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Essential oil (EO) of Alpinia zerumbet leaves, at non-toxic concentrations (50-300 μg/mL), did not induce genotoxicity in human leukocytes. However, at the highest concentration (500 μg/mL) tested caused a reduction in cell proliferation and viability, and an increase in DNA damage. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that EO (400 mg/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 H(2)O(2) toxicity was observed only when cells were treated with EO during and after exposure to H(2)O(2). 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 500 μg/mL EO. In conclusion, EO at concentrations up to 300 μg/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 H(2)O(2).

A influência de diferentes adubos e disponibilidade de água no solo foi avaliada em relação ao teor e à composição química de óleos essenciais em folhas de alpínia. O experimento foi realizado em blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas corresponderam a dois limites de disponibilidade de água no solo [LDA1 - redução de 75% da capacidade total de retenção de água (CTA) - e LDA2 - redução de 50% da CTA], e as subparcelas, aos adubos: esterco bovino, cama-de-galinha, torta-de-filtro, químico e o controle não-adubado. A disponibilidade de água no solo, assim como a adubação, não influenciou no teor e na composição química de óleos essenciais aos 12 meses após o plantio. Os principais constituintes químicos (teores) dos óleos essenciais em folhas de alpínia foram: α-thujeno (6,11%), α-pineno (2,69%), sabineno (16,69%), β-pineno (4,64%), β-mirceno (1,76%), 1,8-cineol (19,41%) e 1-terpinen-4-ol (14,32%). This study evaluated the influence of different fertilizers and soil water availability on the content and chemical composition of essential oil from alpinia leaves. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design in a splitplot scheme, with three replicates. The plots corresponded to two limits of water availability at soil [LWD1 - reduction of 75% of the total water retention capacity (TWC) and LWD2 - reduction of 50% of TWC] and the subplots to the fertilizers: cattle manure, poultry bed, filter cake, chemical and the non-fertilized control. Water availability at soil, as well as, the fertilization did not affect either essential oils content or chemical composition at twelve months after planting. The major chemical constituents (contents) on leaves shell ginger essential oils were: α-thujene (6,11%), α-pinene (2,69%), sabinene (16,69%), β-pinene (4,64%), β-myrcene (1,76%), 1,8-cineole (19,41%) and 1-terpinen-4-ol (14,32%).

AIDS and influenza are viral pandemics and remain one of the leading causes of human deaths worldwide. The increasing resistance of these diseases to synthetic drugs demands the search for novel compounds from plant-based sources. In this regard, the leaves and rhizomes of Alpinia zerumbet, a traditionally important economic plant in Okinawa, were investigated for activity against HIV-1 integrase (IN) and neuraminidase (NA). The aqueous extracts of leaves and rhizomes had IN inhibitory activity with IC(50) values of 30 and 188 μg/mL, whereas against NA they showed 50% inhibition at concentrations of 43 and 57 μg/mL, respectively. 5,6-Dehydrokawain (DK), dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK), and 8(17),12-labdadiene-15,16-dial (labdadiene) were isolated from the rhizomes and were tested for enzyme inhibitions. DK and DDK strongly inhibited IN with IC(50) of 4.4 and 3.6 μg/mL, respectively. Against NA, DK, DDK, and labdadiene exhibited mixed type of inhibition with respective IC(50) values of 25.5, 24.6, and 36.6 μM and K(i) values ranging from 0.3 to 2.8 μM. It was found that DDK is a slow and time-dependent reversible inhibitor of NA, probably with a methoxy group as its functionally active site. These results suggest that alpinia could be used as a source of bioactive compounds against IN and NA and that DK and DDK may have possibilities in the design of drugs against these viral diseases.

Volatiles produced by plantlets of Alpinia zerumbet were obtained by means of simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE). The effects of indole-3-acetic acid, kinetin, thidiazuron and 6-benzylaminopurine on leaf and root volatile composition obtained by tissue cultures were investigated. A higher content of b-pinene and a lower content of sabinene were observed in leaf volatile of plantlets cultured in control, IAA and IAA+ TDZ media, as compared with those of donor plants. In vitro conditions were favorable to increase caryophyllene content. Volatile compounds from the root were characterized mainly by camphene, fenchyl-acetate and bornyl acetate; which constitute about 60% of total volatile.

