Clinical effects of Zingiber cassumunar (Plai): A systematic review

A novel peptide derived from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes exhibits anticancer activity against the colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) via the induction of intrinsic apoptosis signaling

This paper presents the initial exploration of the free radical scavenging capabilities of peptides derived from protein hydrolysates (PPH) obtained from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes (Phlai). To replicate the conditions of gastrointestinal digestion, a combination of pepsin and pancreatin proteolysis was employed to generate these hydrolysates. Subsequently, the hydrolysate underwent fractionation using molecular weight cut-off membranes at 10, 5, 3, and 0.65 kDa. The fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa exhibited the highest levels ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and NO radical scavenging activity. Following this, RP-HPLC was used to further separate the fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa into three sub-fractions. Among these, the F5 sub-fraction displayed the most prominent radical-scavenging properties. De novo peptide sequencing via quadrupole-time-of-flight-electron spin induction-mass spectrometry identified a pair of novel peptides: Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Val-Leu-Asn-Tyr (DGIFVLNY or DY-8) and Ile-Pro-Thr-Asp-Glu-Lys (IPTDEK or IK-6). Database analysis confirmed various properties, including biological activity, toxicity, hydrophilicity, solubility, and potential allergy concerns. Furthermore, when tested on the human adenocarcinoma colon (Caco-2) cell line, two synthetic peptides demonstrated cellular antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These peptides were also assessed using the FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit with PI, confirming the induction of apoptosis. Notably, the DY-8 peptide induced apoptosis, upregulated mRNA levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9, and downregulated Bcl-2, as confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis indicated increased pro-apoptotic Bax expression and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to the DY-8 peptide. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the DY-8 peptide exhibited binding affinity with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1, suggesting potential utility in combating colon cancer as functional food ingredients.

NMR-based stability evaluation of (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome

INTRODUCTION

The active compound (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Although DMPBD is one of the promising drug candidates for phytomedicine, its limited stability impedes its widespread use. For the development of new drugs, the assessment of their chemical stability is essential, ensuring they maintain their properties within specified limits throughout the period from production until use.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the stability of DMPBD under various conditions, including different solvents, temperatures, and lighting conditions, to identify the factors affecting stability and optimize the storage and handling conditions.

METHODOLOGY

DMPBD samples subjected to the different conditions tested were monitored by quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR), using an internal standard for the determination of the absolute quantity of DMPBD as a function of time and the changes thereof within 1 month.

RESULTS

Significant decomposition of DMPBD was observed in chloroform-d1, whereas its content remained constant in methanol-d4. The content of DMPBD was maintained upon storage at temperatures below 4°C, both as methanolic solution and in the crude extract. Exposure to light had a slight negative impact on its contents. Some degradation products could be identified as resulting from O2-induced cleavage of the diene moiety.

CONCLUSIONS

For pharmacological/therapeutic applications, DMPBD should be stored in the form of the crude extract or as a purified material in methanolic solution. Ideally, the storage temperature should be below 4°C and O2 should be excluded.

Immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of the extracts and secondary compounds of Zingiber and Alpinia species: a review

Zingiber and Alpinia species (family: Zingiberaceae) are popularly used in food as spices and flavoring agents and in ethnomedicine to heal numerous diseases, including immune-related disorders. However, their ethnomedicinal uses have not been sufficiently supported by scientific investigations. Numerous studies on the modulating effects of plants and their bioactive compounds on the different steps of the immune system have been documented. This review aimed to highlight up-to-date research findings and critically analyze the modulatory effects and mechanisms of the extracts and secondary compounds of several Zingiber and Alpinia species, namely, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Z. cassumunar Roxb., Z. zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Alpinia galanga Linn., A. conchigera Griff, A. katsumadai Hayata, A. oxyphylla Miq., A. officinarum Hance, A. zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith, and A. purpurata (Viell.) K. Schum. on the immune system, particularly via the inflammation-related signaling pathways. The immunomodulating activities of the crude extracts of the plants have been reported, but the constituents contributing to the activities have mostly not been identified. Among the extracts, Z. officinale extracts were the most investigated for their in vitro, in vivo, and clinical effects on the immune system. Among the bioactive metabolites, 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols, 6-shogaol, and zerumbone from Zingiber species and cardamomin, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, yakuchinone, rutin, 1,8-cineole, and lectin from Alpinia species have demonstrated strong immunomodulating effects. More experimental studies using cell and animal models of immune-related disorders are necessary to further understand the underlying mechanisms, together with elaborate preclinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, bioavailability, and toxicity studies. Many of these extracts and secondary metabolites are potential candidates for clinical development in immunomodulating agents or functional foods to prevent and treat chronic inflammatory disorders.

