Search

Three plants of interest and their active ingredients were examined throughout this thesis: γ-irone of Iris germanica L., the curcuminoids of Curcuma longa L., and cinnamaldehyde of Cinnamomum cassia. They also dictate the structure of the presented study. Chapter 3 deals with the extraction and concentration of the odiferous γ-irone from Iris Barbata-Elatior, a cultivar of Iris germanica L. The dried and ground rhizomes were extracted in four different approaches with solvents based on myristic acid. The best result with a γ-irone yield of ~ 66% was achieved through the extraction of rhizomes soaked in water with pure myristic acid. This model extraction was scaled up in order to obtain enough extract to successively perform molecular distillation for concentration purposes. The optimum distillation method was developed beforehand by taking the Clausius-Clapeyron relation as a theoretical basis and validating it with experiments using structural analogues of γ-irone. Eventually, the γ-irone content could be concentrated 18-fold after two molecular distillation cycles. The curcuminoids of Curcuma longa L. were the molecules of interest throughout Chapters 4 and 5. A screening of different natural deep eutectic solvents in terms of curcumin solubility was performed. The most promising ones were the mixtures of choline chloride with lactic and levulinic acid. They were chosen to replace the aqueous phase in ternary mixtures with ethanol and triacetin. Successively, the phase behavior of these ternary mixtures was examined while also mapping the solubility of curcumin depending on the weight ratios of these ternary mixtures. In the domains of highest solubility, extraction experiments were performed. It was possible to achieve curcuminoid extraction yields of up to 79% (lactic acid) and 84% (levulinic acid). Consecutively, cycle extractions were investigated, showing that the solvents could be concentrated through repeated extraction of fresh rhizomes. The change of the solvent during these cycle extractions was monitored and determined to be the limiting factor of cycles. After determining the natural deep eutectics’ capability to solve and extract curcuminoids, the mechanism of solubility was investigated. Nine different eutectics based on the quaternary ammonium compounds choline chloride, betaine, and carnitine mixed with lactic, levulinic, and pyruvic acid were examined. UV/Vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the eutectics’ capability to solve curcumin. The underlying intermolecular interactions were assessed theoretically by using COSMO-RS predictions of the chemical potential and experimentally backing those with 1H and NOESY NMR measurements. Different additional functionalities of the quaternary ammonium compounds did not influence the solubility of curcumin in ethanolic solutions, while functionalities had a significant effect when regarding ethanolic solutions of the acids. The natural deep eutectics containing levulinic acid yielded the highest curcumin solubilities based on a solubility synergy between the acid and the quaternary ammonium compounds. Non-specific and directed intermolecular interactions were identified as the driving force behind the strong solubility increase. In the last part, Chapter 6, the curcumin solubility in ethanolic solutions of natural aromas was examined. A series of natural aromas with different functionalities were screened experimentally with UV/Vis spectroscopy and theoretically with COSMO-RS, yielding cinnamaldehyde as the molecule of highest solving ability. Natural essential cinnamon oils of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum, high in cinnamaldehyde, were examined in view of composition and solving capability. The phase behavior of ternary mixtures of the best cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia oil), water, and ethanol was characterized, and the curcumin solubility was mapped. Cycle extraction experiments showed that rather the loss of solvent was the limiting factor of cycles than the solvent change over time. A theoretical model for cycle extractions was developed., Drei Pflanzen sowie deren Inhaltsstoffe waren von besonderer Bedeutung für diese Arbeit und wurden untersucht: γ-Iron aus Iris germanica L, die Curcuminoide von Curcuma longa L und Zimtaldehyd aus Cinnamomum verum. Diese geben auch die Struktur der Arbeit vor. Kapitel 3 beschäftigt sich mit der Extraktion und Aufkonzentrierung des Duftstoffes γ-Iron aus der Pflanze Iris Barbata-Elatior, einem Kultivar der Spezies Iris germanica L. Die getrockneten und gemahlenen Rhizome wurden auf vier unterschiedliche Arten mit myristinsäurebasierten Lösemitteln extrahiert. Das beste Ergebnis mit einer Ausbeute von ~ 66% γ-Iron wurde durch die Extraktion von zuvor in Wasser eingelegten Rhizomen mit reiner Myristinsäure erreicht. Um genügend Extrakt für eine darauffolgende Aufarbeitung mittels einer Molekulardestillationsanlage zu erhalten, wurde ein Upscaling dieser Modellextraktion vorgenommen. Die optimale Destillationsmethode wurde theoretisch anhand der Clausius-Clapeyron-Beziehung entwickelt und mit Experimenten zu γ-Iron strukturellen Analoga validiert. Somit wurde nach zwei Destillationszyklen eine 18-fache Aufkonzentrierung von γ-Iron ermöglicht. Die Curcuminoide von Curcuma longa L. werden in den Kapiteln 4 und 5 behandelt. Ein Screening verschiedener natürlicher Eutektika mit Blick auf die Löslichkeit von Curcumin wurde durchgeführt. Am vielversprechendsten waren die Mischungen aus Cholinchlorid mit Milch- und Lävulinsäure, die ausgewählt wurden, um die wässrige Phase in ternären Mischungen mit Ethanol und Triacetin zu ersetzen. Das Phasenverhalten dieser ternären Mischungen wurde charakterisiert und die Curcuminlöslichkeit in Abhängigkeit von den ternären Zusammensetzungen kartographiert. In den Bereichen der höchsten Löslichkeit wurden Extraktionsexperimente durchgeführt. So war es möglich, Extraktionsausbeuten von 79% (mit Milchsäure) und 84% (mit Lävulinsäure) zu erreichen. Daraufhin wurden die besten Lösemittelmischungen im Hinblick auf zyklische Extraktionen untersucht. Bei wiederholten Extraktionen von frischem Rohmaterial konnten die Lösemittel wiederverwendet und aufkonzentriert werden. Die Veränderung des Lösemittels während der Zyklen wurde als limitierender Faktor der Zyklen festgestellt. Nachdem die Curcumin-Lösungs- und Extraktionsfähigkeit der natürlichen tiefen Eutektika-Mischungen gezeigt werden konnten, wurde der diesbezügliche Mechanismus untersucht. Neun verschiedene Eutektika auf der Basis der quaternären Ammoniumverbindungen Cholinchlorid, Betain und Carnitin gemischt mit Milch-, Lävulin- und Brenztraubensäure wurden betrachtet. Mittels UV/Vis Spektroskopie wurde die Löslichkeit von Curcumin beobachtet. Die zugrundeliegenden intermolekularen Interaktionen wurden theoretisch durch die Vorhersage des chemischen Potentials mittels COSMO-RS bemessen und durch 1H- und NOESY-NMR-Messungen bekräftigt. Funktionelle Gruppen hatten kaum Einfluss auf die Löslichkeit von Curcumin in ethanolischen Lösungen der quaternären Ammoniumverbindungen, während ihr Einfluss im Hinblick auf die Säuren nicht zu vernachlässigen war. Die höchsten Curcuminlöslichkeiten wurden in ethanolischen Lösungen mit natürlichen tiefen Eutektika mit Lävulinsäure als Bestandteil erreicht, was auf eine Synergie zwischen den quaternären Ammoniumverbindungen und der Säure zurückzuführen war. Unspezifische und direkte intermolekulare Wechselwirkungen wurden als treibende Kraft hinter der starken Löslichkeitserhöhung identifiziert. Im letzten Teil, Kapitel 6, wurde die Curcuminlöslichkeit in ethanolischen Lösungen von natürlichen Aromastoffen erforscht. Eine Reihe natürlicher Aromen mit verschiedenen Funktionalitäten wurde experimentell mittels UV/Vis-Spektroskopie und theoretisch mittels COSMO-RS-Rechnungen untersucht. Zimtaldehyd wurde als Verbindung mit der höchsten Löslichkeitskraft identifiziert. Natürliche ätherische Öle von Cinnamomum cassia mit hohem Zimtaldehydanteil wurden mit Blick auf ihre Zusammensetzung und Löslichkeitskraft untersucht. Das Phasenverhalten des besten Öls in der Mischung mit Wasser und Ethanol wurde untersucht sowie die Curcuminlöslichkeit in Abhängigkeit der Zusammensetzung. Zyklische Extraktionen zeigten, dass weniger die Veränderung des Lösemittels als der Lösemittelverlust der limitierende Faktor der Zyklen war. Ein theoretisches Modell für zyklische Extraktionen wurde entwickelt.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) derive from its rich nutritional composition making it interesting for medicinal uses, besides being used as spice in cooking. To complete the picture on the composition of turmeric, not only the organic compounds need to be known, but also the elemental composition covering essential and potentially toxic elements. The samples were digested in a microwave assisted digestion system using different reagent mixtures. The best digestion mixture was semi-concentrated nitric acid combined with hydrogen peroxide. After optimization of the sample preparation method, the contents of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Te, Tl, V and Zn in curcuma were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), as well as by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Even if the general composition found is in line with the scarce data in literature, clear differences can be seen between the analyzed samples, considering provenience, production procedures, and harvesting year as potential influencing factors. Whereas all samples contained less As and Pb than regulated by WHO, one limit exceeding was found for Cd.

