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ABSTRACT Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm, known as shell ginger, is an aromatic plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In Guizhou Province of China, its mature fruits have been used by the Miao people for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although the bioactivities of mature fruits of A. zerumbet are derived from phytochemicals in the seeds and pericarps of the plant, there remains a dearth of reports on the isolation of phytochemicals from the pericarp of A. zerumbet. In the present study, the pericarps of mature fruits of A. zerumbet were extracted, and two new kavalactone dimers, alpingsin E (1) and aniba dimer D (2), were isolated. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and NMR calculations. Especially, density functional theory–based NMR chemical shift calculations were employed to elucidate and confirm the relative configuration of 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm is a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family widely distributed in the subtropical and tropical areas of South America, Oceania, and Asia. Multiple plant parts of A. zerumbet have been traditionally used as medicinal sources, each with different clinical uses. These variations may arise from differences among the chemical components and/or accumulations of the active compounds in each part. Therefore, this review summarizes previous studies on the phytochemicals in A. zerumbet and reveals the similarities and differences among the chemical constituents of its multiple medicinal parts, including the leaves, rhizomes, fruits, seeds, and flowers. The results contribute to the scientific validation of the traditional understanding that A. zerumbet possesses different medicinal properties in each plant part. In addition, this review provides directions for further studies on the phytochemicals of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet is a medicinal and ornamental plant of the Zingiberaceae family cultivated in many parts of the world. The plant is medicinally important and often misidentified with closely related species. The objective of this work was to establish its DNA-based identity and a protocol for highfidelity micropropagation to support the medicinal plant industry. PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of RuBisCO large subunit (rbcL) and Maturase K (matK) gene successfully report its DNA barcode. In vitro shoots were induced the best from rhizome buds on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6.0 mg L-1 6-benzyl amino purine and 30 g L-1 sucrose. Microshoots were rooted well in MS medium amended with 1.5 mg L-1 naphthalene acetic acid. Plantlets were satisfactorily acclimated to soils maintained in a growth chamber and subsequently in the open air for 10-20 days. Analyzing eight random amplified polymorphic DNA and eight inter-simple sequence repeat primers resulted in 53 and 60 distinct bands, respectively. Uniform banding patterns suggest the genetic uniformity of the micropropagated plants. The results offer an accurate identification of A. zerumbet from any plant tissue. The micropropagation protocol would be helpful for economically feasible and environmentally sustainable exploitation of this valuable plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus and Alpinia zerumbet in the treatment of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] grains under storage conditions for the management of Callosobruchus maculatus. Measurements of the effects of these essential oils were based on contact, fumigation, and repellency tests. The lethal concentrations (LC50) obtained from the contact tests were 0.65 and 11.23 µL/20 g for the essential oils of C. flexuosus and A. zerumbet, respectively. The impact on F1 offspring increased with increasing concentrations of essential oils. The LC50 values obtained from the fumigation tests were 2.34 and 8.69 µL/L of air for the C. flexuosus and A. zerumbet, respectively. Regarding repellency, both essential oils were classified as neutral. C. flexuosus was more toxic than A. zerumbet in the contact test; however, there was no difference in their toxicities found in the fumigation test. The essential oils of C. flexuosus and A. zerumbet presented a great insecticidal potential against C. maculatus, therefore, can be an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical fumigants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current drug therapy for schizophrenia effectively treats acute psychosis and its recurrence; however, this mental disorder's cognitive and negative symptoms are still poorly controlled. Antipsychotics present important side effects, such as weight gain and extrapyramidal effects. The essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAZ) leaves presents potential antipsychotic properties that need further preclinical investigation. Here, we determined EAOZ effects in preventing and reversing schizophrenia-like symptoms (positive, negative, and cognitive) induced by ketamine (KET) repeated administration in mice and putative neurobiological mechanisms related to this effect. We conducted the behavioral evaluations of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), social interaction, and working memory (Y-maze task), and verified antioxidant (GSH, nitrite levels), anti-inflammatory [interleukin (IL)-6], and neurotrophic [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] effects of this oil in hippocampal tissue. The atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (OLZ) was used as standard drug therapy. EOAZ, similarly to OLZ, prevented and reversed most KET-induced schizophrenia-like behavioral alterations, i.e., sensorimotor gating deficits and social impairment. EOAZ had a modest effect on the prevention of KET-associated working memory deficit. Compared to OLZ, EOAZ showed a more favorable side effects profile, inducing less cataleptic and weight gain changes. EOAZ efficiently protected the hippocampus against KET-induced oxidative imbalance, IL-6 increments, and BDNF impairment. In conclusion, our data add more mechanistic evidence for the anti-schizophrenia effects of EOAZ, based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and BDNF up-regulating actions. The absence of significant side effects observed in current antipsychotic drug therapy seems to be an essential benefit of the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of the culture extract of an endophyte Xylaria curta YSJ-5 from Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith resulted in the isolation of eight previously undescribed compounds including five eremophilane sesquiterpenes xylarcurenes A-E, one norsesquiterpene xylarcurene F, and two α -pyrone derivatives xylarpyrones A-B together with eight known related derivatives. Their chemical structures were extensively established based on the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher's method, electronic circular dichroism calculations, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and the comparison with previous literature data. All these compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, α -glucosidase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. As a result, 6-pentyl-4-methoxy-pyran-2-one was disclosed to display significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with minimal inhibitory concentration value of 6.3 μg/mL. Six previously undescribed sesquiterpenes xylarcurenes A-F (1 – 6) and two previously undescribed α -pyrones xylarpyrones A-B (12 – 13) were isolated from Xylaria curta YSJ-5. [Display omitted] • Six previously undescribed sesquiterpenes were isolated from Xylaria curta YSJ-5. • Two previously undescribed α -pyrones were characterized from Xylaria curta YSJ-5. • Compounds 1 , 2 , 3 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. • Compound 15 showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluated the chemical characterization, larvicidal activity and molluscicidal activity in front of the snail transmitting schistosomes (Biomphalaria glabrata) of the essential oils of Alpinia zerumbet and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. The essential oils (EOs) were extracted by hydrodistillation, with chemical characterization through Gas Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The physical-chemical parameters were determined according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The toxicity test followed the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach, the EOs approved in this assay followed to evaluate their biological properties. Methodology: for molluscicidal activity, the methodology recommended by the WHO was performed, and the LC50 of