the turmeric rhizome contains Turmerosaccharides whose clinical benefit is still unexplored. Turmacin®/NR-INF-02 is an aqueous extract of Turmeric containing Turmerosaccharides (>10%w/w) with negligible curcuminoids. Previous study with low dose Turmacin® confirmed its safety and efficacy in alleviating induced knee pain in healthy volunteers. Hence, this study aimed to assess the safety and explore the efficacy of moderately high dose Turmacin®. It was an open-label, single-arm interventional trial conducted from August 2018 – January 2019 in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Turmacin® was administered for seven days to 15 healthy volunteers as four capsules of 500 mg each in the morning with food. The stair mill at a speed of 60 steps per minute was used to induce knee pain and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity. Assessments were performed at baseline, Days 5 and 7. One participant reported dyspepsia of mild grade that resolved on its own. When compared to baseline, time to initial discomfort significantly increased on Day-5 (Mean Difference [MD] = 30s, p = 0.016) and Day-7 (MD = 32s, p = 0.007). Whereas the maximum VAS score decreased with time and on Day-7 and it was significantly low when compared with baseline (MD = −0.93, p = 0.008). In summary, Turmacin® supplements given at a dose of 2 g/day was safe and tolerable. Similar to the previous study with low dose Turmacin®, there was a significant increase in pain threshold and decrease in the maximum pain score post intervention.

The antiaging cream characteristics from extract of turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val.) rhizome and tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) leaves

Chemical-based cosmetics tend to have adverse side effects on human skin so that public awareness arises to use cosmetics made from natural ingredients that do not have side effects. Extract cream of turmeric and tamarind leaf is one of the cosmetics made from natural ingredients that has the potential to replace chemical-based cosmetics. This study aims to determine the hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) value and perfume type to get the cream with the best characteristics, an extract mixture concentration of turmeric rhizome and tamarind leaves used in the manufacture of anti-aging cream, and its application. The experiment used randomized block design with HLB treatment: 9,10,11 and the perfume type : 1,5% jasmine, 2% champagne, 2% rose, while the mixed treatment of turmeric extracts and tamarind leaves extracts were used with the concentration of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5%. The application of the cream to experimental animals, using 36 wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), treated without cream, smeared with placebo cream, smeared with cream of a mixture of tamarind leaves and turmeric extracts, for 4 weeks all groups of rats received exposure chronic UV-B rays 840 mJ/cm. The results showed that the type of perfume had a significant effect on the dispersion, but HLB and the type of perfume had a significant effect on overall acceptance. HLB 10 cream in all types of perfumes showed the best cream characteristics. The lowest anti-collagenase IC50 value was obtained in the cream with a 5% concentration of turmeric extract and tamarind leaves, IC50 value: 0.36 g/ml. Application of cream mixture of turmeric rhizome extract and tamarind leaves with a concentration of 5% gave a significant effect on the decrease in MMP-1 expression up to 12.147+2.380 μg/ml and increase the amount of collagen by 23. 67% in the skin of wistar rats.

Supplementing turmeric rhizome powder in growing Andaman local pigs: a conflated approach for therapy evaluation

This paper examined the pluripotent effect of supplementation of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) (Curcuma longa) in growing Andaman local pigs. A total of 48 pigs were randomly allotted into four groups and fed diets containing TRP at 4 concentrations, that is, 0 (control group), 0.05 (treatment 1), 0.1 (treatment 2), and 0.2% (treatment 3) for 30 days. The mean body weight of pigs supplemented with 0.1% and 0.2% TRP was significantly higher than that of the control group (41.66 ± 0.44, 42.59 ± 0.33 vs 40.38 ± 0.30 kg; p ≤ 0.05) which indicated the effect of TRP as growth enhancer. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was recorded in supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Creatinine kinase (U/l) decreased in all the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly after supplementation with 0.1% and 0.2% TRP in comparison to the control group. However, there was marked increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dl) in all TRP-supplemented groups than the control group (27.67 ± 0.60 in T1, 32.76 ± 0.32 in T2, and 34.58 ± 0.37 in T3 vs. 23.73 ± 0.69 in control; p ≤ 0.05). Further, there was increase in antioxidant profile after TRP supplementation. Anti-inflammatory potentiality of TRP could also be appreciated since TRP supplementation downregulated (p ≤ 0.05) expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Therefore, we perceive that this conflated approach is an example of its own kind to focus on modification of health status of pigs for more productivity and augmentation of immune response.