El interés, cada vez creciente, por los recursos vegetales con potencial para los Bionegocios, motivo el estudio de algunas especies, que contengan aceites esenciales, para ello, se recopiló y sistematizo información bibliográfica, sobre especies amazónicas aromáticas, seleccionándose trece especies, incluida Citrus medica, introducida del Sureste de Asia. Las zonas de colecta y estudio fueron, El Centro de Investigaciones Allpahuayo – CIA, Comunidades de Santo Tomas y Puerto Almendras y Distrito de Tamshiyacu, Loreto, Perú. La obtención de los aceites esenciales se realizó por destilación con arrastre de vapor de agua. De las trece especies seleccionadas solo se logró obtener el aceite esencial de cinco de ellas. Se determinó el rendimiento del aceite esencial mediante la fórmula correspondiente y se midió el pH con los siguientes resultados: Citrus medica “Cidra” 16 ml. con un rendimiento de 0.24% y pH = 5. Piper aduncum “Cordoncillo” 3 ml. con un rendimiento de 0.02% y pH = 5. Piper callosum “Guayusa” 11 ml. con un rendimiento de 0.18% y pH = 5. Tetragastris panamensis “Copal Blanco” 1 ml. con un rendimiento de 0.004% y pH = 8. Alpinia zerumbet “Canelilla” 3 ml. con un rendimiento de 0.02% y pH = 5.

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 (IC50=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.

Further studies on the constituents of the seeds of Alpinia zerumbet afforded two new labdane-type diterpenes, zerumin A and zerumin B, together with two known compounds, ( E )-15,16-bisnorlabda-8(17),11-diene-13-one and coronarin E. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques.

An agglutinin with a molecular mass of 130 kDa has been isolated from the seeds of Alpinia zerumbet cv.'Variegata'. The isolation procedure involved anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. The agglutinin exhibited hemagglutinating activity toward rabbit erythrocytes which could not be inhibited by simple sugars. It was composed of four identical 32-kDa subunits with substantial N-terminal sequence similarity to chitinase and yieldin. The hemagglutinating activity of A. zerumbet agglutinin was stable up to 80(o)C and not affected by presence of a variety of salts. The agglutinin stimulated [methyl-(3)H]-thymidine uptake by mouse splenocytes. It did not exhibit antifungal activity.

Espécie muito encontrada no nordeste do Brasil, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B. L. Burtt & R. M. Sm. é conhecida popularmente como colônia. Na medicina popular é utilizada como antihipertensiva, diurética e febrífuga. Alguns estudos com óleos essenciais mostram sua atividade antimicrobiana, hipotensiva e um leve efeito diurético. Visando contribuir para o maior conhecimento da espécie realizou-se uma revisão de publicações envolvendo estudos nas áreas farmacológica e química para o período de 1987 a 2008. Normally found in the northeast of Brazil, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B. L. Burtt. & R. M. Sm. is commonly known as "colônia". In folk medicine, it has been used as antihypertensive, diuretic and febrifuge. Some studies with essential oils have shown its antimicrobial and hypotensive activities, besides a slight diuretic effect. Aimed at improving the knowledge of such species, a survey of publications involving studies in pharmacological and chemical areas was conducted from 1987 to 2008.

