The impact of different drying methods on the antioxidant compounds in torch ginger flowers as revealed by ATR-FTIR fingerprint and multivariate data analysis

Trends and multidisciplinary research of torch ginger [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.]: A systematic review.

Sustainable production of high-yield torch ginger nanocellulose using a one-step H2SO4/H2O2 method

Biocontrol mechanisms and field efficacy of Trichoderma asperelloides Z2-02 against anthracnose of torch ginger caused by Colletotrichum atlanticum

This study investigates the addition of torch ginger flowers and curry leaves to black tea to enhance its antioxidant properties. Physicochemical analysis revealed a decrease in pH due to organic acids, while the addition of these ingredients resulted in changes to a*, b*, and L* color values. Volatile compound analysis suggested potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer benefits. The formulations showed increased total phenolic and flavonoid content, higher antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH), and increased tannin content, alongside a reduction in caffeine levels compared to the control. Sensory evaluation indicated no significant differences, confirming that the formulations preserved the black tea’s taste. These findings demonstrate that adding torch ginger flowers and curry leaves enhances the health benefits of black tea without altering its sensory qualities.

The growing interest in using edible flowers as functional ingredients has increased the demand for reliable and sustainable strategies to recover and characterize their bioactive compounds. Torch ginger is a tropical species rich in anthocyanins. In this study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was developed, optimized, and validated for the efficient recovery of anthocyanins from torch ginger flowers, with a clear focus on food-related applications. A Box-Behnken experimental design was applied to evaluate the influence of solvent composition, temperature, solvent-to-sample ratio, and pH on anthocyanin yield, using chromatographic responses. Solvent composition and solvent-to-sample ratio were identified as the most influential parameters, and effective extraction was achieved under mild temperature and pH conditions. The optimized conditions consisted of 84% methanol in water as the extraction solvent, a temperature of 30 °C, a solvent-to-sample ratio of 20:1 (mL g-1), and a pH of 5.6. Kinetic studies revealed that a 5 min extraction time maximized recovery while preventing compound degradation. The method was successfully applied to different torch ginger varieties, revealing a strong correlation between flower color and anthocyanin concentration. This research provides a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly approach for assessing anthocyanin content in torch ginger flowers. The results support the valorization of this edible flower as a potential source of natural colorants and bioactive ingredients, contributing to ingredient selection, quality control, and the future development of functional foods and clean-label products.

Abstract. Hidayat R, Nugrahani P, Maghfiroh RN. 2025. Flowering response of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) to PK fertilization. Biodiversitas 26: 6305-6315. Demand for the flowers of Etlingera elatior has increased, but predictable and timely flowering is constrained by its naturally long vegetative phase. This research aimed to determine the combined effect of dosage and frequency of PK compound fertilizer in inducing flowering in torch ginger. The field trial was carried out at Dapoer Ketjombrang Garden, Giripurno Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, East Java, Indonesia, from December 2023 to April 2024. A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (two factors: dosage (D): 50, 100, 150, 200 g/clump; frequency (F): 1, 2, 3 applications at 30, 30+45, and 30+45+60 DAT, respectively) with three replicates (36 plots, 3 plants/plot, total 108 plants) was used. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA (dosage, frequency, dosage×frequency), and means were compared using Tukey’s HSD (α: 0.05). The combination D4F2 (200 g, 2x at 30 and 45 DAT) produced the earliest flowering (mean 21.89 DAT). The dosage D3 (150 g) produced the best vegetative growth and, when combined with F2, gave the highest number of flowers (23.78 flowers/clump). Dosage effects were significant (p<0.05) for several traits; frequency had limited main effects, but dosage×frequency interactions were observed. The highest C:N ratio, antioxidant level, and vitamin C were observed at D4; regression between C:N and flowering age showed R²: 0.92 (p: 0.041). Overall, applying 150-200 g PK fertilizer per clump in two applications (30 and 45 DAT) provides an effective strategy to induce earlier flowering and increase flower productivity under the conditions tested. Multi-season and multi-site validation is recommended before making broad recommendations.