The rhizome of Cucuma longa L. is a plant species used for flavoring and medicinal purposes, therefore, it is important to carry out toxicity studies to determine its safety margins. Objective: to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa L. and curcumin in albino mice and rats. Methodology: it is an experimental investigation. For the acute toxicity test, 36 albino mice of 2 months of age were used, weighing 20 to 25 grams, randomly divided into nine groups of 4 animals, and for chronic toxicity, 30 male albino rats of 10 to 25 grams were used. 12 weeks of age, with an average weight of 200 to 250 grams divided into five groups of 6 animals. The products analyzed were the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa and curcumin at 95% (p/p) purity. For the acute toxicity test, four groups were formed, at doses of 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; and 2.0 g/kg in solution respectively. For the chronic toxicity test, the Curcuma longa rhizome was used at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg and curcumin at 20 mg/kg in solution. Hematological evaluation was performed: complete blood count and biochemical: glucose, urea, creatinine, liver profile and lipid profile. Results: The mean lethal dose of Curcuma longa rhizome and curcumin is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the chronic toxicity test, there was evidence of variation in some hematological and biochemical parameters (p, El rizoma de Cúcuma longa L. es una especie vegetal utilizada como saborizante y fines medicinales, por ello, es importante realizar estudios de toxicidad para conocer sus márgenes de seguridad. Objetivo: evaluar la toxicidad aguda y crónica del rizoma pulverizado de la Curcuma longa L. y de la curcumina en ratones y ratas albinas. Metodología: es una investigación experimental. Para el ensayo de la toxicidad aguda se utilizó 36 ratones albinos de 2 meses de edad, con un peso de 20 a 25 gramos, divididos al azar en nueve grupos de 4 animales y para la toxicidad crónica se utilizó 30 ratas albinas machos de 10 a 12 semanas de edad, con un peso promedio de 200 a 250 gramos dividido en cinco grupos de 6 animales. Los productos analizados fueron el rizoma pulverizado de Curcuma longa y la curcumina al 95 % (p/p) de pureza. Para el ensayo de toxicidad aguda se formaron cuatro grupos, a dosis de 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; y 2,0 g/kg en solución respectivamente. Para el ensayo de toxicidad crónica se utilizó el rizoma de Curcuma longa a dosis de 200, 400 y 600 mg/kg y curcumina a 20 mg/kg en solución. Se realizó la evaluación a nivel hematológico: hemograma completo y bioquímico: glucosa, urea, creatinina, perfil hepático y perfil lipídico. Resultados: La dosis letal media del rizoma de Curcuma longa y curcumina es superior a los 2000 mg/kg. En la prueba de toxicidad crónica, se evidenció variación en algunos parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos (p

