Spice Plant Research Articles

The Beneficial Application of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Health and Egg Production, in Layers: A Review.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a widely recognized spice and medicinal plant that has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial applications of turmeric in improving health and egg production in layers. The objective of this review is to assess the current scientific literature on the effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets and evaluate its impact on layer health and egg production. A systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar database to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies investigating the effects of turmeric or its bioactive compound curcumin on layer health and egg production were included. Data on various parameters, including immune function, reproductive performance, egg quality and production parameters, were extracted and analysed. Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. These properties have been extensively studied and have shown promising results in enhancing layer health and performance. Turmeric supplementation has been reported to improve the overall immune response in layers, reducing the incidence and severity of infectious diseases. It has also been shown to have positive effects on gut health by modulating the gut microbiota composition, improving nutrient absorption and reducing digestive disorders. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that turmeric supplementation in layer diets can improve egg weight, shell quality, yolk colour and egg production rates. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve the antioxidant properties of turmeric, which protect the reproductive organs, enhance ovarian function and improve reproductive performance. The findings underscore the potential of turmeric as a natural, cost-effective and sustainable intervention for improving layer well-being, egg quality and productivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens and evaluate the long-term effects of turmeric supplementation in layer diets.

THE EFFECT OF MARINATION WITH RED GINGER (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) ON CHEMICAL AND HEDONIC QUALITY OF DRIED BEEF

Red ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a commonly utilized spice plant in blends and marinades. The research was conducted to determine the effect of different red ginger blend concentrations on fat levels, protein levels, antioxidant activity, and hedonic quality of dried beef. The research used a Randomized Block Design and descriptive analysis. Treatments were differentiated by adding different concentrations of red ginger blend (P0 = 0%, P1 = 5%, P2 = 10%, P3 = 15%, and P4 = 20%). The addition of a 15% red ginger blend is the best treatment for the chemical properties of dried beef, while the addition of a 5% red ginger blend is the best treatment for the hedonic properties of dried beef.

Evaluation of the insecticidal efficacy of four plants to protect stored Bambara groundnuts [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabaceae)

Bambara groundnuts [Vigna subterranean] is one of the main legumes consumed in Northern Cameroon. However, stored nuts by farmers are quickly destroyed by pests leading to low yields. To overcome this constraint, the efficient control of stored grains from insect pests is dependent on synthetic insecticides. To reduce post-harvest losses of stored voandzou seeds, four botanicals insecticides have been developed and evaluated on the main pest. Plant powders prepared from Piper nigrum Linn. (Pipericaceae), Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry (Myrtaceae), Xylopia aethiopica Dunal (Annonaceae) and Phaseolus vulgaris L.( Fabaceae), at different doses were tested on Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius under laboratory conditions. The rest of the study involved combining black bean powder with the three condiment species in different proportions. The analysis shows a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the mortality induced by formulations on day two of exposure with the lowest dose (0.5 g). These mortalities are 100%, 94.44 ± 3.79%, 72.5 ± 96 and 8.33 ± 4.77, respectively for S. aromaticum, P. nigrum, X. aethiopica and P. vulgaris powders. In relation to the formulation, the results show S. aromaticum powder induced 100% mortality compared with 94.44%, 72.59% and 8.33% respectively for P. nigrum, X. aethiopica and P. vulgaris plant powder at a dose of 5%. The results show that the natural substances used had a good insecticidal action against bruchid. The persistent compounds present in the studied spice plant powders are not toxic for human consumption at the concentrations used, but rather a beneficial effect. Key words: botanical insecticide, aromatic plants, powder, seeds, storage, insect pest.