The current study aims to verify the best method for a rapid and efficient extraction of flavonoids from Alpinia zerumbet. Dried leaves were extracted using distillated water and ethanol 70% by extraction methods of shaking maceration, ultrasonic, microwave and stirring. By the application of TLC and reversed-phase HPLC techniques the rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide were detected. Ethanol 70% was more efficient for flavonoids extraction than water. No significant yielding variation was verified for ultrasonic, microwave and stirring methods using ethanol 70% (11 to 14%). Relative concentration of rutin and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, respectively, was higher by ultrasonic (1.5 and 5.62 mg g-1 dried leaves) and by microwave (1.0 and 6.64 mg g-1 dried leaves) methods using 70% ethanol. Rapid and simplified extraction proceeding optimize phytochemical work and acquisition of secondary metabolites.O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a melhor metodologia de extração para rápida e eficiente obtenção de flavonóides a partir de Alpinia zerumbet. Folhas secas foram extraídas com água destilada e etanol 70%, utilizando as metodologias de extração: maceração sob agitação, ultrassom, microondas e agitador. Para verificação dos flavonóides rutina e kaempferol-3-O-glicuronídeo foram utilizadas as técnicas de CCD e CLAE em fase reversa. O solvente etanol 70% foi mais eficiente como extrator. Para as metodologias ultrassom, microondas e agitador, não houve variação significativa para o rendimento utilizando etanol 70% (11 a 14%). A concentração relativa de rutina e kaempferol-3-O-glicuronídeo, respectivamente, foi maior pelos métodos de extração por ultrassom (1,5 e 5,62 mg g-1 folha seca) e microondas (1,0 e 6,64 mg g-1 folha seca), utilizando etanol 70%. Procedimentos rápidos e simplificados de extração otimizam o trabalho fitoquímico e a obtenção de metabólitos secundários.

The effects of the essential oil of Alpinia speciosa Schum (EOAS) on rat ileum were studied. EOAS (0.1-600 microg/mL) reversibly relaxed ileal basal tonus. Submaximal contractions induced by 60 mM KCl or acetylcholine were concentration dependently inhibited by EOAS with similar IC(50) values ( approximately 44 and 48 microg/mL, respectively). These results show that EOAS possesses both relaxant and antispasmodic actions in the ileum.

Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Gurukula Kangri University, Hardwar-249 404, Uttarakhand E-mail : akindrayan@yahoo.co.in Manuscript received 24 December 2008. revised 10 June 2009, accepted 3 July 2009 Contrary to usual observations, the rhizome oil of Alpinia speciosa K. Schum. is found to contain not only one but as much as five odd number carbon atoms containing natural fatty acids, apart from eight even carbon fatty acids. Among the fatty acids containing odd number of carbon atoms, the useful pentadecanoic acid (C-15) is main (21.9%) and others are C-23 (5.7%), C-13 (1.9%), C-11 (3.1%) and C-9 (0.1%). Among the fatty acids containing even number of carbon atoms, the highly unsaturated linolenic acid (C-18:3) is main (27.4%) and the next is the very useful arachidic acid (C-20), 22.4%. The total saturated fatty acids constitute 65.7% and unsaturated 34.3%.

Objectives Alpinia zerumbet, known in Brazil as colônia, is popularly used as a diuretic, antihypertensive, anti-ulcerogenic and sedative. Based on this, we have investigated the central effects of the essential oil isolated from A. zerumbet leaves. Methods Mice were treated once with 50 or 100 mg/kg of the essential oil, intraperitoneally, 30 min before being submitted to behavioural models of: locomotor activity (open-field), catalepsy, anxiety (elevated plus maze), depression (forced swimming test and tail suspension tests) as well as apomorphine-induced stereotypy. Key findings Results showed a dose-related decrease on locomotor activity and apomorphine-induced stereotypy. There was a decrease to the order of 55% of the grooming behaviour with both doses studied. The essential oil 100 mg/kg increased cataleptic activity (167%) and the immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Pretreatment with haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) alone also decreased locomotion, increased cataleptic activity and immobility time in the tail suspension test. No alterations in the elevated plus maze test were registered. Conclusions The essential oil of A. zerumbet leaves had depressant and possible antipsychotic activity, since it could reverse the stereotypy induced by apomorphine, presenting effects comparable with those obtained with haloperidol treatment.