Compounds derived from Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) have been extensively studied and reported to be effective and safe for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, but most research has been focused on curcuminoids derived from C. longa. As neurodegenerative diseases are associated with oxidation and inflammation, the present study aimed to isolate and identify active compounds other than curcuminoids from C. longa to develop substances to treat these diseases. Seventeen known compounds, including curcuminoids, were chromatographically isolated from the methanol extracts of C. longa, and their chemical structures were identified using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Among the isolated compounds, intermedin B exhibited the best antioxidant effect in the hippocampus and anti-inflammatory effect in microglia. Furthermore, intermedin B was confirmed to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p-65 and IκBα, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species, exerting neuroprotective effects. These results highlight the research value of active components other than curcuminoids in C. longa-derived compounds and suggest that intermedin B may be a promising candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

In this work, Curcuma longa L. extract has been used in the synthesis and direct coating of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles ~12 nm, providing a surface layer of polyphenol groups (–OH and –COOH). This contributes to the development of nanocarriers and triggers different bio-applications. Curcuma longa L. is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae); the extracts of this plant contain a polyphenol structure compound, and it has an affinity to be linked to Fe ions. The nanoparticles’ magnetization obtained corresponded to close hysteresis loop Ms = 8.81 emu/g, coercive field Hc = 26.67 Oe, and low remanence energy as iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs). Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles (G-M@T) showed tunable single magnetic domain interactions with uniaxial anisotropy as addressable cores at 90–180°. Surface analysis revealed characteristic peaks of Fe 2p, O 1s, and C 1s. From the last one, it was possible to obtain the C–O, C=O, –OH bonds, achieving an acceptable connection with the HepG2 cell line. The G-M@T nanoparticles do not induce cell toxicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or HepG2 cells in vitro, but they can increase the mitochondrial and lysosomal activity in HepG2 cells, probably related to an apoptotic cell death induction or to a stress response due to the high concentration of iron within the cell.