Production Performance and Cost Analysis of 60 Kwp Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System in Ayaş

The Ankara University Ayaş Horticulture Research and Application Station was chosen as the study area for this investigation. It is situated in the Uğurçayırı neighborhood of Ayaş district, in the center of the districts of Ayaş, Güdül, Beypazarı, and Polatlı. Saplings, vegetables, fruits, clover, medicinal, and spice plants are all produced on the 406 decares land. The analysis employed a variety of solar energy potential sources, including Ayaş, GEPA, MGM HELİOSAT, PVGIS, IRENA, Solar Med Atlas, NASA SSE, SOLARGIS, Global Solar Atlas, and NREL data. In addition, the design cost of a 60 kW photovoltaic system connected to the grid in Ayaş and the daily average/annual total production values according to months were calculated, taking into account the installed solar energy capacity and production values of the Ministry of Energy in the area. The annual solar radiation for Ayaş is 1628 kWh/m2. The average daily electricity production is 252 kWh, and the total annual production is 91,980 kWh. The installation cost of a 60 kW PV system is 50,150 USD. The repayment period of the system is six years. Furthermore, the PV system will mitigate 59.7 kilograms of CO2 emissions annually.

Genotypic and environmental influences on colour and curcuminoids of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes across contrasting production environments

Abstract Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is rich in curcuminoids, which are polyphenolic pigments make it one of the most valuable spice and medicinal plant. The rising need for natural colours and the numerous health advantages of curcuminoids are driving up the demand of turmeric. In this study, the effects of genotype and genotype × environment on the colour characteristics of 21 turmeric genotypes were examined in three different production environments namely vertical farming, greenhouse, and field conditions. The pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P < 0.05) differences among genotypes (G), environments (E), and G × E interaction for three colour parameters [L* (lightness index), A* (redness index), B* (yellowness index)]. Among the genotypes, the values ranged from 41.80 to 54.76, 13.92 to 24.83 and 31.72 to 47.67 for L*, A*, B*, respectively. Erode Local (22.34), IISR Pragati (24.56) and IISR Prathiba (26.55) recorded maximum A* value under vertical farming, greenhouse, and field conditions, respectively. Correlation analysis between colour values and curcuminoids revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.608–0.735, P < 0.001) between A* value and curcuminoids. Furthermore, stability analysis for A* value revealed 78.87% genotype × environment interaction (GEI) from the first two principal components of GGE biplot. IISR Pragati and Waigon Turmeric are best was most stable for A* value across environments. Our study revealed that colour traits among genotypes vary widely and are strongly impacted by genetic and environmental factors. These findings are crucial for future breeding programs to enhance turmeric's colour, ensuring high-quality, stable products for producers and consumers.

Karakter Morfologi Dan Hubungan Kekerabatan Pada Tanaman Jahe (Zingiber officinale) di Kabupaten Garut

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the spice plants used for cooking or traditional medicine in Indonesia. Ginger variations are highly diverse in the Garut region, hence there is a need for the characterization of ginger plants to identify the germplasm present in the Garut area. This research was conducted at several points in the Garut region by observing the morphological characteristics of ginger based on Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. The morphological characteristics observed include overall plant morphology, including stem, leaves, and rhizomes. After the data were collected based on predetermined criteria according to descriptors, the data were processed using NTSYS 2.1 to determine the relatedness of the ginger varieties found. Based on the analysis of the dendrogram results, it is shown that among the red ginger varieties (A1 and A5), there is a coefficient value of 0.65, indicating a high similarity in properties. Elephant ginger (A3, A2) and emprit ginger (A6) have a coefficient value of 0.45, indicating a close relatedness between elephant ginger and red ginger, while elephant ginger (A4 and A7) has a coefficient value of 0.50, indicating close relatedness.

Hydroxyl-Amide Alkaloids from Pepper Roots: Potential Sources of Natural Antioxidants and Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a widely used spice plant known for its fruits and roots, which serve as flavor enhancers in culinary applications and hold significant economic value. Despite the popularity of pepper fruits, their roots remain relatively understudied, with limited research conducted on their bioactive components. This study focused on discovering and separating the primary bioactive amide alkaloids found in pepper roots. The process involved using the antioxidant activity of crude fractions and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking analysis platform. The process led to the discovery of 23 previously unknown hydroxyl-amide alkaloids. Notably, compounds 11, 12, and 14 showed excellent antioxidant activity, while compound 11 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase. Theoretical exploration of enzyme-ligand interactions was conducted through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The findings of this study highlight the potential of hydroxyl-amide alkaloids as antioxidant products and natural food preservatives in the pharmaceutical and food cosmetic industries.