In phytotherapy, the essential oil from the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet ( Alpinia speciosa K. Schum.) (EOAZ) is used for neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, stress and anxiety, and chronic problems that are associated with reproductive hormone imbalances in women. The chemical composition of EOAZ was analyzed by GC/MS, and the EOAZ properties inducing behavioral alterations in mice were examined by behavioral observations (BO) and an elevated plus-maze task (EPM), widely used as a method for assessing anxiolytic-like behaviors. Five major compounds, p-cymene (28.0 ± 5.0%), 1,8-cineole (17.9 ± 4.2%), terpinen-4-ol (11.9 ± 6.3%), limonene (6.3 ± 2.2%), and camphor (5.2 ± 2.1%) were identified by retention indices, mass spectra and comparison with standards. Inhalational administration of EOAZ (8.7 ppm) induced unique jumping behaviors in mice. To further investigate the behavioral regulatory mechanisms of EOAZ, we administered an intraperitoneal injection of either 10 mg/kg 5-HTP or 10 mg/kg fluoxetine prior to the EOAZ inhalations. By 5-HTP or fluoxetine pretreatments, the jumping frequencies were significantly decreased. In EPM, EOAZ (0.087 and 8.7 ppm) obviously showed the anxiolytic-like activity in mice.

Alpinia speciosa Schum or A. nutans is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, known popularly as "colony" (colônia) and used as a diuretic and to control hypertension. We have determined the concentration of Na+ and K+ found in the alcoholic extract and in the tea concoction. They contained 51.0 mEq Na+, and 132 mEq K+ in the extract, and 0.0 mEq of Na+ and 26 mEq K+ in the tea. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves demonstrated the presence of catecquic tanins, phenols and alkaloids, and also some essential oils. When injected intra-peritoneally the hydroalcoholic extract, in a dose range of 100 to 1400 mg/kg, (or 2500-18000 mg/kg orally) produced in mice: writhing, psychomotor excitation, hypokinesis and pruritus. The LD50 by ip was 0.760 +/- 0.126 g/kg and 10.0 +/- 2.5 g/kg by oral administration for the hydroalcoholic extract. Subacute toxicity made by injecting daily for 30 days the LD10 in rats caused an increase in transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas other parameters such as blood glucose, urea and creatinine were normal. A histopathological analysis of liver, spleen, gut, lung and heart showed no alterations. The drug also produced a prolongation of the sleeping time. The hydroalcoholic extract induced in the rat and in the dog a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure in doses of 10 to 30 mg/kg. In isolated atria the extract induced a reduction of the frequency and in the inotropic responses. Neither the extract nor the tea had an effect on the diuresis of the rat.

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The composition of steam-distilled essential oils from the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B. L. Burtt. et R. M. Sm. cultivated in Okinawa Island was investigated by GC-MS analysis. The seasonal variation of the main volatile constituents was also investigated. Analysis of the essential oil identified 17 compounds. It showed the predominant presence of monoterpenic constituents, representing 95% of the essential oil. p-Cymene was the most abundant compound, followed by 1,8-cineole, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and limonene. The amount of sesqiterpenic content of the essential oil was small, mostly represented by beta-caryophyllene and alpha-caryophyllene. One of the phenylpropanoid derivatives, methyl cinnamate, was also detected. The essential oils from the leaves collected at ten different collection periods for over 5 years showed significant differences in their compositions. p-Cymene, terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole were the most predominant constituents over the periods with a few exceptions. The content rates of p-cymene were abundant in summer, still high in late autumn and early winter, and decreased in mid-winter and early spring. In contrast, the contents of terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole were high in winter, but decreased around summer. On enantiomeric distribution, terpinen-4-ol and alpha-pinene were suggested to relate to seasonal transformation. (+)-Terpinen-4-ol had a tendency to decrease in high temperatures and huge precipitations. It was also suggested that (−)-alpha-pinene was more sensitive to climate change than (+)-alpha-pinene.

MANGALY, J. K. & NAYAR, J. 1990. Palynology of South Indian Zingiberaceae. Light microscope studies on pollen morphology of 21 Old World, tropical taxa of Zingiberaceae reveal that an exine is absent only in Kaempferia. A discontinuous exine layer consisting of circular plates joined together at margins occurs in Alpinia galanga and Amomum hypoleucum while all other taxa possess an uninterrupted exine layer which is commonly 0.7 μm to less than 2.0 μrn thick (3.2 μm in Zingiber zerumbet, 2.5 μm in Amomum hypoleucum). Exine is spinose in Alpinia (smooth in Alpinia sanderae), Amomum and Boesenbergia, verrucose in Eleltaria, tuberculate to areolate or striate in Zingiber, papillose in Globba and smooth or nearly so in Curcuma, Costus and Hedychiurn. Pollen grains are spheroidal, 50–90 μm in size (35 μm in Globba ophioglossa), and inaparturate (foraminate in Costus), except in Curcuma and Zingiber where they are ovoid to ellipsoidal, 70–135 times 60–80 μm in size and sulcate. A lamellated intine, much thicker than the exine, occurs in all, and it is thinner at the apertural region in Curcuma, Costus and Zingiber; in Elettaria and Hedychiurn it is thinner in one or few large scattered circular areas, and in Boesenbergia and Alpinia zerumbet on one side of the grains. Palynologirally Alpinia, Amomum, Boesenbergia, Kaempferia and Zingiber constitute one group while Elettaria, Hedychiurn and Costus constitute another.