This study investigated some quality attributes of the functional properties of turmeric rhizome flour cultived in Côte d’Ivoire. It consisted in comparing the properties of turmeric powder with film (PWF) and powder without film (PWAF) to identify nutritionally and technologically appropriate uses. In terms of functional properties, the PWAF had the best water absorption rates (1032.156 ± 34.016%), the best stability properties (74.3%), the water solubility index (19.50%) and very good wettability (21.33 S ± 0.58). Furthermore, the dispersibility (21.3% to 41.2%), the hydrated density (1.17 ± 0.14g / ml) and the oil absorption capacity (300% to 975%) fell within the range of PWF. The study of the functional properties revealed that turmeric powders can be recommended in food formulations but the most suitable is the PWAF. Regarding the antioxidant activity, the PWF had the highest value of total vitamin E (1167.07 ± 0.62), α-tocopherol (2.72 ± 0.02) and γ-tocopherol (1134.22 ± 0.55). On the other hand, PWAF had a high value in δ-tocopherol (43.83 ± 0.06) but low in total vitamin E (443.54 ± 0.65) and in α-tocopherol (1.078 ± 0. 03). The contents of total polyphenols and total flavonoids are raised respectively 179.16 ± 0.61 mg/100g and 25.68 ± 0.32 mg/100g for the PWP flour. As for vitamin C, it gave respectively values of 137.67 ± 0.58 mg/100g for the PWP while the PWAF provided 112.17 ± 0.58 mg/100g. The DPPH and FRAP tests showed that turmeric with film is richer in anti-free radical activity than PWAF. The IC50s of the extracts PWF and PWAF on DPPH are respectively 0.032 mg / ml and 0.049 mg / ml. This research proved that functional properties value plus the oxidizing activity, make turmeric flour a functional food.

The root tuber and rhizome of Curcuma longa L., abbreviated, respectively, as RCL and RHCL, are used as different medicines in China. In this work, volatile oils were extracted from RCL and RHCL. Then, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for RCL and RHCL volatile oils analysis, and 45 compounds were identified. The dominant constituents both in volatile oils of RCL and RHCL were turmerone, (−)-zingiberene, and β-turmerone, which covered more than 60% of the total area. The chromatographic fingerprint similarities between RCL and RHCL were not less than 0.943, indicating that their main chemical compositions were similar. However, there were also some compounds that were varied in RCL and RHCL. Based on the peak area ratio of 45 compounds, the RCL and RHCL samples were separated into principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Then, 20 compounds with a variable importance for the projection (VIP) value of more than 1 were the high potential contributors for RCL and RHCL differences. Furthermore, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay results demonstrated that the volatile oils of RCL and RHCL had antioxidant activities. This study provided the material basis for the research of volatile components in RCL and RHCL and contributed to their further pharmacological research and quality control.

Curcumin (CM), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) are major curcumin derivatives found in the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and have yielded impressive properties to halt various diseases. In the present study, we carried out a method validation for curcumin derivatives and analyzed the contents simultaneously using HPLC with UV detection. For validation, HPLC was used to estimate linearity, range, specificity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Results showed a high linearity of the calibration curve, with a coefficient of correlation (R2) for CM, DMC, and BDMC of 0.9999, 0.9999, and 0.9997, respectively. The LOD values for CM, DMC, and BDMC were 1.16, 1.03, and 2.53 ng/μL and LOQ values were 3.50, 3.11, and 7.67 ng/μL, respectively. Moreover, to evaluate the ability of curcumin derivatives to reduce liver lipogenesis and compare curcumin derivatives’ therapeutic effects, a HepG2 cell model was established to analyze their hepatoprotective properties. Regarding the in vivo study, we investigated the effect of DMC, CM, and BDMC on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by a methionine choline deficient (MCD)-diet in the C57BL/6J mice model. From the in vitro and in vivo results, curcumin derivatives alleviated MCD-diet-induced lipid accumulation as well as high triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, and the protein and gene expression of the transcription factors related to liver adipogenesis were suppressed. Furthermore, in MCD-diet mice, curcumin derivatives suppressed the upregulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, our findings indicated that all of the three curcuminoids exerted a hepatoprotective effect in the HepG2 cell model and the MCD-diet-induced NAFLD model, suggesting a potential for curcuminoids derived from turmeric as novel therapeutic agents for NAFLD.

Mestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidad de Salamanca Os consumidores, conscientes da utilização generalizada de aditivos artificiais, procuram cada vez mais por uma alimentação mais natural e, portanto, mais saudável. Esta mudança de comportamento está a forçar a indústria a responder a estes novos desafios, estando a indústria alimentar a trabalhar arduamente para se adaptar melhor a esta nova realidade. Neste trabalho foram usados três corantes de origem natural, um pigmento extraído de Amaranthus Caudatus L., a curcumina e paprica. Estes corantes foram incorporados em três produtos alimentares: cheesecake, gelado e manteiga. Os efeitos da incorporação destes corantes naturais foram avaliados através da análise dos parâmetros físicos em fresco (cor, pH, atividade da água e humidade), assim como pela sua composição centesimal, ao longo do tempo de prateleira de cada um dos alimentos. Globalmente, estes corantes naturais mostraram ter poder corante suficiente para cumprirem o seu propósito, sendo que o extrato de Amaranthus caudatus L., apresenta maior poder corante. Demonstraram também não alterar significativamente a composição nutricional das amostras, sendo por isso uma alternativa interessante pois espera-se que a utilização de corantes, sejam eles naturais ou artificiais, não afetem a composição do alimento em questão, tendo se verificado ligeiras alterações nas formulações de manteiga. Para verificar a aceitação por parte dos consumidores de alimentos corados com diferentes corantes alimentares foi lhes pedido para preencher um questionário depois da prova de amostras, e foi realizado à posteriori o estudo e o tratamento estatístico dos dados. Foi possível verificar que mais de 61% compraria um dos produtos corados com os corantes naturais em estudo, e que a cor laranja (atribuída à paprica) destaca-se pela persistência do sabor e pelo seu odor mais intenso nos três tipos de alimentos analisados. Em conclusão, estes corantes alimentares, foram estudados em três amostras alimentares de base láctea, tendo revelado potencial de aplicação na indústria alimentar devido à elevada estabilidade observada ao longo do tempo de prateleira destes alimentos, abrindo-se assim a oportunidade para o estudo mais aprofundado sobre a estabilidade destes ingredientes quando aplicados noutros produtos alimentares. Consumers, aware of the widespread use of artificial additives, are increasingly looking for a more natural, and therefore healthier diet. This change in behavior is forcing the industry to respond to these new challenges and the food industry is working hard to better adapt to this new reality. In this work, three colours of natural origin were used, a pigment extracted from Amaranthus Caudatus L., curcumin and paprika. These colours were incorporated into three food products: cheesecake, ice cream and butter. The effects of the incorporation of these natural colours were evaluated by the analysis of physical parameters in fresh product (colour, pH, water activity and humidity), as well as by their centesimal composition, throughout the shelf life of each of the foods. Globally, these natural colourings showed to have sufficient colouring power to fulfil their purpose, being that the extract of Amaranthus caudatus L., presents a higher colouring power. They also proved not to significantly alter the nutritional composition of the samples, being therefore an interesting alternative, since it is expected that the use of colorants, whether natural or artificial, does not affect the composition of the food in question, having been verified slight alterations in the butter formulations. To verify consumer acceptance of foods coloured with different food colours, they were asked to fill in a questionnaire after sampling, and the study and statistical treatment of the data was carried out a posteriori. It was possible to verify that more than 61% would buy one of the products coloured with the natural colourings under study, and that the orange colour (attributed to paprika) stands out for its persistence of flavour and its most intense smell in the three types of food analysed. In conclusion, these food colours were studied in three milk-based food samples, revealing potential application in the food industry due to the high stability observed along the shelf-life of these foods. This opens up the opportunity to further study the stability of these ingredients when applied to other food products.

Mestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidad de Salamanca Submitted by Clarisse Pais (clarisse@ipb.pt) on 2022-01-20T10:57:23Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Sandra Marcelino.pdf: 5397273 bytes, checksum: 50f1eaff60727bd2ef005c276ca05742 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2022-01-20T11:03:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sandra Marcelino.pdf: 5397273 bytes, checksum: 50f1eaff60727bd2ef005c276ca05742 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2022

To explore the sesquiterpenoids in Curcuma longa L. and their activity related to anti-atherosclerosis. The chemical compounds of the rhizomes of C. longa were separated and purified by multiple chromatography techniques. Their structures were established by a variety of spectroscopic experiments. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental and calculated NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Their anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation were evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-injured RAW264.7 macrophages, respectively. This study resulted in the isolation of 10 bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1–10) from C. longa, including two pairs of new epimers (curbisabolanones A–D, 1–4). Compound 4 significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, compound 4 showed inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation, which was represented by markedly reducing ox-LDL-induced intracellular lipid accumulation as well as total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), and cholesterol ester (CE) contents in RAW264.7 cells. These findings suggest that bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids, one of the main types of components in C. longa, have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerosis process by preventing inflammation and inhibiting macrophage foaming.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on tetrahydrocurcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Tetrahydrocurcuminoids are derivatives of curcuminoids, produced chemically by hydrogenation of curcuminoids extracted from the rhizomes of C. longa L. The NF consists of more than 95% of tetrahydrocurcuminoids. The applicant proposed to use the NF in food supplements at a maximum dose of 300 mg/day for adults excluding pregnant and lactating women. Taking into account the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. There are no concerns regarding genotoxicity of the NF. Based on a 90-day oral toxicity study and a reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test performed with the NF, the Panel derives a safe level of 2 mg/kg body weight per day. For the target population this level corresponds to 140 mg/day, which is lower than the use level as proposed by the applicant. The Panel concludes that the NF, tetrahydrocurcuminoids from turmeric (C. longa L.), is safe for the target population at 140 mg/day.