the EOs was performed for their action in the face of the snail obtained by the Reed&Muench method. Both EOs showed low toxicity, and thus were evaluated for the biological properties larvicidal and molluscicidal. Alpinia zerumbet EO showed molluscicidal activity with LC50 of 40.63 mg·L-1 and Cymbopogon citratus EO 33.94 mg·L-1. Results: Both EOs showed larvicidal and molluscicidal potentials against the organisms tested, showing satisfactory results for their action. The results indicate that the evaluated EOs are composed of substances that promote and encourage their application due to their potential for molluscicidal and larvicidal biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from the leaf extract of Alpinia zerumbet was investigated in this protocol. The basic nature of A. zerumbet leaf extract helps in CuO NPs synthesis. The catalytic activity of A. zerumbet-fabricated CuO NPs is explored in water at room temperature only in the presence of NaPTS hydrotrope. The green catalytic protocol is investigated via synthesis of 1,8-dioxooctahydroxanthene. The biogenic leaf extract fabricated CuO NPs are efficiently reactive, stable and recyclable in aqueous solution of sodium p-toluenesulfonate (NaPTS) hydrotrope. CuO/NaPTS proved to be the best catalytic system as synergistic nanotrope in terms of yield and time of reaction in water at room temperature. The green synthetic approach of CuO NPs, greener medium, easy workup and proficient recyclability are advantages in the said protocol. This is first time report of catalytic activity of biogenic CuO NPs in water at room temperature in the presence of NaPTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aromatic perennial plant Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt & Smith (Zingiberaceae) is widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Japan, from southern Kyushu to the Ryukyu Islands. Its essential oil has a distinct aroma and antioxidant activity but is expensive due to low extraction efficiencies. Applying underwater shockwave pretreatment to A. zerumbet leaves is expected to enable more effective essential oil extraction during subsequent steam distillation. Thus, we subjected A. zerumbet leaves to shockwave pretreatment and analyzed its effects on the essential oil yield and components. Multiple cracks formed in the cell walls via spalling destruction induced by the shockwaves, creating permeation pathways that improved the passage of water vapor and greatly increased the essential oil yield. Moreover, the pretreatment increased the antioxidant activity of the essential oil and its water extract. Underwater shockwave processing selectively and effectively destroyed the fiber and/or cell structures of the leaves, resulting in efficient essential oil extraction. This novel process has the potential for application to many extraction processes, such as the extraction of compounds from medicinal plants. The dynamic control of instantaneous high pressures based on underwater shockwaves could pave the way for a new field of industrial technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet is a food flavor additive and a traditional medicine herb around the world. Several studies have reported that A. zerumbet has excellent effects on a variety of cardiovascular diseases, but its potential hypertensive applications, and pharmacokinetic features of main active substances have not been fully investigated. The mechanism of anti-hypertension with ethyl acetate extracts of A. zerumbet fruits (AZEAE) was evaluated by L -NNA-induced hypertensive rats and L -NAME-injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Blood pressure, echocardiographic cardiac index and H&E staining were used to preliminary evaluate the antihypertensive effect of AZEAE, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were evaluated by ELISA, and the proteins expression of IL-1β, IL-18, AGTR1, VCAM, iNOS, EDN1 and eNOS were also evaluated. In addition, isolation, identification, and activity screening of bioactive compounds were carried ou. Next, pharmacokinetics and tissues distribution of dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) in vivo were measured, and preliminary absorption mechanism was conducted with Caco-2 cell monolayers. AZEAE remarkably enhanced the state of hypertensive rats. Twelve compounds were isolated and identified, and five compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The isolated compounds also exhibited good resistance against injury of HUVECs. Moreover, pharmacokinetics and Caco-2 cell monolayers demonstrated AZEAE had better absorption capacity than DDK, and DDK exhibited differences in tissues distribution and gender difference. This study was the first to assess the potential hypertensive applications of A. zerumbet in vivo and vitro , and the first direct and concise study of the in vivo behavior of DDK and AZEAE. [Display omitted] • The effect and mechanism of AZEAE on hypertensive rats were measured for the first time. • Twelve bioactive substances were identified and were tested for anti-HUVECs injury. • The effect and mechanism of dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain on HUVECs was measured for the first time. • The pharmacokinetics of monomer and DDK from AZEAE were studied for the first time. • The tissues distribution of DDK was evaluated for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: Os bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) são compostos sintéticos que se bioacumularam e contaminaram o ecossistema global. Estudos identificaram o cérebro como um alvo vulnerável para esses compostos. Substâncias com ação no Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), como os polifenóis, têm demonstrado efeito neuroprotetor. Nosso grupo mostrou que o extrato de folhas frescas de Alpinia zerumbet (AZE), rico em polifenóis, possui efeitos antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios em modelo de hipertensão. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o AZE é capaz de prevenir a neurotoxicidade e as alterações locomotoras induzidas pelo PCB126 em camundongos C57BL/6 adultos. Método: Camundongos C57BL/6 machos foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle (Cont), Cont+AZE (50mg/kg/dia na água de beber), PCB (2mg/Kg/uma vez por semana), PCB+AZE (2mg/Kg/uma vez por semana; 50mg/Kg/dia intraperitoneal), durante quatro semanas. Ao final do experimento, os animais realizaram o teste do labirinto em cruz elevado e foram eutanasiados. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado por espectrofotometria em homogenato de tronco encefálico, cerebelo, mesencéfalo e córtex esquerdo. Os dados estão expressos como média e erro padrão da média. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) seguidas pelo pós-teste de Tukey. Resultados: Houve uma diminuição (p<0,05) da atividade locomotora no grupo PCB em comparação aos grupos Cont e Cont+AZE, que foi prevenida pelo AZE no grupo PCB+AZE. O tempo nos braços abertos não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos. No tronco encefálico, o grupo PCB apresentou aumento (p<0,05) da peroxidação lipídica em relação ao grupo Cont+AZE, o que foi prevenido pelo tratamento com AZE no grupo PCB+AZE. Não houve diferença estatística na atividade da enzima antioxidante catalase (CAT) entre os grupos. Houve diminuição (p<0,05) da atividade antioxidante da enzima superóxido dismutase (SOD) no grupo PCB em relação aos grupos Cont e Cont+AZE, que foi prevenida pelo tratamento com AZE no grupo PCB+AZE. No cerebelo, o dano oxidativo não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos. O tratamento com AZE preveniu a redução (p<0,05) da atividade da CAT no grupo PCB+AZE em comparação aos grupos Cont+AZE e PCB. O grupo PCB apresentou diminuição (p<0,05) da atividade de SOD em relação ao grupo Cont+AZE, o que foi prevenido pelo tratamento com AZE no grupo PCB+AZE. No mesencéfalo, não houve diferença estatística na peroxidação lipídica e na atividade antioxidante da SOD entre os grupos. No entanto, o grupo PCB apresentou diminuição (p<0,05) da atividade da CAT em relação ao grupo Cont, o que foi prevenido pelo tratamento com AZE no grupo PCB+AZE. No córtex esquerdo, a peroxidação lipídica foi aumentada (p<0,05) no grupo PCB em comparação ao grupo Cont+AZE. O tratamento com AZE preveniu esse aumento no grupo PCB+AZE. As atividades da CAT e da SOD não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nossos resultados preliminares demonstraram que o AZE preveniu o desenvolvimento de déficits locomotores induzidos pelo PCB e não causou comportamento do tipo ansioso. Além disso, o extrato também preveniu o dano oxidativo e a redução da atividade antioxidante em diferentes regiões do cérebro, sugerindo um efeito neuroprotetor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The leaves of Alpinia zerumbet var. excelsa (alpinia) are used to prepare traditional food items and folk medicines. Objective: This study was designed with a view to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic potentials of major components of alpinia leaves. Materials and Methods: Anti-inflammatory effects of leaf-derived compounds were primarily assessed with protein denaturation and proteinase assay. Their inhibitory effects on nitrite accumulation and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells were also evaluated. For anti-melanogenic assays, all the compounds were tested on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 cells and on mushroom tyrosinase in vitro. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated using fibroblast cell line 3T3 L-1 and brine shrimps. Results: Five compounds, 5,6-dehydrokawain, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain, (E)-5-methoxy-8-(4-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-pyran-6-yl)-7-phenyl-1-styryl-2-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-3-one (AS-2), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucuronide (KOG), and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide (QOG) were purified from the leaves. Of which, AS-2 and QOG were purified for the first time. All compounds significantly inhibited albumin denaturation and proteinase activity. AS-2, KOG, and QOG remarkably inhibited nitric oxide formation with IC50 values of 8.2, 13.3, and 12.6 μM, respectively, in RAW 264.7 cells. They also inhibited PGE2 production with IC50 values 19.8-23.7 μM. They showed anti-melanogenic effects reducing tyrosinase activity (IC50 values 29.6-112.5 μM) and melanin formation (IC50 values 30.8–164.4 μM) in B16F10 cells, and inhibiting mushroom tyrosinase (IC50 values 61.5-456.4 μg/ml). Conclusion: Taken together, major components of alpinia leaf could be utilized as a potent herbal drug and food supplement with therapeutic prospects against inflammatory disorders and hyperpigmentation. Abbreviations used: HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography; DK: 5,6-dehydrokawain; DDK: Dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain; AS-2: (E)-5-methoxy-8-(4-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-pyran-6-yl)-7-phenyl-1-styryl-2-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-3-one; KOG: Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucuronide; QOG: Quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide; PGE2: Prostaglandin E2; PAK1: RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1; UV: Ultra violet; α-MSH: α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; iNOS: Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase; PDGF: Platelet Derived Growth Factor; MITF: Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; TRP: Tyrosinase Related Protein; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; DMEM: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; CS: Newborn calf serum; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; NO: Nitric oxide; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; DMRT: Duncan's multiple range test; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet is a plant from the Zingiberaceae family, popularly used for hypertension treatment. Several studies have demonstrated Alpinia zerumbet vasodilator effect on conductance vessels but not on resistance vessels. Thereby, the aim of this study was to verify the vasodilator effect of the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz) on isolated rat resistance arteries and characterize its mechanism of action. Therefore, the effect of EOAz (3 to 3000 μg/mL) was verified in second-order branches of the mesenteric artery (SOBMA) pre-contracted by KCl and U46619. To study the mechanism of action, the influence of several inhibitors (TEA, 4-AP, Glibenclamide, Atropine, L-NAME, ODQ and indomethacin) on the vasodilator effect of EOAz was evaluated. Some protocols were also performed aiming to study the effect of EOAz on Ca2+ influx and release from intracellular storage. Furthermore, the binding energy of the main constituents with calcium channels were evaluated by molecular docking. Results showed an endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect of EOAz on SOBMA, and only ODQ and L-NAME produced significant alteration on its pEC 50. Regarding the calcium assays, contraction reduction caused by incubation with EOAz was observed in all three protocols. Hence, our results suggest that EOAz has a vasodilator effect mediated by inhibition of Ca2+ influx and release from intracellular storage, as well as an activation of the NOS/sGC pathway. [Display omitted] • Essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet has a vasodilator effect on the second-order branch of the mesenteric artery. • Its mechanism probably involves blocking of calcium mobilization. • Terpinen-4-ol showed good binding energy with the three calcium channels assessed by docking (VGCC, RyR and IP3R). • Terpinen-4-ol exhibited the same binding site of caffein in the ryanodine receptor with excellent binding energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: A Alpinia zerumbet é uma planta nativa do leste asiático e é encontrada em abundância no litoral brasileiro, onde é comumente chamada de Colônia. É muito utilizada na medicina popular como anti-hipertensiva, diurética e ansiolítica. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico da folha da Colônia (AZE) na hipertensão, disfunção e remodelamento vascular em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR), bem como avaliar suas ações sobre o dano oxidativo e a atividade antioxidante neste modelo. Método: Foram utilizados ratos machos SHR e Wistar-Kyoto com 90 dias de idade, tratados ou não com o AZE (50mg/kg/dia na água de beber) durante seis semanas. A pressão arterial (PA) foi aferida por pletismografia de calda uma vez por semana. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram anestesiados com tiopental (70mg/kg i.p.); o sangue foi coletado através de punção da aorta abdominal; e a aorta torácica foi isolada para análise morfológica e imunohistológica de 8-isoprostano, um marcador de dano oxidativo, e receptores AT1; o leito arterial mesentérico (LAM) foi isolado e acoplado a um sistema de perfusão de órgãos para a avaliação da responsividade a agentes vasoconstritores e vasodilatadores. Foram avaliados, ainda, em amostras de plasma através de espectrofotometria, os níveis de carbonilação de proteínas e a atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx) (Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa Animal: CEUA-IBRAG-UERJ/052/2016). Resultados: O AZE foi capaz de normalizar a PA em animais SHR (p<0,05). O tratamento não foi capaz de melhorar a disfunção vascular nesse modelo, no entanto, reverteu o remodelamento vascular na aorta. Além disso, o AZE aumentou a atividade enzimática da CAT e da GPx e reduziu a carbonilação de proteínas no plasma, assim como reduziu a expressão de 8-isoprostano e de receptores AT1 (p<0,05) na aorta. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o AZE reverte o quadro de hipertensão e o remodelamento vascular em animais SHR, o que pode estar relacionado com a redução do estresse oxidativo e de receptores AT1. No entanto, ele não foi capaz de melhorar a disfunção vascular nesse modelo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: Os bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) são compostos sintéticos que têm a capacidade de se bioacumular e que apesar da proibição de sua produção, ainda são utilizados, o que tem gerado episódios de uso, armazenamento e descarte inadequados, contaminando todo o ecossistema global, incluindo o ar, água, solo, plantas, animais, seres humanos e alimentos. O congênere 3,3',4,4',5-pentaclorobifenil (PCB 126) possui elevada toxicidade devido à alta afinidade com o receptor de hidrocarboneto de arila. Estudos pré-clínicos e epidemiológicos identificaram o cérebro como um alvo vulnerável a esses compostos. Estes dados sugerem que a neurotoxicidade, a neurodegeneração e as alterações comportamentais induzidas pelos PCBs podem ser decorrentes de modificações nos neurotransmissores, da interrupção da sinalização do hormônio tireoidiano, de perturbações da dinâmica intracelular do cálcio, do estresse oxidativo e da inflamação. Substâncias com ação no Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) e providas de efeitos antioxidante e antiinflamatório, como os polifenóis, têm demonstrado efeito neuroprotetor. A Alpinia zerumbet (K. Schum) é uma planta medicinal rica em polifenóis, que possui ação no SNC. Nosso grupo tem realizado estudos com o extrato das folhas frescas da Alphinia zerumbet (AZE), tendo