From the aqueous extract of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers) B. L. Burttet Smith. (= Alpinia speciosa K. Schum.) flavonoids and kava pyrones were obtained. The flavonoids identified as rutin (1), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide (3), (+)-catechin (4) and (−)-epicatechin (5) are well known substances that can contribute to the hypotensive, diuretic and antiulcerogenic activity of the aqueous extract of the plant, while the kava pyrones dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (6) and 5,6-dehydrokawain (7) have been described as antiulcerogenic and antithrombotic. The compounds were identified from their UV, 1H- and/or 13C-NMR, hydrolytic and co-TLC data. The well known activity of these compounds, which have not been previously isolated from the leaves of Alpinia zerumbet, may explain the use of the plant in the treatment of hypertension. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Alpinia zerumbet (K. Schum), a medicinal plant originated from West Asia, is used in the northeast and southeast of Brazil as infusions or decoctions as a diuretic, antihypertensive, and antiulcerogenic. Experiments were undertaken to determine whether a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (AZE) induces vasodilation in the mesenteric vascular bed (MVB), and an antihypertensive effect was also assessed in rats with DOCA-salt hypertension. In MVB precontracted with norepinephrine, AZE induces a long-lasting endothelium-dependent vasodilation that is not reduced by indomethacin. Inhibition of NO synthase by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and guanylyl cyclase by 1H-[1,2,3]oxadiazolo [4,4-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) reduces the vasodilator effect of AZE. In vessels precontracted with norepinephrine, the vasodilator effect of AZE was not changed by 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, or by charybdotoxin plus apamin. Concentrations of atropine, pyrilamine, and yohimbine that significantly reduced the vasodilator effect of acetylcholine, histamine, and clonidine, respectively, did not change the vasodilator effect of AZE. HOE 140, which significantly reduced the vasodilator effect of bradykinin, induced a slight but significant reduction on the vasodilator effect of AZE. Chronic oral administration of AZE induced a significant reduction in systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressure in rats with DOCA-salt hypertension. Probably the vasodilator effect of AZE is dependent on the activation of the NO-cGMP pathway and independent of activation of ATP-dependent, voltage-dependent, and calcium-dependent K+ channels. Bradykinin receptors may also participate in the vasodilator effect of AZE. Finally, the vasodilator and antihypertensive effects of AZE demonstrated in the present study provide experimental support for the indication of Alpinia zerumbet as an antihypertensive medicinal plant.

Further studies on the constituents of the seeds of Alpinia zerumbet afforded two new labdane-type diterpenes, zerumin A and zerumin B, together with two known compounds, ( E )-15,16-bisnorlabda-8(17),11-diene-13-one and coronarin E. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques.

Alpinia zerumbet, known popularly as "colonia" in Northeastern Brazil, is a medicinal plant that has been used widely in folk medicine as teas and infusions for the treatment of intestinal and cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the essential oil of A. zerumbet (OEAZ) is very active on excitable tissues, such as smooth muscle, and in this study we verified its effects on the compound action potential (CAP) of rat sciatic nerve. EOAZ induced a dose-dependent blockade of the CAP. Control peak-to-peak amplitude and conduction velocity of CAPs were 7.6 +/- 0.43 mV and 80.6 +/- 3.19 m/s, respectively. At 60 microg/ml, EOAZ induced no demonstrable effect. Conduction velocity was significantly reduced at 180 min of preparation exposure to 100 microg/ml of EOAZ. At 300, 600 and 2000 microg/ml doses of EOAZ, the peak-to-peak amplitudes of CAPs following 180 min exposure of the nerve to the drug were reduced significantly, to 75.3 +/- 7.36%, 50.45 +/- 2.17% and 0% respectively, of control value. Conduction velocity was reduced significantly by 300, 600 and 2000 microg/ml of EOAZ, at 180 min, to 83.61 +/- 3.28%, 64.06 +/- 8.21% and 22.7 +/- 5.79%, respectively, of control value. All these effects developed slowly and were reversible upon a 180-min wash.