Penyakit Parkinson merupakan penyakit neurodegeneratif dengan gangguan motorik seperti bradikinesia, rigiditas, dan tremor yang dapat mempengaruhi keseimbangan tubuh. Hal ini terjadi karena penurunan kadar dopamin yang dapat dipicu oleh adanya stres oksidatif. Kunyit (Curcuma longa) mengandung kurkumin yang mempunyai aktivitas antioksidatif dan neuroprotektif yang potensial sehingga dapat mencegah gangguan neurodegeneratif karena stres oksidatif. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui aktivitas ekstrak rimpang kunyit pada mencit model Parkinson yang diinduksi haloperidol. Ekstraksi rimpang kunyit dilakukan secara maserasi dengan pelarut etanol 96%. Sebanyak 60 ekor mencit dibagi menjadi 6 kelompok, masing-masing mendapat perlakukan sebagai berikut : Kelompok normal diberi CMC-Na per oral (p.o) dan NaCl fisiologis intraperitoneal (i.p), kelompok haloperidol diberi CMC -Na (p.o) dan larutan haloperidol i.p (1 mg/kg BB), kelompok levodopa diberi levodopa (p.o) dan larutan haloperidol i.p, Kelompok ekstrak 100 diberi ekstrak kunyit dosis 100 mg/kg BB dan larutan haloperidol i.p , Kelompok ekstrak 200 diberi ekstrak kunyit dosis 200 mg/kg BB dan larutan haloperidol i.p, Kelompok ekstrak 400 diberi ekstrak kunyit dosis 400 mg/kg BB dan larutan haloperidol i.p. Pemberian CMC-Na, levodopa dan ekstrak kunyit diberikan selama 21 hari. Lima belas menit setelah pemberian perlakuan hari terakhir, semua hewan uji kecuali kelompok 1 diinjeksi haloperidol dosis 1 mg/kg BB secara i.p. Kemudian dilakukan uji batang, uji roda berputar, uji refleks geotaksis, uji refleks menghindari jurang dan uji kemampuan penciuman pada menit ke 5, 60, 120 dan 180. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji anova satu jalur dilanjutkan dengan uji post hoc LSD. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa pemberian haloperidol dapat meningkatkan waktu katalepsi, meningkatkan jumlah jatuh dan mempercepat waktu jatuh pertama kali, menurunkan refleks geotaksis, meningkatkan waktu refleks menghindari jurang serta menurunkan kemampuan indera penciuman. Sedangkan pemberian ekstrak kunyit dosis 200 dan 400 mg/kgBB dapat menurunkan waktu katalepsi, menurunkan jumlah jatuh dan memperlama waktu jatuh pertama kali, menurunkan refleks geotaksis, menurunkan lama waktu pada uji refleks menghindari jurang serta meningkatkan kemampuan indera penciuman jika dibandingkan dengan Haloperidol (P0,05) dengan pemberian levodopa. Berdasarkan hasil dapat disimpulkan bahwa ekstrak rimpang kunyit dosis 200 dan 400 mg/kgBB memiliki aktivitas untuk mencegah terjadinya Parkinson pada mencit yang diberi haloperidol.

Curcuma longa L. (porodica Zingiberaceae) i njen polifenolski spoj kurkumin ima raznovrsne antimikrobne utjecaje, a upotreba mu je u svakodnevnom životu sve opširnija i češća. Razultati antibakterijskog djelovanja brojnih provedenih istraživanja pokazuju kako kurkuma ima obećavajuće rezultate pri djelovanju na različite patogene bakterije (MRSA, L. monocytogenes, Salmonella), viruse (HIV, Influenza) i gljive (C. neoformans, C. albicans, F. solani). Kurkuma ima poprilično širok raspon farmakoloških svojstava u relativno netoksičnim dozama. Kao što je dokazano brojnim istraživanjima, kurkumin djeluje jače kada je u kombinaciji sa nekim drugim već postojećim ljekovima u slučaju bolesti uzrokovanih bakterijama, virusima ili gljivama te u kombinaciji sa fungicidima u slučaju fitopatogenih bolesti biljaka. Kurkumin je prirodni proizvod sa velikim ljekovitim značajkama koji će zbog snažnog sinergistički učinka upotpuniti djelovanje antibiotika. Curcuma longa L. (family Zingiberaceae) and its polyphenolic compound curcumin have various antimicrobial effects, and its use in everyday life is becoming more extensive and more frequent. The results of the antibacterial activity of numerous studies show that turmeric has promising results in its action on various pathogenic bacteria (MRSA, L. monocytogenes, Salmonella), viruses (HIV, Influenza) and fungi (C. neoformans, C. albicans, F. solani). Turmeric has a fairly wide range of pharmacological properties in relatively non-toxic doses. As proven in many scientific researches, curcumin works better combined with some other already existing medicines in case of disease caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, and in combination with fungicides in case of phytopathogenic disease of plants. Curcumin is a natural product with great medicinal properties that will complement the action of antibiotics due to its strong synergistic effect.

