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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. (Pers.) B.L. Burttand R.M. Sm., commonly known as shell ginger, Siamese ginger, Thai ginger, or Galangal, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. A. zerumbet is traditionally used in various countries across the globe for its medicinal properties. This review aims to compile and analyze the available literature on the phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of A. zerumbet. Traditional medicine employs A. zerumbet to treat various diseases, and it is also part of the traditional Okinawan diet in Japan. The leaves and rhizomes of A. zerumbet are commonly utilized as spices and flavorings in various dishes, including rice, meats, and pasta. The phytochemical constituents of A. zerumbet include terpenes and terpenoids such as linalool, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and ascorbic acid. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated various biological activities, including its use as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses of A. zerumbet and highlighting its chemical constituents for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new monoterpene esters (1 and 2) and four known compounds (3–6) were isolated from the pericarps of Alpinia zerumbet. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by monitoring their inhibitory effects on the interleukin-1β-induced production of nitric oxide in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. The new compound 1 and cardamonin 3 showed inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 17.6 ± 1.1 and 10.2 ± 1.3 µM, respectively, which are comparable to that of the positive control NG-methyl-L-arginine acetate salt. [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.

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 high-fidelity 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.

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]

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]

Shell ginger ( Alpinia zerumbet ) is a perennial ornamental plant of ginger native to East Asia, which can be used as a flavoring agent in food or beverage, as well as a traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, a total of 37 terpenoids, including 7 new compounds, zerumin D1 to zerumin D7 ( 2 , 3 , 28 - 30 , 36 , and 37 ), and 5 new naturally occurring compounds, zerumin D10 to zerumin D14 ( 9 , 12 , 15 , 20 , and 24 ), were isolated and identified from the rhizomes of shell ginger. Compound 3 was an unprecedented variant labdane diterpenoid featuring a unique 6/7/6/3 tetracyclic cyclic ether system in its side chain. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated terpenoids were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Compound 4 significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide with an IC 50 value of 5.4 μM. Further investigation revealed that compounds 2 and 3 may inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, thus suppressing the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 to exert the anti-inflammatory effects.

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. was extensively used in traditional medicine for its several properties, but continuous investigation is needed to discover the properties of its essential oils (EOs). This work evaluated the properties of an EO obtained by steam distillation (named ESD) as well as extracts obtained by petroleum ether (named EP) both from Alpinia zerumbet fruits. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was chosen to identify the composition, and eleven compounds were identified as the main components of the EO and EP of Alpinia zerumbet fruits. The antimicrobial properties were investigated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the inhibition area. The results identified the differences in antimicrobial activities attributed to different extraction methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western Blot (WB) assay were conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of ESD. In conclusion, our study suggested that EO from Alpinia zerumbet fruits might be a prospective candidate for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

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]

[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]

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]

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt and R.M. Smith belongs to the Alpinia genus in the Zingiberaceae family. In East Asia, Alpinia zerumbet has been widely used as food and traditional medicine. Previously, we identified proanthocyanidins (PACs), an anti-plant-virus molecule in A. zerumbet , using Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). Here, we found that PACs from A. zerumbet , apple, and green tea effectively inhibited ToMV infection. Additionally, the PACs from A. zerumbet exhibited greater antiviral activity than those from apple and green tea. The PACs from A. zerumbet also effectively inactivated influenza A virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which acts as a surrogate for human coronaviruses, in a dose-dependent manner. The results from the cytopathic effect assays indicated that 0.1 mg/ml PACs from A. zerumbet decreased the titer of influenza A virus and PEDV by >3 log. These findings suggested that the direct treatment of viruses with PACs from A. zerumbet before inoculation reduced viral activity; thus, PACs might inhibit infections by an influenza virus, coronaviruses, and plant viruses., (© 2021 Japanese Society for Plant Biotechnology.)