Essential Oil of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. and Zingiber officinale Rosc.: A Comparative Study on Chemical Constituents, Antibacterial Activity, Biofilm Formation, and Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing System

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can regulate its pathogenicity via quorum sensing (QS) system. Zingiber cassumunar and Z. officinale have been used for the treatment of infectious diseases. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the chemical constituents, antibacterial, and QS inhibitor of Z. cassumunar essential oils (ZCEO) and Z. officinale essential oils (ZOEO). The chemical constituent was analysed using GC/MS. Broth microdilution and spectrophotometry analysis were used to evaluate their antibacterial and QS inhibitor activities. The main constituent of ZOEO with percent composition above 6 % (α-curcumene, α-zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and β-bisabolene, α-citral, and α-farnesene) were exist in a very minimal percentage less than 0.7 % in Z. cassumunar. All major components of ZCEO with percentages higher than 5 % (terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, γ-terpinene) were present in low proportion (<1.18 %) in Z. officinale. ZCEO demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. The combination of ZCEO and tetracycline showed a synergistic effect (FICI of 0.5). ZCEO exhibited strong activity in inhibiting biofilm formation. ZCEO at1 / 2 ${{ 1/2 }}$ MIC (62.5 μg/mL) was able to reduce pyoverdine, pyocyanin, and proteolytic activity. This is the first report on the activity of ZCEO in the inhibition of P. aeruginosa QS system and it may be used to control the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.

Plant ingredients in Thai food: a well-rounded diet for natural bioactive associated with medicinal properties

Background

Seeking cures for chronic inflammation-associated diseases and infectious diseases caused by critical human pathogens is challenging and time-consuming. Even as the research community searches for novel bioactive agents, consuming a healthy diet with functional ability might be an effective way to delay and prevent the progression of severe health conditions. Many plant ingredients in Thai food are considered medicinal, and these vegetables, herbs, and spices collectively possess multiple biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects.

Methodology

In this review, the selected edible plants are unspecific to Thai food, but our unique blend of recipes and preparation techniques make traditional Thai food healthy and functional. We searched three electronic databases: PUBMED, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, using the specific keywords "Plant name" followed by "Anti-inflammatory" or "Antibacterial" or "Antiviral" and focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021.

Results

Our selection of 69 edible and medicinal plant species (33 families) is the most comprehensive compilation of Thai food sources demonstrating biological activities to date. Focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021, we identified a total of 245 scientific articles that have reported main compounds, traditional uses, and pharmacological and biological activities from plant parts of the selected species.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates that the selected plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, suggesting these plants as potential sources for bioactive agents and suitable for consumption for health benefits.

Chemical Profiles of Herbal Compress and Their Persistence Affected by Steaming and Storage Time

The steamed herbal compress is one of the well-known traditional medicines used to relieve pain and stress and to promote emotional and physical well-being. Although it has several therapeutic benefits due to its chemical compounds, there are insufficient reports on the effect of steaming of the herbal compress to promote the release of active compounds and its shelf life. Hence, this study aims at analysing the effect of various steaming processes and storage conditions on the chemical composition of most commonly used herbs such as kaffir lime, lemongrass, plai, soap pod, tamarind, and turmeric. The herbs were extracted with solid-liquid and Soxhlet-mediated extraction using 95% ethanol, hexane, and water as solvents. The analysis of chemical profiles of herbs indicated that Soxhlet extraction is the best extraction procedure based on the extraction yield and abundance of eluted compounds. The herbs were then steam-processed according to the traditional practice of using herbal compress with water alone, and water in combination with 5% ethanol or 5% coconut oil to analyse the effect of steaming. The results indicated that a steaming process can promote the release of bioactive compounds from herbs. The effect of storage was also investigated by storing herbs for 1 day and 7 days at 4°C. The finding suggested that storage has resulted in changes in the bioactive composition of herbs pointing to the necessity of modifying storage conditions to eliminate the loss of beneficial compounds. Thus, this study can be helpful for product development to improve the quality of products by modifying their steaming or storage conditions.