Background:Curcuma spp. (Zingiberaceae) are used as a spice and coloring agent. Their rhizomes and essential oils are known for medicinal properties, besides their use in the flavoring and cosmetic industry. Most of these biological activities were attributed to volatile and nonvolatile secondary metabolites present in the rhizomes of Curcuma spp. The metabolite variations among the species and even cultivars need to be established for optimized use of Curcuma spp.Objectives: We compared the phytochemical profiles of rhizomes and their essential oils to establish the variability among seven cultivars: five of Curcuma longa L. (Alleppey Supreme, Duggirala Red, Prathibha, Salem, Suguna) and two of C. aromatica Salisb. (Kasturi Araku, Kasturi Avidi). The GC-MS and LC-MS-based analyses were employed to profile secondary metabolites of these selected cultivars.Methods: Rhizomes of Curcuma spp. were subjected to hydro-distillation to collect essential oil and analyzed by GC-MS. The methanol extracts of fresh rhizomes were subjected to LC-MS analyses. The compounds were identified by using the relevant MS library databases as many compounds as possible.Results: The essential oil content of the cultivars was in the range of 0.74–1.62%. Several compounds were detected from the essential oils and rhizome extracts by GC-MS and LC-MS, respectively. Of these, 28 compounds (13 from GCMS and 15 from LCMS) were common in all seven cultivars, e.g., α-thujene, and diarylheptanoids like curcumin. Furthermore, a total of 39 new compounds were identified from C. longa L. and/or C. aromatica Salisb., most of them being cultivar-specific. Of these compounds, 35 were detected by GC-MS analyses of essential oils, 1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-, and santolina alcohol, to name a few. The other four compounds were detected by LC-MS of the methanolic extracts of the rhizomes, e.g., kaempferol-3,7-O-dimethyl ether and 5,7,8-trihydroxy-2′,5′-dimethoxy-3′,4′-methylene dioxyisoflavanone.Conclusions: We identified and recorded the variability in the metabolite profiles of essential oils and whole rhizome extracts from the seven cultivars of Curcuma longa L. and C. aromatica Salisb. As many as 39 new metabolites were detected in these seven Indian cultivars of Curcuma spp. Many of these compounds have health benefits.