Cardiovascular effects of intravenous ( i. v.) treatment with the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAZ) were investigated in rats. Additionally this study examined (I) whether the autonomic nervous system is involved in the mediation of EOAZ-induced changes in mean aortic pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), and (II) whether these changes could be, at least in part, attributed to the actions of terpinen-4-ol (Trp-4-ol), the major constituent of EOAZ. In both pentobarbitone-anaesthetised and conscious rats, i. v. bolus injections of EOAZ (1 to 20 mg/kg) elicited immediate and dose-dependent decreases in MAP. In anaesthetised rats, EOAZ decreased HR only at higher doses (10 and 20 mg/kg), while changes of this parameter were not uniform in conscious rats. Hypotensive responses to EOAZ were of the same order of magnitude or duration, irrespective of whether the animal was under general anaesthesia. Pretreatment of anaesthetised rats with bilateral vagotomy did not modify significantly the hypotensive and bradycardic responses to EOAZ. In conscious rats, i. v. injections of bolus doses (1 to 10 mg/kg) of Trp-4-ol also elicited immediate and dose-dependent decreases in MAP. However, these hypotensive effects were significantly greater than those evoked by the same doses of EOAZ (1 to 10 mg/kg). Intravenous pretreatment of conscious rats with either methylatropine (1 mg/kg) or hexamethonium (30 mg/kg) had no significant effects on the EOAZ-induced hypotension. These data show that i. v. treatment with the EOAZ in either anaesthetised or conscious rats induced an immediate and significant hypotension, an effect that could be partially attributed to the actions of Trp-4-ol. The hypotension appears independent of the presence of an operational sympathetic nervous system, suggesting that the EOAZ may be a direct vasorelaxant agent.

Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’ is an aromatic medicinal plant, its foliage producing an intense, unique fragrant odor. This study identified 46 volatile compounds in the leaf tissue of this plant using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The major compounds included 1, 8-cineole (43.5%), p-cymene (14.7%), humulene (5.5%), camphor (5.3%), linalool (4.7%), ( E)-methyl cinnamate (3.8%), γ-cadinene (3.3%), humulene oxide II (2.1%) and α-terpineol (1.5%). The majority of the volatiles were terpenoids of which oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant, accounting for 57.2% of the total volatiles. Alcohols made up the largest (52.8%) and aldehydes the smallest (0.2%) portions of the volatiles. Many bioactive compounds were present in the volatiles.

Alpinia zerumbet plantlets were cultured in vitro in MS medium supplemented with growth regulators, including IAA, TDZ and BAP. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the production of rutin, kaempferol-3- O-glucuronide, and kaempferol-3 -O-rutinoside was evaluated, based on leaf hydroalcoholic extracts of three-month-old plantlets. The relative concentration of phenolics from the hydroalcoholic extracts of plantlets cultured in control medium reached 100% compared with plantlets treated with growth regulators and donor plants (80%). The in vitro rutin production was more pronounced than the other flavonoids. While no direct relation between the content of phenolic compounds and increased flavonoid production was observed, the combination of IAA + TDZ enhanced the production of rutin (83.2 μg/g dried leaves) and kaempferol-3- O-glucuronide (29 μg/g dried leaves), compared with growth regulators used alone. Overall, these findings suggest the value of in vitro cultivation as a means of enriching phenolic and flavonoid production in medicinal plants.