Nutritional and safety assessment of aqueous extract of nutmeg seeds, Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans is used as a spice or medicinal plant to manage ailments. This study evaluated the nutritional and safety assessment of an aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 180 - 240 g were randomly distributed into five groups: Control received distilled water, while 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight represented the treatment groups, respectively. The extract was orally administered to the animals for 28 days and then euthanized under anesthesia. Blood, serum, and liver homogenates from rats were used for biochemical analysis. The phytate and tannin contents were 0.38 mg/100 g and 0.15 mg/100 g, respectively. The calculated phytic acid to zinc ratio was 0.12. The respective percentage proximate components of the extract include moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrates: 10.61%, 45.42%, 5.95%, 1.81%, 13.78%, and 22.43%, respectively. Sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and lead were present in the extract. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and acid phosphatase (ALP) activity in the groups treated with the extract compared to the control groups. Similarly, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum total bilirubin and albumin concentrations in the extract treatment groups compared to control groups. On the contrary, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the liver AST and ALP activity in the treatment groups compared to the control. The liver total protein and albumin concentrations showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the extract treatment groups compared to the control. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the pack cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), Mean cell volume (MCV), and platelet (PLT) levels in the animals in the extract treatment groups compared to the control group. Myristica fragrans is abundant in essential nutrients crucial for maintaining optimal physiological functions within the body, however, it is important to avoid excessive dosage or prolonged consumption which might be toxic to liver cells. Key words: Myristica, animals, tannins, phytic acid, chemical and drug Induced liver injury, minerals

Evaluating the biomedical and environmental safety of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from black pepper seed extract

In recent times, sustainable synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) has seen a significant rise in research, focusing primarily on microbial and plant polysaccharide-based approaches for various bioapplications. However, there are limited studies on the use of extracts from herbal spice plants as capping agents for Se NPs. Therefore, this study investigates the pioneering synthesis of Se NPs using black pepper (Piper nigrum) seed extract (PSe NPs) and assesses their antioxidant properties, hemolytic potential, antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, in vivo toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and their effectiveness in prolonging the shelf life of food materials. The green-synthesized PSe NPs were thoroughly physicochemically characterized and found to be sphere-shaped with a medium diameter of 10–100 nm. The PSe NPs exhibited substantial antibacterial effects, being more effective against S. aureus (Gram-positive)than against S. typhi (Gram-negative). Furthermore, PSe NPs significantly inhibited MRSA biofilm growth at 500 μg/mL and showed notable antioxidant activity compared to standard gallic acid. Also at 500 μg/mL, PSe NPs induced significant hemolysis, whereas inferior concentrations did not. Cytotoxicity evaluations using the MTT assay revealed that PSe NPs significantly reduced the viability of human normal embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells after 24 hours of treatment at concentrations of 0.1–500 μg/mL. This cytotoxic effect was associated with apoptosis, as shown by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. In phytotoxicity assays, PSe NPs revealed significant effects on seed germination and root and shoot growth of the mung bean (Vigna radiata). The zebrafish embryotoxicity assay indicated that PSe NPs at 500 µg/mL affected embryo morphology, mortality and survival rates 96 hours after fertilization. Furthermore, the application of PSe NPs gel coatings effectively reduced weight loss and extended the shelf life of fruits such as apples and pears, maintaining their natural appearance.

Effect of Rosemary on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Content, Intestinal Flora, and Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1-42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices.

Carnosic acid, a novel food-source AT1R antagonist and its anti-hypertension mechanism

Hypertension is the most prevalent non-communicable disease, affecting billions of people worldwide. Discovery and development of natural antihypertensive lead compounds or drugs are important to resolve the limitations of existing antihypertensive drug safety and resistance. This investigation verified that carnosic acid (CA), an important active ingredient of rosemary, an edible spice plant, indicates a significant anti-hypertensive activity in spontaneous hypertension rats by targeting AT1R. Moreover, our research indicated that CA shared a comparable antagonistic mechanism with established synthetic angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), as it occupies the binding sites of Angiotensin II (AngII) at His6 and Pro7 within the AT1R's ligand-binding pocket. Notably, CA exerted better anti-hypertensive activity since it could not break the Asn1113.35-Asn2957.46 hydrogen bond to stabilize the AT1R inactive state. As the first potent AT1R antagonist identified in a natural food source, CA is poised to become a novel anti-hypertensive lead compound, distinguished by its unique skeleton structure different from conventional ARBs. This research lays a valuable theoretical groundwork for the future exploration of CA and rosemary extract in both fundamental studies and clinical applications.