Cúrcuma longa belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, popularly known as turmeric, turmeric, yellow ginger and sun root. Consumed mainly in the form of dry powder, used for several purposes, mainly in traditional and modern medicine. As a consequence of its high commercial value, turmeric has often been adulterated with the most diverse materials and strategies. In this sense, the objective of this work was to analyze possible adulterations in samples of turmeric powder sold in the cities of Campina Grande and Pocinhos in Paraíba. For this, the starch activation and lugol reaction tests were carried out on 10 samples acquired at different commercial points in the cities mentioned. In the starch activation test, only one sample resulted in a full-bodied solution indicating the presence of starch. In the lugol reaction test, 4 samples showed a dark blue / violet color that indicates the presence of starch. It was observed that adulteration was found in a higher percentage in samples sold in open markets. In view of the results, it is observed that the detection of adulterants thus becomes an issue of high importance to ensure consumer protection against fraudulent practices. Thus, it is concluded that the results of this work revealed fraud in some samples and highlights the importance of adopting control and inspection measures to prevent economic losses and risks to consumer health. Cúrcuma longa pertenece a la familia Zingiberaceae, popularmente conocida como cúrcuma, cúrcuma, jengibre amarillo y raíz de sol. Consumido principalmente en forma de polvo seco, utilizado para diversos fines, principalmente en la medicina tradicional y moderna. Como consecuencia de su alto valor comercial, la cúrcuma a menudo ha sido adulterada con los más diversos materiales y estrategias. En este sentido, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar posibles adulteraciones en muestras de cúrcuma en polvo comercializadas en las ciudades de Campina Grande y Pocinhos en Paraíba. Para ello, se realizaron las pruebas de activación de almidón y reacción de lugol en 10 muestras adquiridas en diferentes puntos comerciales de las ciudades mencionadas. En la prueba de activación del almidón, solo una muestra dio como resultado una solución con cuerpo que indica la presencia de almidón. En la prueba de reacción de lugol, 4 muestras mostraron un color azul oscuro / violeta que indica la presencia de almidón. Se observó que la adulteración se encontró en un mayor porcentaje en las muestras vendidas en mercados abiertos. A la vista de los resultados, se observa que la detección de adulterantes se convierte así en un tema de gran importancia para asegurar la protección del consumidor frente a prácticas fraudulentas. Así, se concluye que los resultados de este trabajo revelaron fraude en algunas muestras y resalta la importancia de adoptar medidas de control y fiscalización para la prevención de pérdidas económicas y riesgos para la salud de los consumidores. A Cúrcuma longa pertence à família Zingiberaceae, popularmente conhecida como açafrão, açafrão da terra, gengibre amarelo e raiz de sol. Consumida principalmente na forma de pó seco, utilizada com diversas finalidades, principalmente na medicina tradicional e moderna. Como consequência do seu elevado valor comercial, a cúrcuma tem sido frequentemente adulterada com os mais diversos materiais e estratégias. Neste sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar possíveis adulterações em amostras de cúrcuma em pó comercializadas nas cidades de Campina Grande e Pocinhos na Paraíba. Para isso, foram realizados os testes de ativação do amido e reação do lugol em 10 amostras adquiridas em diferentes pontos comerciais das cidades citadas. No teste de ativação do amido apenas uma amostra resultou em uma solução encorpada indicando a presença de amido. Já no teste de reação do lugol 4 amostras apresentaram uma coloração azul escuro/violeta que indica a presença de amido. Observou-se que a adulteração foi encontrada em maior percentual nas amostras comercializadas em feiras livres. Diante dos resultados observa-se que a detecção de adulterantes torna-se assim, uma questão de elevada importância para garantir a proteção do consumidor contra práticas fraudulentas. Desta forma, conclui-se que os resultados deste trabalho revelaram fraude em algumas amostras e evidencia a importância da adoção de medidas de controle e fiscalização para a prevenção de prejuízos econômicos e riscos à saúde do consumidor.

Dexamethasone (DEX) promotes proteolysis, which causes muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is connected to sarcopenia. We evaluated the effect of Curcuma longa L. water extract (CLW) on DEX-induced muscle atrophy. ICR mice were divided into three groups (eight mice per group) to investigate the capability of CLW in inhibiting muscle atrophy. The control group (Ex-CON) was administered distilled water (DW) by gavage and subjected to exercise, the muscle atrophy group (Ex-DEX) was administered DW by gavage, an injection of DEX (1 mg/kg body weight/day) intraperitoneally (IP), and subjected to exercise, and the treatment group (Ex-CLW) was administered CLW (1 g/kg body weight/day) by gavage, DEX IP injection, and subjected to exercise. Following the injection of DEX, the expression levels of myostatin, MuRF-1, and Atrogin-1 were increased. However, these expression levels were decreased in the Ex-CLW group, thereby leading to the conclusion that CLW inhibits muscle atrophy. ROS (that was overproduced by DEX) decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which led to muscle atrophy. When CLW was ingested, the antioxidant enzyme activities increased while the MDA levels decreased. These findings suggest that CLW could serve as a natural product for the prevention of muscle atrophy by modulating muscle atrophy-related genes and increasing antioxidant potential.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is widely utilized as a spice, food colorant, and preservative in India, China, and South-East Asia. With containing potential turmeric extracts and compounds, it has been utilized in traditional medicine for various diseases counting diabetes, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, hysteria, indigestion, skin disease, inflammation, anorexia, hepatic disorders, cough, and sinusitis, etc. So far, a large number of work has been conducted to find and prove biological activities and pharmacological applications of turmeric and its extracts in both animals and humans. In particular, curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a characteristic component with major yellow bioactive turmeric feature, has been found to possess numerous biological actions. Nonetheless, the polyphenol compound in curcumin has been limited for human disease treatments even though adequate studies are utilized in animal trials. Plenty of ongoing studies are also contributing significantly to this promising molecule that to the forefront of human therapeutics as well as its activities in health benefits. Thus, curcumin and some turmeric extracts are considered as non-toxic and highly promising compounds with a lot of potentially biological functions based on an appropriately used dose. It is expected that curcumin and some turmeric extracts can be explored in novel medical applications in the future to effectively against or treat various diseases. Here, we hope that it is likely a good and right approach for using and encouraging this product, and its chemical components and effective clinical applications will be briefly summarized in disease treatments.