Antiphotoaging properties of Zingiber montanum essential oil isolated by solvent-free microwave extraction against ultraviolet B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts

Maintaining youthful skin from photoaging with natural products, including essential oils, is a vital strategy that has piqued the interest of researchers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This research aimed to investigate the protective properties of Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr. essential oil against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin damage and photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblast (HDFn) cells. The essential oil was extracted from fresh plant rhizomes using solvent-free microwave extraction. Its antiphotoaging properties in HDFn cells were investigated using reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging, wound healing, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9) expression, procollagen synthesis, and elastase and tyrosinase inhibitory assays. The results showed that the test oil exhibited no significant toxicity in HDFn at concentrations up to 10 mg/mL, with cell viability exceeding 90%. Following UVB irradiation at 30 mJ/cm², Z. montanum oil demonstrated time and concentration-dependent ROS radical scavenging capabilities. In a cell migration assay, the essential oil demonstrated wound-healing properties. Z. montanum oil suppressed the expression of MMPs and enhanced the synthesis of type I procollagen at a concentration of 0.1-1 mg/mL. In addition, 0.1-1 mg/mL Z. montanum oil inhibited elastase activity in a concentration-dependent manner but did not affect tyrosinase activity. From these findings, the essential oil of Z. montanum could have potential applications in developing cosmeceutical products to prevent skin photoaging.

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Essential Oil-Loaded Electrospun Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(ethylene oxide) Fiber Blend Membrane for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Application

The essential oil from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Plai) has long been used in Thai herbal remedies to treat inflammation, pains, sprains, and wounds. It was therefore loaded into an electrospun fibrous membrane for use as an analgesic and antibacterial dressing for wound care. The polymer blend between poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) was selected as the material of choice because its wettability can be easily tuned by changing the blend ratio. Increasing the hydrophilicity and water uptake ability of the material while retaining its structural integrity and porosity provides moisture balance and removes excess exudates, thereby promoting wound healing. The effect of the blend ratio on the fiber morphology and wettability was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement, respectively. The structural determination of the prepared membranes was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The release behavior of (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) butadiene (DMPBD), a marker molecule with potent anti-inflammatory activity from the fiber blend, showed a controlled release characteristic. The essential oil-loaded electrospun membrane also showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. It also exhibited no toxicity to both human fibroblast and keratinocyte cells, suggesting that the prepared material is suitable for wound dressing application.

Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), is an important medicinal plant known as “Plai (Phlai)” in Thailand, “Bangle” in Indonesia, and “Bulei” in China. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat inflammation, pain, and respiratory problems. The rhizomes are the primary part of the plant that has been used for medicinal purposes due to their constituents with therapeutic properties, including phenylbutenoids, curcuminoids, and essential oils. Since the 1970s, many studies have been conducted on the phytochemicals and bioactivities of Z. cassumunar to establish fundamental scientific evidence that supports its use in traditional medicine. The accumulated biological studies on the extracts, solvent fractions, and constituents of Z. cassumunar have described their diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective/neurotrophic, cosmeceutical, and antifungal/antimicrobial bioactivities. In this review, we summarize information on the phytochemicals of Z. cassumunar and the bioactivities of its extracts and constituents.

Potential bangle (Zingiber montanum J.König) rhizome extract as a supplement to prevent and reduce symptoms of Covid-19

The morbidity and mortality rates due to Covid-19 are increasing day by day, to overcome this, we urgently need a better treatment strategy, therefore various ways and strategies for this must be pursued. The purpose of the present review is to explain that the rhizome of bangle (Zingiber montanum) has great potential to increase antibodies and reduce symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which also seems suitable for treating Covid-19. Method: This review is looking for the results of scientific research from various sources, regarding the efficacy of bangle (Zingiber montanum) rhizome which is strongly suspected to be able to prevent, and reduce the symptoms that occur in COVID-19. The results showed that the bangle rhizome extract had activity as immunomodulatory, antiviral and reduced symptoms such as what happened in COVID-19. Conclusion: Bangle rhizome extract has dozens of nutritious substances and has multifunctional activities, and it can be postulated that among the benefits of bangle rhizome extract it is able to prevent and reduce symptoms that occur in Covid-19, and preclinical studies and clinical studies are needed to prove this postulate.