Microwave-assisted sustainable exploration of cocklebur leaves (Xanthium strumarium L.) as a novel source of distinct yellow natural colorant for dyeing cotton fabric.

During current times, the use of bio-colorants attained public acceptance as a sustainable alternative to synthetic ones which in turn reduced the environmental contamination. The present study focused on the green, safe, and clean technology for the resurgence of natural colorant from cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) leaves and their application to cotton fabric. Natural colorants were extracted by employing an eco-friendly microwave-assisted extraction process using an aqueous and alkaline medium. Dyeing of cotton fabric was carried out using irradiated and unirradiated cotton fabric with irradiated and unirradiated natural dyes of cocklebur leaves. The results of extraction experiments revealed that 4min microwave-assisted alkaline extract exhibited significantly outstanding color strength onto microwave-treated cotton fabric compared to aqueous one. Further to investigate the optimum dyeing conditions for cotton fabric, various dyeing variables such as dyeing time, dyeing temperature, dye concentration, and exhausting agent were monitored and found a superior result using a dye concentration of 45ml, for dyeing cotton fabric at 75°C for 50min in the presence of 4g/100ml of table salt. For improvement in color strength and color fastness properties, the effects of various bio-mordants, such as eucalyptus bark, acacia bark, turmeric rhizome, and onion shells, and chemical mordants (aluminum and copper) on dyed cotton fabric were also evaluated. It was also observed that cotton fabric dyed with alkaline extract of cocklebur leaves using bio-mordants as pre-mordants (4% acacia, 4% eucalyptus, 2% onion) and post-mordants (3% onion, 3% eucalyptus, 4% acacia) exhibited the highest color strength and various hues with acceptable colorfastness properties against light, washing, and rubbing in comparison to chemical mordants. The ISO standard for fastness also revealed that bio-mordanting has enhanced the rating from good to excellent in comparison to chemical mordants. The results provide ample scope for the extraction of yellow natural dye from the cocklebur leaves for eco-friendly coloration of fabrics using bio-mordants.

Safety assessment of a solid lipid curcumin particle preparation: In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies.

Curcumin, one of the three principal curcuminoids found within turmeric rhizomes, has long been associated with numerous physiologically beneficial effects; however, its efficacy is limited by its inherently low bioavailability. Several novel formulations of curcumin extracts have been prepared in recent years to increase the systemic availability of curcumin; Longvida®, a solid lipid curcumin particle preparation, is one such formulation that has shown enhanced bioavailability compared with standard curcuminoid extracts. As part of a safety assessment of Longvida® for use as a food ingredient, a bacterial reverse mutation test (OECD TG 471) and mammalian cell erythrocyte micronucleus test (OECD TG 474) were conducted to assess its genotoxic potential. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, Longvida® did not induce base-pair or frame-shift mutations at the histidine locus in the genome of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535, and TA1537, in the presence or absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Additionally, two gavage doses (24 h apart) of Longvida® to Swiss albino mice at 500, 1000, or 2000-mg/kg body weight/day did not cause structural or numerical chromosomal damage in somatic cells in the mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test. It was therefore concluded that Longvida® is non-genotoxic.

Methods to Improve the Solubility of Curcumin from Turmeric.

Turmeric is a strong-taste component of spices characteristic of Indian cuisine. It is obtained from the turmeric rhizome (Curcumae longae rhizoma) and has been used for thousands of years not only for culinary purposes, but also for medicinal purposes. It contains a group of organic compounds called curcuminoids. Curcumin is the main representative of this group of compounds which is also most frequently studied. In recent years, bioactive curcuminoids (including curcumin in the first place) have become more and more popular due to a wide spectrum of their biological activity. The anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging effects of curcumin have been confirmed by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as in clinical trials. However, an obstacle to simple, clinical application of curcumin is its poor bioavailability (which is due to its hydrophobic nature) and its very weak water solubility. Therefore, many scientists are working on improving the solubility of curcumin in water, which is the topic of the present article. Attempts have been made to combine curcumin with nanoparticles (polysaccharide or silica). Nanosuspensions or complexes with cyclodextrins are also considered. A promising direction is the search for new polymorphic varieties as well as obtaining cocrystals with curcumin which are characterized by better water solubility.