Background: The development of functional foods has encouraged innovation in traditional Indonesian products so that they provide not only nutritional value but also physiological health benefits. Dawet ayu, a starch-based traditional beverage, has potential to be developed into a functional drink by incorporating natural antioxidant sources, one of which is torch ginger (Etlingera elatior). Aim: This study aimed to develop dawet ayu as a traditional functional beverage with high antioxidant activity through the addition of torch ginger flower powder. Methods: The powder was produced using the foam-mat drying method to preserve bioactive compounds and was then applied in dawet formulations at various concentrations. The analyzed parameters included pH, color (L*, a*, b*), and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. Results: The results showed that the addition of torch ginger powder had no significant effect on the color and pH of dawet ayu, but significantly increased antioxidant activity, with the IC₅₀ value decreasing from 739.3 ppm to 100.2 ppm at the highest concentration. The increase in antioxidant activity was attributed to the phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin compounds present in torch ginger. These findings indicate that dawet ayu enriched with torch ginger powder has strong potential as a locally sourced functional beverage with both health and economic benefits. This product can be further developed as a natural-based functional drink.

The program purposed to enhance the capacity and independence of fishermen in processing marine products sustainably, healthily, and with added value. Through the application of natural preservation technology, marine products are processed using biopreservative materials derived from local aquatic agricultural resources, thereby extending shelf life without reducing nutritional quality. The program also emphasizes the integration of fisheries, aquatic agriculture, and nutritional aspects to produce high-quality food products and support food security in coastal communities. The implementation methods include socialization, training, production assistance, and evaluation of technology application. The outcomes demonstrate a transformation of the Raja Pulau fishermen’s group toward innovative, environmentally friendly, and market-oriented agroindustry. Significant improvements are reflected in product diversification, the development of functional products, and the group’s ability to produce alternatives beyond fresh fish. The use of ice as a preservative has also been substituted with natural alternatives such as gambier, carrageenan, torch ginger, and chitosan, which the community has learned to apply. These innovations not only improve fishermen’s knowledge and skills but also contribute to increased income. The products developed through this program have been marketed both within Bengkulu and beyond, providing tangible contributions to strengthening the blue economy based on local wisdom and supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli are the two bacteria that produce one of the most prevalent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The rising resistance to antibiotics in these bacteria has led to the need for alternative treatments. Using natural materials, such as torch ginger flowers (Etlingera elatior), which are known to possess potent antibacterial chemicals, is one such option. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of ethanol extract of torch ginger flower against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to compare its performance with ciprofloxacin as a standard control. The study was designed using a cross-sectional experimental method. The disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton Agar was used to assess the extract's antibacterial activity after it was made by macerating it with 70% ethanol. With an average inhibition zone of 7.8 mm against Escherichia coli and 8 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a 100% concentration, the findings demonstrated the antibacterial activity of Etlingera elatior's ethanol extract. These inhibition zones, however, were much smaller than those of ciprofloxacin, which had respective measurements of 10 mm and 34 mm. Significant differences between the extract concentrations were found by statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ethanol extract of torch ginger flower shows potential antibacterial activity against UTI-causing bacteria, although its effectiveness is not yet comparable to ciprofloxacin. Further research is needed to improve extraction methods and develop more effective formulations to enhance its antibacterial properties.

Etlingera elatior, commonly known as torch ginger, is a plant widely used as a cooking spice. Native to Southeast Asia, E. elatior is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its high nutritional content. It is also used medicinally, including as a treatment for typhoid fever and various other diseases. The bioactivity of this plant has been extensively studied. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, tyrosinase-inhibiting, cytotoxic, and hepatoprotective properties. E. elatior acts as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperuricemia, anti-inflammatory, larvicidal, skin-whitening, anti-aging, and wound-healing agent. These biological activities are attributed to its rich content of phytochemical compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. Given its wide range of biological activities and chemical compounds, E. elatior warrants further research to contribute to the development of natural medicinal plants in Indonesia.