observado seus efeitos antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios em modelo de hipertensão. Portanto, nós sugerimos que o AZE possa ter também efeito neuroprotetor. Objetivo: Estudar a neurodegeneração, neurotoxicidade e alterações comportamentais induzidas pelo PCB126 em camundongos C57BL/6 adultos, avaliando o efeito preventivo do AZE sobre essas alterações. Método: Protocolo de aprovação do Comitê de Ética (CEUA/021/2021). Camundongos machos C57BL/6 foram separados em quatro grupos: controle (Cont), Cont+AZE (50mg/kg/dia na água de beber), PCB (2mg/Kg/ip.1 vez por semana), PCB+AZE (2mg/Kg/1 vez por semana; 50mg/Kg/dia), por 4 semanas. O peso corporal foi aferido semanalmente. No final do experimento, os animais realizaram o teste de Labirinto em Cruz Elevado, foram eutanasiados e o tecido cerebral foi coletado. O dano oxidativo e a atividade antioxidante foram avaliados por espectrofotometria em homogenato de tronco encefálico. Resultados: O peso corporal não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos estudados. Não houve aumento da peroxidação lipídica no grupo PCB quando comparado ao controle, mas houve elevação (p<0,05) desses danos em relação ao grupo Control+AZE. O tratamento com AZE também preveniu o aumento (p<0,05) da peroxidação lipídica no grupo PCB+AZE quando comparado ao grupo PCB. No grupo PCB houve uma redução (p<0,05) da atividade da enzima antioxidante superóxido dismutase quando comparado ao grupo Control+AZE. O tratamento com AZE, preveniu a redução (p<0,05) da atividade antioxidante dessa enzima no grupo PCB+AZE quando comparado ao grupo PCB. Não houve diferença estatística na atividade antioxidanted a enzima catalase entre os grupos estudados. Houve uma redução (p<0,05) da atividade locomotora no grupo PCB quando comparado ao grupo Control+AZE. O tratamento com AZE, preveniu essa redução (p<0,05) no grupo PCB+AZE quando comparado ao grupo PCB. Conclusão: Nossos resultados preliminaries demonstraram que o tratamento com o AZE preveniu a ocorrência de danos oxidativos e a redução da atividade antioxidante da superóxido dismutase. Além disso, o extrato também preveniu o desenvolvimento de déficts locomotores induzidos pelo PCB, sugerindo um efeito neuroprotetor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpiniae zerumbe was a traditional medicinal medicine in Guizhou minority areas,which was the first large product of Guizhou “Southern Medicine”, and also an important economic plant for controlling rocky desertification. The natural resources of A. zerumbe were very rich, and as a common spice plant resource, but has not yet seen the research report about pharmacognosy on A. zerumbe. The systematic study on the pharmacognosy and the determination of content by GC of the national medicine fructus of A. zerumbe. The results showed that the peel had 12-20 longitudinal ridge uplift,and a perianth protrusions with the top of fructus. The seed was divided into three petals from the white septum, and each petal with 8-20 seeds which easy to scattered. The microscopic identification results were as follows: seed cross-section containing 1-2 oil cells, endosperm cells containing starch granules, and a small amount of fine calcium oxalate crystal. There were thread duct, calcium oxalate crystal, starch granules, sclereid and so on which in the powder of A. zerumbe. And the average contents of α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene and 1,8-eucalyptol were 4.292%, 3.966%, 9.703% and 27.171% determined by GC. The character and microscopic identification method of this experiment were accurate, simple and easy to use, which can be used as the basis for the identification of the fructus of A. zerumbe. The method of determination of GC content was good reproducibility and the result was accurate and reliable, and could be used for the determination of volatile oil of fructus of A. zerumbe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(-)-Terpinen-4-ol is a naturally occurring plant monoterpene and has been shown to have a plethora of biological activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of (-)-terpinen-4-ol on the rat heart, a key player in the control and maintenance of arterial blood pressure. The effects of (-)-terpinen-4-ol on the rat heart were investigated using isolated left atrium isometric force measurements, in vivo electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, patch clamp technique, and confocal microscopy. It was observed that (-)-terpinen-4-ol reduced contraction force in an isolated left atrium at millimolar concentrations. Conversely, it induced a positive inotropic effect and extrasystoles at micromolar concentrations, suggesting that (-)-terpinen-4-ol may have arrhythmogenic activity on cardiac tissue. In anaesthetized animals, (-)-terpinen-4-ol also elicited rhythm disturbance, such as supraventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block. To investigate the cellular mechanism underlying the dual effect of (-)-terpinen-4-ol on heart muscle, experiments were performed on isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes to determine the effect of (-)-terpinen-4-ol on L-type Ca 2+ currents, Ca 2+ sparks, and Ca 2+ transients. The arrhythmogenic activity of (-)-terpinen-4-ol in vitro and in vivo may be explained by its effect on intracellular Ca 2+ handling. Taken together, our data suggest that (-)-terpinen-4-ol has cardiac arrhythmogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1) is an emerging target for the treatment of hair loss (alopecia) and cancer; therefore, the search for PAK1 blockers to treat these PAK1-dependent disorders has received much attention. In this study, we evaluated the anti-alopecia and anticancer effects of PAK1 inhibitors isolated from Alpinia zerumbet (alpinia) in cell culture. The bioactive compounds isolated from alpinia were found to markedly promote hair cell growth. Kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (KOG) and labdadiene, two of the isolated compounds, increased the proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells by approximately 117%–180% and 132%–226%, respectively, at 10–100 μM. MTD (2,5-bis(1E,3E,5E)-6-methoxyhexa-1,3,5-trien-1-yl)-2,5-dihydrofuran) and TMOQ ((E)-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-8-methylene-7-(oct-6-en-1-yl)octahydro-1H-quinolizine) showed growth-promoting activity around 164% and 139% at 10 μM, respectively. The hair cell proliferation induced by these compounds was significantly higher than that of minoxidil, a commercially available treatment for hair loss. Furthermore, the isolated compounds from alpinia exhibited anticancer activity against A549 lung cancer cells with IC50 in the range of 67–99 μM. Regarding the mechanism underlying their action, we hypothesized that the anti-alopecia and anticancer activities of these compounds could be attributed to the inhibition of the oncogenic/aging kinase PAK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 2H-pyran-2-one derivative, 4-hydroxy-6-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-2H-pyran-2-one ( 1), together with four known compounds, 5,6-dehydrokawain ( 2), dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain ( 3), (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial ( 4), and quercetin ( 5) were isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia zerumbet. (E)-Labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial ( 4) and quercetin ( 5) exhibited potent inhibition, with IC values of 3.18 ± 1.13 and 1.17 ± 0.13 μg/mL, respectively, against formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced superoxide anion (O) generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A single-step green biochemical approach of wurtzite ZnS nanoparticles synthesis. • Nanocatalyst WZ-ZnS NPs were fully characterized including XPS measurement. • Remediation of toxic Cr (VI) and bacterial contaminants from water. • Showed excellent antioxidant activity. Green synthesis of various technologically important chalcogenide nanoparticles has become an eminent and benign art in modern science as it is free from hazardous solvents and toxic chemicals. Among different bioapproches, phytosynthesis has been owing superiority due to greater availability of raw plants, faster reaction kinetics, and simplicity. Herein, we for the first time have demonstrated a one-pot phytofabrication method employing Alpinia zerumbet leaf extract to produce wurtzite Zinc Sulphide nanoparticles (WZ-ZnS NPs) for waste water treatment. We screened several plants, and only Alpinia zerumbet showed astonishing potential in converting ZnSO 4 into WZ-ZnS NPs. The phytofabricated WZ-ZnS NPs with an average particles size of 40 nm were fully characterized using TEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, Fluorescence spectrometer, and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. These NPs were used as a nanocatalyst for the remediation of extremely hazardous, carcinogenic hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] whose exposure may cause asthma, eye irritation, lung irritation, kidney failure, liver damage, pulmonary congestion, and emphysema. The experimental result unfolded a high catalytic efficiency, achieving up to 97.8 % reduction of Cr(VI) within 30 min with excellent reusability and durability performance. Additionally, the antibacterial potency of WZ- ZnS NPs was evaluated against gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis whereas antioxidant activity with scavenging efficiency of 94.4 % was confirmed by DPPH assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone homeostasis is maintained by balancing bone formation and bone resorption, but an imbalance between them is associated with various bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. We found that 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK), which were isolated as promising compounds fromAlpinia zerumbetrhizomes,promote differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. DK and DDK increased the alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. DK exerts larger effects than DDK. The gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix, which are essential transcription factors in the early period of osteoblast differentiation, was significantly increased by DK treatment. The mRNA level of distal-less homeobox 5 was also enhanced by DK treatment, and DK activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, DK may have clinical potential for preventing osteoporosis, and could be considered as a potential anabolic therapeutic agent. 5,6-Dehydrokawain (DK) and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) fromAlpinia zerumbetrhizomes, promote differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The aim was to determine the optimum process for the extraction of volatile oil from Alpinia zerumbet fruit. [Methods] Steam distiilation was used to extract volatile oil from A. zerumbet fruit. Based on the single factor tests, an orthogonal test was designed to explore the effects of solid-liquid ratio, soaking time, extraction time and grinding degree of material on the extraction rate. The composition of volatile oil from A. zerumbet fruit was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the relative mass fraction of each component was determined by peak area normalization. [Results] With volatile oil yield as the index, the optimum extraction process was determined: solid to liquid ratio of 1:10, soaking time of 0.5 h, grinding degree of passing through 24-mesh sieve and extraction time of 5 h. A total of 29 compounds were isolated. Among them, the contents of a-terpinene (24. 894%), 1, 8-terpadiene (15.527%) and α-pinene (6. 982%) were relatively high. [Conclusions] The optimized extraction process for volatile oil from A. zerumbet fruit is stable and reasonable. Under the optimum extraction process, the extraction effect of volatile oil from A. zerumbet fruit was the best. The chemical components of volatile oil from A. zerumbet fruit were determined by GC-MS as α-terpinene (24. 894%), 1, 8-terpadiene (15.527%) and α-pinene (6.982%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we investigated the anti-oxidant and anti-aging effects of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (tairin and shima) in vitro and anti-melanogenic effects in B16F10 melanoma cells. The anti-oxidant activities were performed with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS); nitric oxide; singlet oxygen; hydroxyl radical scavenging; and xanthine oxidase. The inhibitory activities against collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase were employed for anti-aging. The anti-melanogenic was assessed in B16F10 melanoma cells by melanin synthesis and intracellular tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The volatile chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The EO was a complex mixture mainly consisting of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The results revealed that tairin and shima EOs showed strong anti-oxidant activities against DPPH and nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibition. Compared to shima EO; tairin EO exhibited strong anti-aging activity by inhibiting collagenase, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase (IC50 = 11 ± 0.1; 25 ± 1.2; 83 ± 1.6; and 213 ± 2 μg/mL, respectively). Both EOs inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity; thus, reducing melanin synthesis. These results suggest that tairin EO has better anti-oxidant/anti-aging activity than shima EO, but both are equally anti-melanogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) is the major and most promising component of the tropical plant Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger), a species of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Alpinia zerumbet is known for its human use as a traditional herbal medicine, food, and dietary supplement. With its α-lactone ring, DDK belongs to the large chemical group of kavalactones, which are also found in kava (Piper methysticum), another herbal medicine; DDK is characterized by a double-bond linkage at positions 5,6 and the absence of a double-bond linkage at positions 7,8. This dissociates DDK from other kavalactones with their linkages at positions 7,8 and 5,6 that are both either completely saturated or unsaturated, or may have an unsaturated bond at the position 7,8 as well as a saturated bond at the position 5,6. DDK is easily identified and quantified by HPLC and GC. DDK contents in fresh leaves, stems and rhizomes range from 80 to 410 mg/g, requiring solvent extraction procedures to ensure high DDK yield. This is best achieved by hexane extraction from fresh rhizomes that were previously boiled in water, allowing DDK yields of up to 424 mg/g. Successful synthesis of DDK can be achieved by asymmetric pathways, whereas its simple chemical structure facilitates the synthesis of DDK derivatives by HCl hydrolysis. Thus, all synthesized products may be used for various commercial purposes, including the potential development of promising antiobesity pharmaceutical drugs, preparation of specific and safe dietary supplements, and use as effective natural herbicides or fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently several compounds from Okinawa plants including Alpinia zerumbet (alpinia) were shown to inhibit directly the oncogenic/ageing kinase PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1). Furthermore, it was recently revealed that both PAK1 and PAK4 (p21-activated kinase 4) are equally essential for the melanogenesis in melanoma cells. Thus, in this study, we tested if several alpinia compounds inhibit the melanogenesis in melanoma (B16F10) cells, as well as the PAK1-dependent up-regulation of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in cultured adipocytes (3T3-L1) without any cytotoxicity. The effect of alpinia compounds on the melanogenesis was measured by both the melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells treated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a melanogenesis stimulating hormone. We found that (1E,3E,5E)-6-methoxyhexa-1,3,5-trien-1-yl)-2,5-dihydrofuran (MTD), 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK), labdadiene, hispidin and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) at 50 µg/mL reduced the melanin content by 63-79%. The MTD, DK and hispidin, at 50 µg/mL, inhibited tyrosinase activity by 70-83% in melanoma cells. Among these compounds, labdadiene, MTD, (E)-2,2,3,3-Tetramethyl-8-methylene-7-(oct-6-en-1-yl)octahydro-1H-quinolizine (TMOQ) and hispidin strongly inhibited the ROS production. Hispidin, labdadiene and MTD at 20 µg/mL inhibited NO production by over 70%. These findings altogether suggest that some of these alpinia compounds could be potentially useful for the prevention or treatment of hyperpigmentation and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are new natural medicines, which have been studied extensively in recent years. In this paper, the chemical composition of the essential oil from Alpinia zerumbet leaves and its ability to modulate the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics is reported. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of the essential oil alone or in association with aminoglycosides was determined by a microdilution test against twelve strains (standards and multi-resistant clinical isolates obtained from sputum and wounds), seven Gram negative and five Gram positive. The major components identified by GC/MS were 4-terpineol (32.9 ± 4.0%), 1,8-cineole (21.4 ± 1.2%), γ-terpinolene (10.0 ± 1.8%) and sabinene (7.1 ± 4.6%), with a strong predominance of monoterpenes. The results indicated that the multi-resistant clinical isolates Staphylococcus aureus 358 and Escherichia coli 27 were more sensitive to the essential oil, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 32 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. The essential oil was capable of enhancing the antimicrobial activity of aminoglycosides against all strains tested, except for S. aureus 358. Very significant reductions in the MICs of the antibiotics were found, with a 94% decrease in MIC of neomycin against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031. The results obtained indicate that the A. zerumbet essential oil has a significant synergistic antibiotic effect when combined with aminoglycosides, demonstrating that its constituents may act as potentiators of the antibiotic activity of aminoglycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study found that fruit shells of shell ginger ( Alpinia zerumbet ) are a rich source of the kavalactones dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) and 5,6-dehydrokavain (DK). The fruit shell extraction with hexane resulted in good purity and higher yields of DDK and DK than did chloroform, ethanol, 10% ethanol, methanol or water. Additionally, this study examined the neuroprotective effects of DDK and DK against H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and the possible molecular mechanisms involved. 16 h after stimulation with 400 μM H 2 O 2 , the viability (MTT reduction) of PC12 cells decreased while membrane damage (LDH release) was noticeably increased. However, pretreatment for 6 h with DDK and DK (1 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM and 50 μM) rescued PC12 cells from H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity, as evidenced by decreased LDH release and increased cell viability. DDK and DK inhibit the MAPK family member p38, activate AKT, and reduce caspase-3 activity. DDK also reduced the oxidative status in H 2 O 2 -treated PC12 cells. Together, our data indicate that the A. zerumbet constituents, DDK and DK, exert a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced PC12 cell death and that the regulation of p-Akt and the p38 MAPK, and of oxidative states may be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and its related disorders have become leading metabolic diseases. In the present study, we used 3T3-L1 adipocytes to investigate the anti-obesity activity of hispidin and two related compounds that were isolated from Alpinia zerumbet (alpinia) rhizomes. The results showed that hispidin, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK), and 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) have promising anti-obesity properties. In particular, all three compounds significantly increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations by 81.2% ± 0.06%, 67.0% ± 1.62%, and 56.9% ± 0.19%, respectively. Hispidin also stimulated glycerol release by 276.4% ± 0.8% and inhibited lipid accumulation by 47.8% ± 0.16%. Hispidin and DDK decreased intracellular triglyceride content by 79.5% ± 1.37% and 70.2% ± 1.4%, respectively, and all three compounds inhibited glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and pancreatic lipase, with hispidin and DDK being the most potent inhibitors. Finally, none of the three compounds reduced 3T3-L1 adipocyte viability. These results highlight the potential for developing hispidin and its derivatives as anti-obesity compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) have various bioactivities, such as being anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidant. Consequently, they have been vigorously studied for the development of new natural bioactive compounds. Recently, PAC was isolated from leaves and pseudostems of the medicinal plant Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt and R.M. Smith, and it had shown in vitro antiviral activity against influenza A H1N1 viruses (IAVs). The 50% endpoint dilution method indicated that 0.1 mg/mL A. zerumbet -derived PAC (AzPAC) reduced the titer of IAVs by >3 logs. The antiviral activity of AzPAC means that it can interact directly with viral particles since the antiviral activity test was done by coincubation of PAC with and IAVs before viral infection. However, few studies have investigated the preventive mechanism utilized by AzPAC on influenza virus replication. In this study, the composition of AzPAC and the affinity between AzPAC and IAVs was investigated in detail. We found that AzPAC was composed of an epicatechin, which was linked by inter-flavan bonds between the C4 and C8 positions (B2-type) and the C4 and C6 positions (B5-type) in the terminal units. A quenching assay indicated that AzPAC interacted with IAV membrane proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Additionally, circular dichroism analysis indicated that AzPAC affected the change in the secondary structure rate of the viral membrane proteins. AzPAC was able to impair the infective process of IAVs via direct interaction with their viral membrane proteins. These results indicate that A. zerumbet is a bioresource for the development of preventive drugs against IAV infection. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the impact of Alpinia zerumbet leaf extract on the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans. It states that effects of Alpinia zerumbet leaf extract (ALP) on lifespan of C. elegans were investigated using animal models of Caenorhabditis elegans. Table related to effects of Alpinia hot-water (ALH) and ALP under thermal stress on wild type C. elegans is also presented.

Abstract: Essential oil (EO) of Alpinia zerumbet leaves, at non-toxic concentrations (50–300μg/mL), did not induce genotoxicity in human leukocytes. However, at the highest concentration (500μg/mL) tested caused a reduction in cell proliferation and viability, and an increase in DNA damage. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that EO (400mg/kg) did not exert mutagenicity on peripheral blood cells and bone marrow in mice. In DPPH test, EO showed scavenging effects against DPPH radicals, and other free radicals (determination of intracellular GSH and lipid peroxidation assays). Furthermore, EO was able to reduce the intracellular levels of ROS, and prevented leukocytes DNA against oxidative damage. The ability of EO to reduce H2O2 toxicity was observed only when cells were treated with EO during and after exposure to H2O2. With the co- and post-treatment procedures, EO decreased the frequency of apoptotic and micronucleated leukocytes as well DNA strand breaks. However, a synergistic effect was observed in cultures exposed to 500μg/mL EO. In conclusion, EO at concentrations up to 300μg/mL or doses up to 400mg/kg are not mutagenic in leukocytes and in mice, but do have antioxidative and protective effects against the cytotoxicity and clastogenesis induced by H2O2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the principal risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we used several methods to investigate the ability of the acetone extract from rhizomes, stems, leaves, flowers, pericarps and seeds of Alpinia zerumbet to inhibit atherosclerosis in vitro. The seed extract had the strongest activity against tyrosinase, pancreatic lipase (PL), 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) and LDL oxidation activities (IC50 = 2.30 ± 0.02, 5.00 ± 0.07, 1.29 ± 0.07 and 15.40 ± 0.86 μg/mL, respectively), amongst all different parts. It also had similar effects to the positive controls. Most of the extracts showed partial agonistic properties towards estrogenic activity. Cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione, a steroid present only in the seed extract seems to be the compound responsible for these activities. The results showed that cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione had similar ability to curcumin and quercetin against PL and LDL oxidation (IC50 = 19.50 ± 1.17 and 16.12 ± 1.43 mg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione (IC50 = 34.21 ± 1.31 mg/mL) had higher inhibition against 15-LO than quercetin (IC50 = 54.79 ± 1.12 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are major factors responsible for the complication of diabetes. The present study was carried out to investigate the inhibitory activities on fructosamine adduct and α-dicarbonyl formations by hexane extracts of various parts of Alpinia zerumbet. Furthermore, we isolated two previously known compounds, namely 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK). 