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Zingiber zerumbet affords the essential oil having important application and its rhizomes are the main ingredient in traditional Indian Ayurveda formulation. We report here the impact of enzymes on the isolable yield of oleoresin and essential oil (EO) from Zingiber zerumbet. The impact of enzymes like cellulase, amylase, bio-protease, pectinase, hemi-cellulase and enzyme for herbal extract is evaluated. Viscozyme affords the highest oleoresin (16%) and essential oil (7.1%), a betterment of 138% and 24% respectively. Zerumbone, a principal bioactive component of zerumbet, was afforded in 8.98% and 5.7% from oleoresin and essential oil. Box Behnken Design has been employed to optimize parameters to get the highest oleoresin and EO yield. The EO was tested for its inhibitory activity on α -amylase and α-glucosidase. The EO collected from viscozyme-assisted extraction inhibited α -amylase with IC 50 26 µM while the same from enzyme for herbal extract-assisted extraction inhibited α -glucosidase with IC 50 274 µM. The extraction efficiency of all the enzymes used here is reported. [Display omitted] • Viscozyme treated zerumbet affords high oleoresin & essential oil. • Zerumbone from oleoresin & essential oil was respectively 7.5% & 5.7%. • Zerumbet essential oil showed potent α -amylase and α -glucosidase inhibition. • Optimized the extraction method by RSM. • Quantified zerumbone by Gas Chromatography (GC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the molecular basis of host defense in resistant wild species Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith against the soil-borne, necrotrophic oomycete pathogen Pythium myriotylum Drechsler, which causes the devastating soft rot disease in the spice crop ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). We investigated the pattern of host defense between Z. zerumbet and ginger in response to P. myriotylum inoculation. Analysis of gene expression microarray data revealed enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, particularly lignin biosynthesis genes, in pathogen-inoculated Z. zerumbet compared to ginger. RT-qPCR analysis showed the robust activation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes in Z. zerumbet , including the core genes PAL , C4H , 4CL , and the monolignol biosynthesis and polymerization genes such as CCR , CAD , C3H , CCoAOMT , F5H , COMT , and LAC. Additionally, Z. zerumbet exhibited the accumulation of the phenolic acids including p -coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid that are characteristic of the cell walls of commelinoid monocots like Zingiberaceae and are involved in cell wall strengthening by cross linking with lignin. Z. zerumbet also had higher total lignin and total phenolics content compared to pathogen-inoculated ginger. Phloroglucinol staining revealed the enhanced fortification of cell walls in Z. zerumbet , specifically in xylem vessels and surrounding cells. The trypan blue staining indicated inhibition of pathogen growth in Z. zerumbet at the first leaf whorl, while ginger showed complete colonization of the pith within 36 h post inoculation (hpi). Accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and induction of SA regulator NPR1 and the signaling marker PR1 were observed in Z. zerumbet. Silencing of PAL in Z. zerumbet through VIGS suppressed downstream genes, leading to reduced phenylpropanoid accumulation and SA level, resulting in the susceptibility of plants to P. myriotylum. These findings highlight the essential role of PAL -dependent mechanisms in resistance against P. myriotylum in Z. zerumbet. Moreover, our results suggest an unconventional role for SA in mediating host resistance against a necrotroph. Targeting the phenylpropanoid pathway could be a promising strategy for the effective management of P. myriotylum in ginger. • Pythium myriotylum infection induces lignin biosynthesis in Zingiber zerumbet. • Cell wall is fortified by lignin deposition in P. myriotylum infected Z. zerumbet. • P. myriotylum hyphae is inhibited at first leaf sheath whorl in Z. zerumbet • Salicylic acid is accumulated in P. myriotylum infected Z. zerumbet. • PAL suppression by VIGS compromise P. myriotylum resistance in Z. zerumbet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zerumbone is a natural compound found in bitter ginger plants (Zingiber zerumbet) that shows antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. We aimed to investigate the role of zerumbone in improving the quality of life and symptom control in cancer patients with no treatment options. We conducted a pilot, non-randomized, single-center, open prospective, and systematic study on the use of 400 mg of zerumbone twice a day. The study included 35 patients (mean age, 68 years; 64% men), of which 16 completed the eight-week study. The intention-to-treat population showed no significant changes in weight or sleep quality over the eight-week study. Assessments performed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) showed significant improvements in the quality of life in the global (p = 0.072), activity (p = 0.0393), social (p = 0.0001), and emotional (p = 0.0023) dimensions. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire scores showed significant improvement in anxiety (p = 0.032) and depression (p = 0.021), while the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire scores also indicated a significant improvement (p = 0.001). Bitter ginger showed low toxicity. Bitter ginger showed promising results in improving the quality of life and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in the study population. A randomized placebo-controlled study is necessary to confirm these results. This trial was registered under the number FMABC: CAAE – 93459418.00000082, at ISRCTN (BIOMED CENTRAL) NUMBER 4388 (03/07/23) and at Plataforma Brasil (https://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/login.jsf) • Patients with advanced cancer experience symptoms that decrease their quality of life. • We tested Zingiber zerumbet in 35 patients with terminal cancer at a dose of 400 mg PO BID. • We observed significant improvement in their overall quality of life, fatigue, depression and anxiety. • Zingiber zerumbet showed a very tolerable toxicity profile. • A randomized placebo-controlled trial is necessary to confirm our preliminary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zingiber zerumbet rhizome has been used as spices and in traditional medicine to heal various immune-inflammatory related ailments. Although the plant was reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties by several studies, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects have not been well justified.Purpose: The study was carried out to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of the standardized 80% ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet through its effect on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MyD88)-dependent nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced U937 human macrophages.Methods: Standardization of the 80% ethanol extract of Z. zerumbet was performed by using a validated reversed-phase HPLC method, while LC-MS/MS was used to profile the secondary metabolites. The release of pro-inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the Western blot technique was executed to elucidate the expression of mediators linked to MyD88-dependent respective signaling pathways. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was carried out to quantify the relative gene expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and pro-inflammatory mediators at the transcriptional level.Results: The quantitative and qualitative analyses of Z. zerumbet extract showed the presence of several compounds including the major chemical marker zerumbone. Z. zerumbet extract suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, COX-2 protein expression and downregulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory markers. Z. zerumbet-treatment also blocked NF-κB activation by preventing the phosphorylation of IKKα/β and NF-κB (p65) as well as the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Z. zerumbet extract concentration-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of respective MAPKs (JNK, ERK, and p38) as well as Akt. Correspondingly, Z. zerumbet extract suppressed the upstream signaling adaptor molecules, TLR4 and MyD88 prerequisite for the NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt activation.Conclusion: The findings suggest that Z. zerumbet has impressive role in suppressing inflammation and related immune disorders by inhibition of various pro-inflammatory markers through the imperative MyD88-dependent NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K-Akt activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Zerumbone can exhibit potent chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against various chronic diseases. • It can alter the expression of various signaling molecules involved in disease progression. • Zerumbone has been reported to be relatively non-toxic in analyzed disease models so far. Abstract Several active compounds from 'Mother Nature' have been found to be tailor-made therapeutics for the better management of numerous chronic ailments, with fewer adverse side effects. Zerumbone is one such molecule isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith, a Zingiberaceae plant with significant medicinal values that has been used traditionally for treating stomach ache, ulcers, diabetes, leprosy, asthma, and skin diseases. Zerumbone has been found to be the most important active compound of Z. zerumbet , contributing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-hypersensitivity, chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. It has been established as a multi-targeted agent with potential to treat chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, chronic gastritis, neuropathic pain, atherosclerosis, inflammation and cancer through modulation of various cellular signaling cascades and antigen presentation pathways. Therefore, the present study focuses on zerumbone, its sources and biological activities against various chronic diseases by summarizing the literature available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zer increased hyaluronic acid and inhibited ROS generation in non– or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. • Zer upregulated antioxidant HO-1 and γ-GCLC expression by activating Nrf2 pathway in HaCaT cells. • Zer promoted HAS-2 and AQP-3 protein and mRNA expression in non– or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. • Zer prevented UVB-irradiated ROS-mediated Src/ERK inhibition in HaCaT cells. • Zer suppressed iNOS/COX-2/IL-1β expression via NFκB/AP-1 inhibition in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We assayed skin hydration and anti-inflammatory efficacies of zerumbone (Zer, 2.5–10 μM), a natural sesquiterpene of Zingiber zerumbet , using non– or UVB (30 mJ/cm2)-irradiated keratinocytes (HaCaT). & Zer increased cell viability, upregulated hyaluronic acid, and inhibited ROS generation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Zer promoted antioxidant Nrf2 nuclear