Correlation between physical characteristics and plant composition of home gardens in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Laraswari S, Wulandari I, Husodo T, Abdoellah OS, Amalia CA, Fawwaz MR, Azadi SM, Farhaniah SS. 2024. Correlation between physical characteristics and plant composition of home gardens in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 3051-3060. Green open space in urban settings provides various benefits to city residents, yet the increase in urban population indirectly results in a decrease in urban green space. Home gardens can expand urban green space to complement public areas but are often overlooked. This research examines the physical characteristics (area size, shape, and zoning) and plant composition of home gardens in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia, as well as the correlation between both aspects. This research examined extensive data collection from a densely populated urban area, a context rarely explored but highly relevant in recent urban development. Data was collected in five housing complexes in the Rancasari Sub-district, with 514 home gardens, and correlation analysis was performed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). The result showed that 92.2% of the home gardens had very narrow areas with 2-53m2. The shape of the home garden was dominated by strips, with 66% and 94% of home gardens having front zoning. Across the sampled home gardens, there were 1054 species from 141 families, with a total of 32,967 individuals. Araceae was the most commonly found family with 100 species and Sri Rejeki (Aglaonema commutatum Schott) had the largest number of individuals. Most of the home garden plants were ornamental plants due to their attractive morphology, making them relatively homogeneous within 95% of the home gardens. The presence of ornamental plants was the least influenced by physical characteristics, while medicinal and spice plants can be grouped together as they were more affected by the area size and less by the zone and shape. Edible plants were the most influenced by all physical characteristics, particularly the zone. This study provides new insights into urban ecology, offering valuable information for homeowners, developers, and policymakers to enhance the role of home gardens as private green spaces.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) Towards Enterococcus faecalis: A Preliminary Research to the Alternative of Root Canal Irrigant of Primary Teeth

Enterococcus faecalis is a notable pathogen found in the root canals of primary teeth with endodontic infections, often resistant to conventional root canal irrigation solutions, leading to treatment failure. Torch ginger or kecombrang (Etlingera elatior), a spice plant, is reported to contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic extract of torch ginger against Enterococcus faecalis, evaluating its potential as an alternative irrigant based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and effective concentration. Samples included Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212™ and 70% ethanol extract of torch ginger, tested in eight concentrations (80%, 75%, 65%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125%) obtained through maceration, alongside two control groups (NaOCl and saline). The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to determine MIC, while the streaking method from MIC testing identified MBC. Data analysis for MIC and MBC values was conducted using the One-Way ANOVA parametric test (p &lt; 0.05). Torch ginger extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, with inhibition observed at a minimum concentration of 3.125% with average inhibition zone diameter of 9.63 ± 0.25 mm and reaching up to 80% concentration with average inhibition zone diameter of 15.03 ± 0.21 mm. The MIC was established at 3.125%, and the MBC among the tested concentrations was 80%. The study concludes that the ethanolic extract of torch ginger shows significant antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. An 80% concentration is identified as the most effective for inhibiting and killing the pathogen, suggesting its potential as an alternative root canal irrigant of primary teeth.

Training and Assistance in Making Ginger Basic Ingredients-Healthy Candy in Increasing Family Income

The people of Peniti Besar Village, Segedong District, Mempawah Regency, are aware of planting various spice plants, including ginger. So far, ginger is used as a spice in dishes and drinks or sold as fresh ginger with low selling value. This service activity aims to improve community knowledge and skills in processing ginger as a health candy that can be used as a business opportunity to increase family income. The method used is training in material delivery, discussion, and practice of making ginger candy. Partners as training participants were P.K.K. members, totaling 25 people. The evaluation results showed that partners welcomed the training activities. The knowledge and skills of the community-made ginger candy increased by 86.64%, from 13.36% (before attending the training) to 100% (after attending the training). People want to make ginger candy (100%) and sell it (92%) so that it can increase family income.