8(17),12-Labdadiene-15,16-dial (labdadiene) was isolated for the first time from the rhizome of A. zerumbet. The results showed that labdadiene (IC 50 =51.06μg/mL) had similar activity to rutin and quercetin against fructosamine adduct. The inhibition of α-dicarbonyl compounds formation by labdadiene was significantly higher than that of DK and DDK. Our results indicate that labdadiene is a potent antiglycation agent which was found to inhibit AGEs formation in three different steps in the pathway. These data indicate that labdadiene could be used to prevent glycation-associated complications in diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The essential oil of the rhizome of Alpinia speciosa K. Schum. collected from Dehradun, India, was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by CC and CC/MS. Sixty-six compounds representing 95.98% of the oil were identified. The major constituents of the essential oil of the rhizome were terpinen-4-ol (15.4%), 1,8-cineole (11.1%) and T-cadinol (8.8%). The oil showed antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus niutans, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Grain-positive), Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Grain-negative) using the well diffusion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alpinia zerumbet leaves and rhizomes have been extensively studied for their chemical compositions and biological activities. However, less attention has been given to its flowers and seeds. In our study, essential oil, total phenolics and antioxidant capacities assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching methods were evaluated in flowers and seeds of A. zerumbet. In addition, their phenolic composition was determined by GC–MS and HPLC. 1,8-Cineol, camphor, methyl cinnamate and borneol were the major constituents in flower oils, whereas the main components in seeds oil were α-cadinol, T-muurolol, α-terpineol, δ-cadinene and terpinene-4-ol. The results showed that the hexane extract of flowers contained a significantly higher quantity of dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) than that of seeds. Total phenolic contents of flower and seed extracts were measured as 56.7 and 13.7mg gallic acid equivalent per gram extract, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of flowers and seeds possessed a high antiradical activity and prevented the bleaching of β-carotene. The HPLC analysis indicated that p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid and syringic acid were the predominant phenolics in the ethyl acetate extract of flowers, whilst p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid and vanillin were the major phenolics in seeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During essential oil production from Alpinia zerumbet, large volumes of water and solid wastes are produced and subsequently discarded. An extraction protocol to obtain essential oil, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) and enriched antioxidant phenolic extracts from fresh leaves or rhizomes of A. zerumbet and their wastes was developed. The main components determined in leaf oil were 1,8-cineol, camphor and methyl cinnamate, whereas rhizome oil mainly contained DDK and methyl cinnamate. The highest DDK content was found in the hexane extract of fresh rhizomes. Ethyl acetate extracts from leaves showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities than those from rhizomes. Ethyl acetate extract from wastewater of leaves possessed the strongest inhibition to β-carotene oxidation. Ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolics present in these extracts. The results indicate that disposed wastes produced during essential oil production from A. zerumbet leaves or rhizomes may be utilized in foodstuffs as a cheap source of natural antioxidants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Essential oils, total phenolics, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) and antioxidant and antibacterial activities were investigated in Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. & R.M. Sm. plants, that had been sprayed with copper sulphate 24h beforehand. Ethyl acetate extract of copper-treated plants contained increased levels of total phenolics, had higher antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH and β-carotene bleaching methods and exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus than that of non-treated plants. Contents of DDK, vanillin and cinnamic acid were significantly higher in chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of A. zerumbet plants following exposure to copper. Volatile components that increased after copper treatment include: 1,8-cineol, camphor, borneol, and terpinene-4-ol. Foliar application of copper sulphate may regulate the antioxidant compounds in A. zerumbet plants, influencing its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coccidoxenoides perminutus achieves only low levels of parasitism of its host Planococcus citri in southeast Queensland citrus. Two possible causes were investigated. Adult survival under natural conditions was assessed to determine whether providing adult food sources could enhance survival. Behavioural changes of hosts, induced by C. perminutus parasitism, was also investigated to establish if parasitised P. citri move from their feeding site to seek protected shelters some distance away and are thus not accounted for in field assessments of parasitism rates. Unparasitised mealybugs placed in the field for two periods were retrieved before the effects of parasitism were manifested and parasitism rates were still low (0.3% at 5 days and 1.2% at 10 days). Levels of locomotion of P. citri exposed to C. perminutus were compared with those of “unexposed” ones. Parasitised mealybugs, regardless of instar, undergo behavioural changes. In comparison to unparasitised controls, the mealybugs become highly active 7–14 days after exposure to wasps. All parasitised mealybugs undergo physical changes, their body becomes cylindrical, their legs go so rigid that the mealybugs become immobile, and this signifies the typical mummy appearance. All mealybugs that became mummies eventually fell from the host lemon fruit because of impaired locomotion and were caught on sticky traps that had been placed beneath the lemons. Consequently, their final site of mummification was not established. C. perminutus adults provided with nectar or honey survived longer (about 5 days) in the field than those without food (about a day). Nectar from two plant species, Alpinia zerumbet and Datura candida, proved to be good sources of food for the adult wasps, and were comparable in quality to honey. The low level of parasitism achieved by C. perminutus in southeast Queensland citrus thus appears to be a consequence of the short adult life and the negative effects of a harsh environment. Provision of a suitable food source (e.g., nectar) may well enhance levels of parasitism in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The encyrtid Coccidoxenoides perminutus is a widely distributed parasitoid of citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri). Worldwide, it has been implicated in successful biocontrol in only a few widely separated localities. C. perminutus contributes little to control P. citri in field situations in south-east Queensland, Australia, but invades insectary cultures and reduces mealybug populations considerably under these controlled conditions. This discrepancy between poor field performance and good performance under controlled conditions was investigated to establish whether climatic factors inhibit the field performance of this species in the biological control of P. citri. Subsequent laboratory examination of the influence of varied humidities and temperatures on the activity levels and survival of C. perminutus revealed a low tolerance for high saturation deficits (i.e., low % RH at high T °C) with reduced reproductive output. The influence of different food sources on adult survival and reproduction was also quantified, to establish if the adverse effects of climate could be overcome by supplementing adult diet. Neither honeydew from their mealybug hosts nor nectar from Alphitonia flowers significantly enhanced parasitoid survival. A subsequent test of five nectar species revealed a significant difference in their influence on C. perminutus survival and reproduction, with only Alpinia zerumbet proving to be as suitable as honey. The floral species that proved suitable in the laboratory need to be checked for their attractiveness to C. perminutus in the field and for their ability to enhance the survival and reproductive output of parasitoids. This information suggests that the prevailing dry conditions in