translocation resulting in HO-1 and γ-GCLC expression. Zer promotes skin hyaluronic acid by increasing protein and mRNA expression of HAS-2 and AQP-3 in non– or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Zer increased Src and ERK phosphorylation. Src silencing or ERK inhibitor (PD98059) diminished Zer-mediated skin hydration, as evidenced by decreased HAS-2 and AQP-3 expression. Interestingly, UVB-induced Src/ERK inhibition was reversed by Zer or N -acetylcysteine. Additionally, Zer inhibited inflammatory iNOS, COX-2, and IL-1β expression through NFκB (p65) and AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos) pathway in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. HaCaT cells treated with Zer enhanced the growth factors PDGF-A, VEGF, and EGFR expressions. Zerumbone might be utilized in cosmetic formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm, an aromatic rhizomatous herb widely used in food, beverages, medicine and for ornamental purposes. It was considered as spice ginger until the discovery of zerumbone (a monocyclic sesquiterpene), curcuminoids (a group of polyphenolic compounds) and other bioactive molecules. These compounds have great demand due to their nutritional, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical properties. We investigated an efficient in vitro regeneration system for large-scale propagation and determination of metabolites accumulated under in vitro and subsequent field cultivation stages of Z. zerumbet. The maximum numbers of shoots (13.0 ± 0.9) as well as roots (43.0 ± 2.8) were obtained when rhizome bud explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (4.0 mg/l) and indole-3-butyric acid (1.0 mg/l). Micropropagated plantlets were transferred to soil and successfully established in the field. Polyphenolic profile, antioxidative properties and RP-HPLC determination of pharmaceutically important molecules viz. zerumbone and curcuminoids were evaluated from various in vitro micropropagation and subsequent field cultivation stages. The results of the field trials showed that, micropropagated plants accumulated higher levels of metabolites, antioxidants activities as well as bioactive molecules after 9 months of field cultivation and retained stability in all biochemical parameters till dormancy. Thus outcome of these studies provides a view of the current state of research on the micropropagation, proper harvesting stage, enhanced and stable supply of metabolites, antioxidants and bioactive molecules i.e. zerumbone and curcuminoids. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Rapid propagation and higher level accumulation of bioactive drugs in Z. zerumbet. • BAP and IBA in combination served better for maximum production of shoots and roots. • Regeneration stage significantly alters the metabolite profiling. • Tissue cultured plants showed higher metabolites after 9 months field cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as bitter ginger, has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatments of inflammations, rheumatism, sprains, colic pain, diarrhea, tonsillitis and various other ailments. The aim of the present study was to assess the chemical composition of the rhizome essential oil of Zingiber zerumbet grown in the foothills of northern India using GC-FID, GC–MS, IR and NMR, and to evaluate the antibacterial and antiproliferative potential of the rhizome essential oil and its major constituent. Altogether, thirty-four constituents were identified representing 98.0% of the essential oil composition. Zerumbone (72.86%), α-humulene (7.09%), camphene (5.04%), humulene oxide I (2.45%), humulene oxide II (1.8%), and camphor (1.41%) were the major constituents. The potential of the rhizome essential oil of Z. zerumbet and zerumbone was tested against nine pathogenic bacterial strains. The results showed that both essential oil and zerumbone, possessed significant antagonist activity against Staphylococcus aureus -96 (MIC: 52.0–166.6 μg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (MIC: 62.5–208.0 μg/mL), and Escherichia coli (MIC: 104.1–208.0 μg/mL). Zerumbone was found more active compared to the essential oil. Moreover, the antiproliferative potential of Z. zerumbet oil and zerumbone was evaluated against various human cancer and normal cell lines (A549, MDAMB-231, A431, K562, WRL-68, COLO-205, HaCaT, and HEK-293). Results showed that, both essential oil and zerumbone possessed antiproliferative activity against tested cell lines, where zerumbone was more competent then essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly synthesised zerumbone pendant derivative (ZPD) was studied in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) for its anticancer properties. ZPD significantly inhibited the growth of human cervical cancer cells with a GI 50 value of 6.35 ± 1.30 μM, which also induced morphological changes and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Our data indicated that ZPD actively encouraged programmed cell death in HeLa cells which were confirmed by DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine translocation, increased activity of caspase 3, upregulation of the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase 3 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. ZPD also inhibited cell migration of HeLa cells, decreasing the production of MMP-2,-9 and downregulation of expression of MMPs and pro-angiogenic factor VEGF. Also it is nontoxic to normal rat cardiac myoblasts. Overall, ZPD is a promising candidate for inducing cytotoxicity, apoptosis and anti-migratory effects in cervical cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. (Family: Zingiberaceae) traditionally known as bitter ginger or shampoo ginger in India is cultivated mostly in tropical and subtropical regions all across the world. All the plant parts of Z. zerumbet have wide applications for traditional as well as medicinal purposes. The present communication phytochemically analyzes different plant parts of Zingiber zerumbet viz. leaves (ZZLEO), cone (ZZCEO), root (ZZREO), and rhizomes (ZZZEO) cultivated in the foothills of Uttarakhand providing all the agroclimatic conditions. GC-MS analysis confirms (E)-nerolidol as the major compound in ZZLEO and ZZCEO with 49.44% and 52.67% contribution respectively while zerumbone was found to be the major compound of ZZREO and ZZZEO constituting 72.23% and 70.25% of the total oil respectively. Four of the collected oils were dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes viz. 81.61% in ZZREO, 78.16% in ZZZEO, 65.42% in ZZCEO and 51.50% in ZZLEO. Principal component analysis (PCA) presented a total variance of 98.0% showing a positive correlation with zerumbone (63.9% variation along PC1) and with (E)-nerolidol (34.1% variation along PC2). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed two clusters grouped by a set of compounds from that of roots and rhizomes while another cluster characterized by the compounds obtained from leaves and cones due to their high chemical diversity in a number of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, there are significant differences in the chemical compositions of the different plant parts of Z. zerumbet. • The study analyzes the chemical composition of different plant parts of Zingiber zerumbet. • Leaf and cone oils were rich in (E)-nerolidol (49.44%–52.67%). • Zerumbone (70.25–72.23%) was identified as the major rhizome and root oil compound. • PCA showed the relation between EOs constituents and different plant parts used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. is an important perennial medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. In this communication, the physicochemical differences in essential oil yield and chemical composition are investigated in relation to different comminution methods of Z. zerumbet rhizomes. The essential oils were extracted from the rhizomes using different comminution methods, namely grating (GR), chopping (CR), slicing (SR), using a mixture grinder (MR), and using a pestle mortar (PR). The essential oil of fresh rhizomes (FR) was also extracted to look for chemical variations depending on the respective comminution methods. Over thirty-three compounds were identified in the collections using GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. Zerumbone (69.66 ± 2.17 %- 73.9 ± 3.76%) was identified as the major compound in the collections followed by α-humulene (5.40 ± 1.38–14.99 ± 0.74%), humulene oxide-I (3.10 ± 0.23–3.81 ± 0.46%), humulene oxide-II (2.05 ± 0.06–2.47 ± 0.63%) and camphene (3.33 ± 0.68–3.56 ± 0.33%). • The physicochemical variation in the EOs due to different comminution methods was studied. • Over thirty-three compounds were identified in the collections using GC-FID/GC-MS. • Zerumbone (69.66 ± 2.17 %- 73.9 ± 3.76%) was identified as the major compound. • α-humulene (5.40–7.80% for 3 samples vs 13.41–14.99% for 2 samples) varied substantially. • PCA showed relation between EOs constituents and different comminution methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that is difficult to be treated. Current therapies available are either ineffective or non-specific thus requiring newer treatment approaches. In this study, we investigated the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of zerumbone, a bioactive sesquiterpene from Zingiber zerumbet in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain animal model. Our findings showed that single and repeated dose of intra-peritoneal administration of zerumbone (5, 10, 50, 100 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the CCI-induced neuropathic pain when evaluated using the electronic von Frey anesthesiometer, cold plate, Randall–Selitto analgesiometer and the Hargreaves plantar test. Zerumbone significantly alleviated tactile and cold allodynia as well as mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Our findings are in comparison to the positive control drugs thatused gabapentin (20 mg/kg i.p.) and morphine (1 mg/kg i.p.). Together, these results showed that the systemic administration of zerumbone produced marked antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in the CCI-induced neuropathic pain in mice and may serve as a potential lead compound for further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A new strategy for the synthesis of novel zerumbone derivatives. [•] First palladium catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reaction on zerumbone. [•] Most of the newly synthesized derivatives are α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soft rot disease caused by the oomycete Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. is the most economically significant disease of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in tropical countries. All available ginger cultivars are susceptible to this pathogen. However a wild ginger relative viz., Zingiber zerumbet L. Smith, was identified as a potential soft rot resistance donor. In the present study, a putative resistance (R) gene designated, ZzR1 was isolated and characterized from Z. zerumbet using sequence information from Zingiber RGCs identified in our earlier experiments. Analysis of the 2280bp segment revealed a 2157bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative cytoplasmically localized protein. The deduced ZzR1 protein shared high homology with other known R-genes belonging to the CC-NBS-LRR (coiled coil-nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat) class and had a calculated molecular weight of 84.61kDa. Real-time PCR analysis of ZzR1 transcription in Z. zerumbet following pathogen infection demonstrated activation at 3hpi thus suggesting an involvement of ZzR1 in Z. zerumbet defense mechanism. Although many R-genes have been characterized from different taxa, none of them will help in the development of resistant ginger cultivars owing to the phenomenon of “Restricted Taxonomic Functionality” (RTF). Thus ZzR1 gene characterized from the resistant wild Zingiber accession represents a valuable genomic resource for ginger improvement programs. This first report on R-gene isolation from the Zingiber secondary gene pool is pivotal in designing strategies for engineering resistance in ginger, which is otherwise not amenable to conventional improvement programs owing to sexual reproduction barriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fundamental problem confronting ginger production is uniform susceptibility of all cultivars to soft rot disease caused by Pythium spp. Resistance gene candidate sequences (RGCs) belonging to non-TIR (Toll-Interleukin receptor) NBS-LRR (Nucleotide Binding Site-Leucine Rich Repeat) class of resistance (R) genes was previously identified from cultivated and wild Zingiber taxa including Zingiber zerumbet, a putative resistance donor. Efficiency and sensitivity of SSCP (Single-strand conformation polymorphism) analysis over RFLP (Restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis in discriminating Pythium susceptible and resistant Zingiber accessions is being described here. Zingiber RGCs detected 29.5% polymorphism in Z. zerumbet, 12.34% in Zingiber cernuum and no polymorphism in the analyzed ginger cultivars. Results are discussed in terms of their mode of propagation and R gene evolution in the wild and cultivated accessions. Four RGCs designated ZzP226, ZcP28, ZoP26 and ZcP623 that yielded Z. zerumbet specific bands constitute important genomic tools for isolation of full-length R-genes from resistant germplasm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the antihyperlipidaemic effects of the ethanol extract of Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith (EEZZ). After being fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2weeks, rats were dosed orally with EEZZ (100, 200 or 300mg/kg) or fenofibrate (100mg/kg) once daily for 8weeks. EEZZ (300mg/kg/day) produced effects similar to fenofibrate in reducing body weight gain, visceral fat-pad weights and plasma lipid levels. EEZZ caused reductions in hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol content, and lowered hepatic lipid droplet accumulation and the size of epididymal adipocytes. HFD-induced reductions in the hepatic proteins of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and cytochrome P450 isoform 4A1 (CYP4A1) were reversed by EEZZ. These results suggest that EEZZ reduced the accumulation of visceral fat and improved hyperlipidaemia in HFD-fed rats by increasing fatty acid oxidation, an effect which is likely to be mediated via up-regulation of hepatic PPARα. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the variables affecting the Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC–CO2) extraction of non-polar compounds from Zingiber zerumbet using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Dependent variables were the percentage of the chemical components in the ginger vis a vis α-caryophyllene (y 1), camphene (y 2), and zerumbone (2,6,10-cycloundecatrien-1-one, 2,6,9,9-tetramethyl-) (y 3). Pressure was the most significant parameter affecting the amount of each compound extracted. When temperature was kept constant and pressure was increased, all of the dependent variables increased concomitantly. Since pressure and temperature are two of the major influential factors in the extraction using SC–CO2, any combination of these two parameters could be selected to ascertain the optimum combination for a particular compound in the extract. Extraction at 30°C and 55MPa with total amount of 30g of CO2 used was found to maximize all the responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Zingiber zerumbet are two of the most commonly used ingredients in Indo-Malaysian traditional medicines, health supplements and tonics. Recently, a number of products derived from the aqueous extracts of these species have appeared in the market in the form of spray-dried powder packed in sachet or bottle. On-line high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectroscopy (HPLC–DAD–ESI–MSn), was used to analyze the components in the antioxidant-active fractions from the rhizomes of these species. Three components were identified from C. xanthorrhiza, including bisdemethoxycurcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2) and curcumin (3). The active fraction from Z. zerumbet consisted of five components, including kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside (4), compound 5 [kaempferol 3-O-(2″-O-acetyl)rhamnoside (5a) or kaempferol 3-O-(3″-O-acetyl)rhamnoside (5b)], kaempferol 3-O-(4″-O-acetyl)rhamnoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-(3″,4″-O-diacetyl)rhamnoside (7) and kaempferol 3-O-(2″,4″-O-diacetyl)rhamnoside (8). To confirm their identities, the components from Z. zerumbet were isolated conventionally and were analyzed by spectroscopic techniques as well as by comparison with literature data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]