The yield and properties of cellulose nanocrystals extracted from HCl vapor-Prehydrolyzed torch ginger stem cellulose.

The torch ginger plant (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is frequently called kecombrang in Java. This plant has been used as a traditional medicine and food flavor enhancer but is limited as a cosmetic ingredient. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are examples of secondary metabolites found in this plant. Most flavonoid compounds show sunscreen activity due to the chromophore groups (conjugated single double bonds) capable of absorbing UV A and UV B radiation. According to BPOM Decree No. 17/2022, only listed ingredients in Annex 4 are considered as UV filters but natural herbal compounds with antioxidant properties are applied as sunscreens. This study focused on the in vitro assessment of antioxidant and photoprotective activity from E. elatior leaf extract. First, extracting a 70% ethanol extraction of torch ginger leaves, then evaluated the extract’s quality, its antioxidant activity via the DPPH assay, and its in-vitro photoprotective activity using a UV spectrophotometer. The results showed that the extract from E. elatior leaves possesses remarkably strong antioxidant properties, as shown by its IC50 value of 47.46 μg/mL, and the extract at concentration of 1000 μg/mL provided photoprotection activity calculated as an SPF of 24.05 (ultra protection), erythema transmission value of 1.18% (extra protection) and pigmentation transmission value of 3.49% (total block). It can be concluded that torch ginger leaf extract has high potential as a cosmetic natural ingredient because of very strong antioxidant activity and photoprotective ultra protection.

The environmental and health implications of textile dyeing processes have led to increased interest in natural dyes as sustainable and ecofriendly substitutes. In this study, Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) flowers (TGFs) in the pink shade were extracted into natural dyestuffs via freeze and oven drying techniques. Freeze drying was performed by cooling the extracted torch petals with addition of NaCl at −85°C for 48 h, while oven drying was conducted at 40, 50, and 60°C for 48 h. Physical and chemical properties of the dyestuff were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta potential. To evaluate the color strength and lightfastness of the extracted natural dye, silk yarns were dyed with the TGF dyestuffs with alum and slaked lime as mordants. The color strength ( K / S ) and colorfastness of the dyed silk yarns were measured using CIE Lab along with other additional unique characteristics such as anti-UV and antibacterial properties under AATCC standards. We observed that dyeing silk yarn with the extracted dyestuff via oven drying technique at 40°C and slaked lime as a mordant exhibited the highest color strength ( K / S ) values and excellent washing fastness (rating 4–5). The dyed yarn also inherited >99.96% antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus and very good UV protection property under UVA irradiation (rating 4).

ABSTRACT Torch ginger ( Etlingera elatior ), a herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae, is commonly cultivated in the tropical climate of southern Thailand. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges from anthracnose, a destructive disease caused by the Colletotrichum genus. This study aimed to identify and characterise Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose on torch ginger. Field surveys were conducted in a major torch ginger‐growing area in Phatthalung Province, southern Thailand, and symptomatic flower samples were collected for pathogen isolation and identification. Fungal isolates were subjected to pathogenicity tests, revealing that five isolates—EeR01.1, EeR01.2, EeR02.1, EeR02.2 and EeW01—caused symptoms similar to those observed in natural infections. The fungi were re‐isolated, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Colletotrichum . Morphological characteristics, coupled with DNA sequences of actin ( act ), calmodulin ( cal ), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase ( gapdh ), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β‐tubulin2 ( tub2 ) regions identified five isolates as Colletotrichum atlanticum . Based on the results of this study, this is the first report of torch ginger as a new host of C. atlanticum in Thailand. This research highlights the precise diagnosis of pathogens and the necessity to find effective disease management strategies to control anthracnose on torch ginger production in southern Thailand.