Determination of the leaf and flower volatile components of Thymus jankae Celak

Nowadays, medicinal and aromatic plants are widely used both among the public and in various sectors, so researching the essential oil contents of medicinal and aromatic plants is of great scientific and economic importance. It was aimed to determine the volatile components of Thymus jankae (Syn: Thymus praecox subsp. skorpilii), which has medicinal and aromatic value and is naturally distributed in Bursa province (Türkiye) and used as a spice and tea plant in the region. The volatile components of leaf and flower of Thymus jankae were detected by using the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) with the help of GC-MS. 42 volatile components were determined. Of them, thymol (17.65%), p-cymene (15.34%), carvacrol (13.27%) and γ-terpinene (10.73%) were found to be the main components. This study is important in terms of ensuring the conscious use of plants consumed as natural herbal tea and spices in the region and revealing the economic values of such plants.

In vitro potential control of white root fungus in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) based on botanical fungicide of coconut shell liquid smoke

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is spice plant which has an important position as a source of essential oils. An important problem in nutmeg cultivation is white root disease which can reduce nutmeg production. Until now, white root disease is still a problem in nutmeg plantations in South Aceh district. One of the solution that can be explored as an environmentally friendly control measure is to use the botanical fungicide coconut shell liquid smoke. This research aims to determine the potential of coconut shell liquid smoke in controlling white root fungus in vitro. The research was carried out in the Plant Protection Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Teuku Umar University. The research design used was a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of nine levels of liquid smoke concentration treatment; control 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%. Each treatment involved three replications. Data analysis was carried out using analysis of variance and Tukey's least significant difference (HSD) test.The research stages carried out consisted of producing coconut shell liquid smoke, isolating white root fungus from the roots of infected nutmeg plants and potential assay of liquid smoke in inhibiting the growth of white root fungus. In vitro bioassay result showed that liquid smoke treatment 3% was the best treatment because it was the lowest concentration causing total inhibition of the growth of white root fungus.

Phytochemical profile, antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of spice plants against important food pathogens

The spice plants are commonly used to flavor foods, but their nutritional value and antibacterial potential arouse interest in the application of these plants in alternative methodologies for the development of natural preservatives. The study aimed to characterize chemically and evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of the essential oils of spicy plants against strains of food interest. The highest concentration of Camphor (37.00%) was observed in R. officinalis, of Geranial (29.85%) in Z. officinale, while the major compound of A. sativum oil was diallyl trisulfide (60.50%). The essential oils demonstrated satisfactory MIC against all bacteria. The best results of R. officinalis oil were observed against S. aureus (MIC 8 μg/mL and MBC 4 μg/mL), while Z. officinale achieved a better effect against E. coli (MIC 4 μg/mL and MBC 4μg/mL), while A. sativum oil, performed better against K. pneumoniae (MIC and MBC of 4 μg/mL). Evaluating the effect of oils on biofilm inhibition, R. officinalis showed no inhibitory effect, Z. officinale satisfactorily inhibited S. aureus and S. Thyphimurium biofilms, and A. sativum inhibited only S. aureus biofilm formation. Compared to the control antibiotic, amoxacillin, the treatments with the essential oils performed better. Due to the concentration and diversity of terpenes and organosulfur compounds, the essential oils of Z. officinale and A. sativum showed antibacterial activity and inhibit the formation of biofilms satisfactorily, configuring themselves as promising alternatives for food preservation and combat of pathogenic microorganisms.