Leaf oil prepared by hydrodistillation of Alpinia zerumbet Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm. was analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS to determine the major compounds and it was also evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The oil presented a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (52.5%), terpinen-4-ol, 1,8 cineole and γ-terpinene as the major constituents. The antimicrobial activity of leaf oil was tested by drop diffusion and bioauthography methods. Through drop test, all bacteria and fungi tested were inhibited by leaf oil. Preparative TLC (thin-layer chromatography) plates were developed using the mobile phase hexane: ethyl acetate (70:20, v/v) and fractions of the leaf oil were separated in three zones, scraped, extracted from silica and identified by GC/MS. The bioauthography method permitted to verify pronounced inhibition of Cryptococcus neoformans by fractions F2 and F3, both rich in oxygenated monoterpenes. The fraction F2 comprised 1,8 cineole (9.6%), linalool (3.7%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.4%), while fraction F3 showed mainly terpinen-4-ol (43.6%) and an amount of 32.7% oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The obtained data may be used to suggest the constituents of A. zerumbet leaf oil involved in antimicrobial activity. O óleo essencial de folhas de Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm., extraído por hidrodestilação, foi analisado por CG/DIC e CG/EM a fim de se determinar sua composição e atividade antimicrobiana. O óleo apresentou um elevado teor de monoterpenos oxigenados (52,5%): terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineol e γ-terpineno como principais constituintes. A atividade antimicrobiana do óleo foi analisada pelos testes de difusão em agar e ensaios de bioautografia. Através do teste de difusão em agar, todas as bactérias e fungos testados foram inibidos pelo óleo essencial. Placas preparativas de CCD (cromatografia em camada fina) foram eluídas em hexano: acetato de etila (70:20, v/v), e o óleo foi separado em três frações que foram raspadas, extraídas da sílica e identificadas por CG/EM. A análise bioautográfica permitiu detectar pronunciada inibição de Cryptococcus neoformans pelas frações F2 e F3, ambas ricas em monoterpenos oxigenados. A fração F2 apresentou 1,8 cineol (9,6%), linalol (3,7%) e óxido de cariofileno (5,4%), enquanto a fração F3 mostrou principalmente terpinen-4-ol (43,6%) e cerca de 32,7% de sesquiterpenos oxigenados. Os dados obtidos indicam os componentes do óleo de A. zerumbet envolvidos na atividade antimicrobiana.

The essential oil of A. zerumbet, obtained from the leaves through steam distillation, has a distinct aroma and shows antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated the yields, antioxidant activity, and volatile compound composition of essential oils extracted from the leaves of A. zerumbet to better understand how these characteristics may vary among individual plants, and how they may differ with location of growth and season in which leaves are harvested. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that chemical composition in each individual plant was not affected by harvest season or growth area. Furthermore, GC/MS and antioxidant activity assays revealed that although the antioxidant activity and yield of these essential oils differed significantly between individual plants and collecting seasons, there was a strong inverse correlation between the yields of essential oils and their antioxidant activity. The yield, the major volatile compound compositions, the enantiomeric ratio of the few monoterpenes, and the antioxidant activities of A. zerumbet essential oil varied significantly among individual plants, and probably reflected the genetic variability within the species. This suggests the plausibility of selecting lineages of A. zerumbet to optimize future production of valuable essential oils.

The use of essential oils is common throughout the world, and clarification of their detailed effects and pharmaceutical potencies is necessary. Additionally, detailed information regarding the pharmacokinetics of essential oils is needed. In this report, GC-MS analysis was used to observe the tissue distribution of the multiple components of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. et Sm. Anxiety-related behavior was evaluated by the light and dark box test (LD), open field test (OF), and elevated plus maze test (EPM). GC-MS quantification of the major components of A. zerumbet essential oil (AZEO) (α-pinene, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene) was almost identical using either the injection or headspace injection method. All the behavioral assessments indicated that inhalation of AZEO had a positive anxiolytic effect. This was especially evident in the EPM (time spent in the open arms), where anxiolytic effects were clearly observed (P < 0.05). α-Pinene accumulated in the brain at almost the same rate as in the liver. However, the oil components chiefly accumulated in the kidney. Therefore, the essential oil component in the largest proportion will not necessarily be distributed to organs throughout the body in the same quantities and/or ratios. It is necessary to consider tissue distribution for investigating the effects of essential oil inhalation.

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.

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.