south-east Queensland citrus-growing areas apparently impede successful biological control of P. citri by C. perminutus, but possibilities are available for habitat manipulation (by providing suitable nectar sources for adult parasitoids) to conserve and enhance C. perminutus activity in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The present study investigated the hypotensive responses to intravenous (i.v.) treatment with the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAZ) and its main constituent, terpinen-4-ol (Trp-4-ol), in the experimental model of deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rat. In both DOCA-salt hypertensive and uninephrectomized, normotensive rats, i.v. bolus injections of EOAZ (1–20 mg/kg) or Trp-4-ol (1–10 mg/kg) decreased mean aortic pressure (MAP) in a dose-related manner. However, hypotensive responses to Trp-4-ol were significantly greater than those evoked by the same doses of EOAZ (1–10 mg/kg). Treatment with DOCA-salt significantly enhanced the maximal percentage decreases in MAP evoked by EOAZ or Trp-4-ol. Likewise, both maximal percentage and absolute decreases in MAP elicited by i.v. injection of the ganglion blocker, hexamethonium (30 mg/kg), were significantly greater in DOCA-salt hypertensive than in control rats. In DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, neither hexamethonium (30 mg/kg, i.v.) nor methylatropine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) pretreatment affected the enhancement of EOAZ-induced hypotension. These results show that i.v. treatment with either EOAZ or Trp-4-ol dose-dependently decreases blood pressure in conscious DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, and this action is enhanced when compared with uninephrectomized controls. This enhancement could be related mainly to an increase in EOAZ-induced vascular smooth muscle relaxation rather than to enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity in this hypertensive model. The data further support our previous hypothesis that hypotensive effects of EOAZ are partially attributed to the actions of Trp-4-ol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh leaves of Alpinia zerumbet and A. purpurata (Zingiberaceae) were collected in Rio de Janeiro city and subjected to hydrodistillation; their chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS. These species are used as ornamental plants and in folk medicine. Variations in the leaf oils content and composition of A. zerumbet were found between April and August 2005. In April, the main constituents identified in leaf oil of A. zerumbet were terpinen-7-al (40.5%) and sabinene hydrate (15.4%); in August, the major components identified were terpinen-4-ol (29.4%) and 1,8-cineole (23.1%). Leaf oil of A. purpurata was rich in β-pinene (34.7%) and α-pinene (11.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial plant native to the East Indies and is widely distributed in South America, Oceania, and Asia. The mature fruits of the plant have been used in traditional medicine in China. In this study, we compared the chemical constituents in the methanol extracts of the leaves, the placenta, the pericarps, and the seeds obtained from the same plant using LC-MS, and we examined the NO inhibitory activities of the respective extracts and the isolated compounds. As a result of LC-MS analyses, kavalactone derivatives (1 – 6) were detected in the methanol extracts of the leaves, placenta, and pericarps. Of these, compound 6 was identified as a new asymmetrical cyclobutane dimer of 5,6-dehydrokawain. Quantitative analysis showed that the total amounts of kavalactone derivatives were highest in the methanol extract of the pericarps. Moreover, the results of measurements of the anti-inflammatory activity revealed that the pericarps extract showed the strongest activity. The compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts from A. zerumbet were identified. Of these, five were known kavalactone derivatives and one was a new kavalactone derivative (aniba dimer C). The results showed that the pericarps of A. zerumbet are a rich source of kavalactone derivatives, and that the pericarps of A. zerumbet can be utilized as an important medicinal resource. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Alpinia zerumbet is used in folk medicine in Brazil to treat hypertension. However, the cardioprotective effect of this plant has not been studied yet. To evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (AZE) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Rats were pretreated orally with AZE (300 mg/kg) for 30 days prior to ISO-induced myocardial infarction. The rats were sacrificed and hearts were collected and homogenized for biochemical analysis. At the end of the experiment, cardiac marker enzyme levels, histological and morphometric parameters, and hemodynamic measurements were assessed. Phytochemical compounds were verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Rats administered with ISO showed a significant increase in cardiac marker enzymes, i.e., in creatine kinase-NAC (CK-NAC) and CK-MB. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining exhibited an increase in infarct areas. In the animals treated with ISO induced a significant increase in heart rate. Pretreatment with AZE significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. Moreover, biochemical findings were supported by histopathological observations. The GC-MS analyses of AZE identified volatile oils, kavalactones, and phytosterols. Haemodynamic, biochemical alteration and histopathological results suggest a cardioprotective protective effect of oral administration of AZE in isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Plants play an important role in anti-cancer drug discovery, therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of Alpinia zerumbet (A. zerumbet) flowers. Methods: The phytochemical and biological criteria of A. zerumbet were in vitro investigated as well as in mouse xenograft model. Results: A. zerumbet extracts, specially CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts, exhibited the highest potent anti-tumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The most active CH2Cl2 extract was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation leading to isolatation of the naturally occurring 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) which was characterized by IR, MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. A. zerumbet extracts, specially MeOH and CH2Cl2 extracts, exhibited significant inhibitory activity towards tumor volume (TV). Furthermore, A. zerumbet extracts declined the high level of malonaldehyde (MDA) as well as elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver tissue homogenate. Moreover, DK showed anti-proliferative action on different human cancer cell lines. The recorded IC50 values against breast carcinoma (MCF-7), liver carcinoma (Hep-G2) and larynx carcinoma cells (HEP-2) were 3.08, 6.8, and 8.7 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings open the door for further investigations in order to explore the potential medicinal properties of A. zerumbet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been linked to several health conditions, among them inflammation. Natural antioxidants may attenuate this damage. Our study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of a methanol leaf extract from Alpinia zerumbet and its possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and antipyretic effects. Altogether, 37 compounds, representing benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids (aglycones and glycosides), were characterized. The extract showed substantial in vitro antioxidant effects, and inhibited both cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in vitro, with a higher selectivity towards COX-2. It also inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in vitro with nearly double the potency of zileuton, a reference 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor. The extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, and suppressed leukocyte infiltration into the peritoneal cavity in carrageenan-treated mice. Furthermore, it possessed antipyretic effects against fever induced by subcutaneous injection of Brewer's yeast in mice. Additionally, the extract demonstrated both central and peripheral anti-nociceptive effects in mice, as manifested by a decrease in the count of writhing, induced with acetic acid and an increase in the latency time in the hot plate test. These findings suggest that the leaf extract from Alpinia zerumbet could be a candidate for the development of a drug to treat inflammation and ROS related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]