Pharmacological Characterization of Nigella sativa Extract and the Compound Beta-caryophyllene

Traditional medicines made from medicinal plants are the most abundant biosources of medications. Pharmaceutical medications, synthetic pharmaceuticals, Siddha, Ayurveda, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements all come from plant sources. In spite of several studies using herbal plants that have shown a strong link between phytochemical, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory content, Nigella sativa—a spice plant of the Ranunculaceae family—showed more significant qualities than its competitors. Numerous pharmacological properties were discovered in both the Nigella sativa essential oil and the seeds. Nigella sativa is considered to be the most powerful antioxidant and medicinal plant with known medicinal properties and therapeutic applications, and it is used as traditional medicine for respiratory, gastrointestinal, rheumatic, and inflammatory disorders. The study was conducted using Nigella sativa and compound Beta caryophyllene to determine the anti-oxidant, invitro-anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity of the ethanolic seed extract of Nigella sativa and compound Beta caryophyllene on Alzheimer's disease because there were no toxic effects or serious side effects observed using animal models or in clinical trials. The antioxidant activity of the compound and the extract was examined to study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the extract and the compound beta-caryophyllene. Phytochemical screening exhibited secondary metabolites of the extract, such as phenols, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. Nigella sativa extract and its constituents such as beta-caryophyllene, possess a protective effect against toxicity, which is caused by drugs used for treating cancer as well as neurodegenerative disorders. Further, the extract prevents a decrease in hemoglobin levels as well as leukocyte counts. The purpose of the research is to demonstrate that Nigella sativa and the chemical beta-caryophyllene may be employed as medicinal agents and that beta-caryophyllene may have potential cholinesterase inhibitory effects.

EVALUATING GENETIC DIVERSITY IN PAKISTANI TURMERIC SELECTIONS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF CURCUMIN CONTENT, VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS, AND RHIZOME YIELD TRAITS IN FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

EVALUATING GENETIC DIVERSITY IN PAKISTANI TURMERIC SELECTIONS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF CURCUMIN CONTENT, VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS, AND RHIZOME YIELD TRAITS IN FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is a spice plant that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. There is high genetic variation exists within the species of Curcuma longa, even though it is clonally propagated. The overall genetic diversity in Curcuma longa may be due to its population distribution in areas of diverse ecological conditions in Pakistan. Present study was performed to evaluate different turmeric selections, which were collected from five different locations viz., S1 from Institute of Horticultural Sciences (IHS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan, S2 and S3 from Faisalabad (Jaranwala and Kanjwani, respectively) and S4 and S5 from Kasur (Tirath and Hussain Khan Wala, respectively), Punjab, Pakistan. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and each treatment was replicated thrice. Among the selections, selection S5 (Hussain Khan Wala) performed best for growth and yield traits, i.e. plant height (79.6 cm), number of tillers per plant (3.4), number of leaves per plant (17.7), leaf length (37.7 cm), leaf width (12.3 cm), stem diameter (16.1 mm), number of primary rhizomes per plant (6.3), number of secondary rhizomes per plant (11.1), total number of rhizomes per plant (18.4), weight of primary rhizomes (95.3 g per plant), weight of secondary rhizomes (94.3 g per plant), yield (213.1 g per plant), rhizome length (52.7 mm) and rhizome diameter (22.8 mm). However, curcumin content (0.79%), total dry matter (45.8%), moisture content (58.1%) and total soluble solids (12.0 oBrix) were highest in selections S2 (Jaranwala), S4 (Tirath), S1 (IHS, UAF) and S2 (Jaranwala), respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that turmeric selection S5 (Hussain Khan Wala) may be cultivated for higher yield, while S2 selection (Jaranwala) is for highest curcumin production.

Pengaruh Aromaterapi Lavender untuk Kualitas Tidur Pada Pasien Hemodialisa RS PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined when kidney damage lasts more than 3 months. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a disease with various causes in the form of structural or functional abnormalities, accompanied by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). People with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure often require kidney replacement therapy or hemodialysis. Sleep disorders are one of the complications of hemodialysis and often occur in patients with chronic kidney disease and over a long period of time. This can affect the quality of sleep of people with chronic kidney disease, both in terms of quantity and duration of sleep, which ultimately affects the individual's daily function. Non-pharmacological methods such as aromatherapy are important to relieve, prevent or treat certain diseases using natural plant spices or aromatic essential oils. Lavender aromatherapy belongs to the Lamiaceae family and its scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia. Inhaling lavender oil is a simple method that has been proven to have a positive effect on various symptoms, especially in hemodialysis patients with sleep disorders.