Indonesian National Arts are different from other countries. One of them is textile craft art, which includes batik craft art, which was recognized by UNESCO as an original Indonesian cultural heritage on October 2, 2009. Batik is the art of drawing on clot . Hand-drawn batik is batik that is produced using a canting tulis which is used as a tool in placing wax liquid on the cloth. To create this work, the author uses the creation method from Sp. Gustami which consists of 3 stages, namely: Exploration, Design, and Realization. The results of the creation of this hand-drawn batik work produced 12 batik works in the form of two-dimensional works of various sizes. The types produced from this work are: Hijab, Long Cloth and Wall Decorations. Batik works have aesthetic value (beauty) namely the combination of Torch Ginger Plants. Torch Ginger Plants are used as the main motif in this batik work and other motifs are isen-isen. The process of creating written batik works that begins with the initial steps of making motifs on paper, transferring patterns from paper to cloth, the canting process, coloring batik, locking colors, and ngelorod batik. The process of creating written batik works that begins with the initial steps of making motifs on paper, transferring patterns from paper to cloth, the canting process, coloring batik, locking colors, and ngelorod batik.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) extract on blood glucose and cholesterol levels in alloxan-induced white rats (Rattus novergicus). The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 25 male rats in five treatment groups. All groups were induced with a single dose of alloxan (120 mg/kgBW). After three days, treatments were administered except for Group I. The groups consisted of: Group I (K0), normal control; Group II (K1), glibenclamide; Group III (P1), IV (P2), and V (P3), which received E. elatior extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively, for 14 days. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels were measured using a glucometer, and data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA followed by DMRT. The results showed that E. elatior extract significantly reduced blood glucose and cholesterol levels, with the highest effect at 400 mg/kgBW. These findings indicate that Etlingera elatior extract exerts dose-dependent antihyperglycemic and antihypercholesterolemic effects, suggesting its potential as a candidate for herbal therapy.

Poor oral health is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, leading to conditions such as bad breath and periodontal disease. Bingkat Village, located in Pegajahan Subdistrict, Serdang Bedagai Regency, is predominantly inhabited by farmers, with many housewives lacking productive activities to support their families’ income. This community service program aimed to provide training for PKK (Family Welfare Movement) women on producing mouthwash using natural ingredients, particularly torch ginger extract, which is known to contain antibacterial compounds. The implementation methods included educational sessions, hands-on training, and assistance with product formulation, packaging, and marketing. The results indicated an improvement in participants’ understanding and skills in producing herbal mouthwash, as well as the emergence of economic opportunities through the development of local products.

Mothers in Bingkat Village have daily activities as housewives and participate with their husbands as farmers and raise livestock, as well as social activities of village organizations and religion, not to the point of increasing family economy. Making warming cream from natural ingredients, such as nutmeg, lemongrass, and torch ginger or other plants around the house is very easy, simple tools, low cost, and has economic value. The target of the activity is to provide assistance in making body warming cream and relieving aches and pains. Based on this, it is deemed necessary to provide assistance in making body warming cream and aches and pains. Assistance is not only in making, but also in good product packaging and counseling on marketing direction of products made by the people of Bingkat Village. This natural cream product has a selling value, so it is hoped that it can increase family income and welfare.

This research aims to explore the trading practices between farmers and middlemen in Purwodadi Village, Central Kalimantan, focusing on the trade of key limes and kecombrang (torch ginger), while analyzing the transaction mechanisms, evaluating them from the perspective of Islamic economics, and determining their socio-economic impacts. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study was conducted in Purwodadi Village, with middlemen and farmers involved in the trade as the research subjects and the trading activity itself as the research object. Data were collected through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the trading mechanism is based on trust and strong social relationships, with farmers choosing to sell their harvest to middlemen for market certainty and ease of distribution, while middlemen secure a stable supply of goods. From the perspective of Maqashid Sharia (the objectives of Islamic law), this system reflects principles of justice and benefit, as transactions are conducted fairly and mutually beneficially. This research contributes to understanding trading practices through the lens of Maqashid Sharia, which has not been extensively studied in local trade contexts, affirming the crucial role of social relationships and trust in sustaining traditional trading systems. Additionally, it provides insights into how principles of justice and benefit are applied in rural economic practices, offering a new perspective in Islamic economic studies, particularly in assessing trust-based transactions in the agricultural sector.