Phytochemical and Safety Evaluations of Volatile Terpenoids from Zingiber Cassumunar Roxb. On Mature Carp Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Embryonic Zebrafish

Pharmaceutical products of essential oil from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. are extensively being developed, while the research on their safety is seldom documented. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the effect of cassumunar ginger oil on cell-based assay and the zebrafish model. The essential oil was isolated from fresh rhizomes of Z. cassumunar using simultaneous steam-distillation. Chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Effect of cassumunar ginger oil on adult carp fish peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated using MTT assay. The embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of cassumunar ginger oil were studied in zebrafish embryos. GC-MS results showed that the essential oil was composed of sabinene (43.54%) and terpinen-4-ol (29.52%) as the major phytoconstituents. No fish PBMC cytotoxic effect was observed with the concentration less than 50 µg/mL of cassumunar ginger oil. Our results showed for the first time the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of cassumunar ginger oil in zebrafish embryos. The result indicated that the cassumunar ginger oil induced zebrafish embryotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. At 500 µg/mL of cassumunar ginger oil demonstrated significantly moderated embryotoxicity within 24 h (p < 0.05). The survival rate of 100 µg/mL of cassumunar ginger group was markedly declined to zero at 96-h post-fertilization (log-rank test, p = 0.001). However, survival rates of zebrafish embryo in the 1 and 10 µg/mL cassumunar ginger groups were more than 90% throughout the trial period. Moreover, very low teratogenicity to the zebrafish embryo was also observed in 1 and 10 µg/mL of cassumunar ginger groups. Our findings suggest that there is hardly any cytotoxicity, embryotoxicity and teratogenicity at concentrations less than 10 µg/mL of cassumunar ginger oil. However, the toxicity assessment of its pharmaceutical product should prove for further consumer protection.

Acute effects of essential oil blend containing phlai oil on mood among healthy male volunteers: Randomized controlled trial

Background Essential oil blend (ESOB) containing Zingiber montanum or Phlai and Zingiber tenuiscapus oils as the major components has high levels of terpenes such as sabinene, terpinene, terpinolene, and terpine-4-ol. Phlai is well known for its analgesic property, but its effects on mood remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of inhaling the ESOB containing phlai essential oils on mood and stress among healthy volunteers. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial pilot study was conducted among 38 healthy male volunteers; 19 in the ESOB containing phlai oil group and 19 in the control group, which used olive oil. One single inhalation was provided continuously for 15 min via hot steam. Mood status was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scales for Mood, Anxiety, Stress and Alertness (MASA). Rorschach tests, in a modified analysis, were also employed. One-way ANCOVA was used to determine statistical differences of the mood test results between ESOB containing phlai oil and olive oil. Results Mean age of the participants was 22.11 (SD 2.1) years. Both ESOB containing phlai oil and olive oil increased the post-test scores of positive mood and reduced the scores of negative mood. However, no difference was observed regarding the mood test scores between groups, except concerning the Rorschach stress test (F (1,38)=6.486, p=0.015). The variance of change, explained by the model (R square), was 32.8%, while the adjusted R-squared was 0.290. Conclusions Single inhalation aromatherapy using ESOB containing phlai oil or olive oil showed an immediate improvement of mood states among healthy young male volunteers by easing the negative emotions and enhancing positive emotions, especially feelings of pleasure and contentment. Natural blend of phlai essential oils was more efficacious than olive oil in reducing emotional stress.

Safety Assessment of Bangle (Zingiber purpureum Rosc.) Rhizome Extract: Acute and Chronic Studies in Rats and Clinical Studies in Human

Bangle (Zingiber purpureum Rosc.) rhizome extract (BRE) contains phenylbutenoid dimers (banglenes), which exert neurotrophic effects and possess the potential capability to regenerate hippocampal neurons in mice. The acute and chronic oral toxicities of BRE powder were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. A dose of BRE powder was estimated to be higher than 2000 mg/kg containing BRE 534 mg/kg as minimum lethal dose in a single-dose oral toxicity study. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level for the BRE powder was 1000 mg/kg/day (BRE 267 mg/kg) in the 90 day oral toxicity study. Four week clinical studies of BRE tablets in humans suggested that the ingestion of BRE tablets within 850 mg/man/day (BRE 227 mg/man/day) was safe for at least 1 month and in a usual manner. The C _max, t _max, and AUC of cis- and trans-(E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-enes (c- and t-banglenes) were calculated after the ingestion of BRE tablets (BRE 227 mg) and were 17.73 and 22.61 ng/mL, 1.8 and 1.8 h, and 71.47 and 95.53 ng/mL/h, respectively.