Chemical composition of turmeric oil--a byproduct from turmeric oleoresin industry and its inhibitory activity against different fungi

Comparative study on organoleptic properties and volatile organic compounds in turmeric, turmeric essential oil, and by-products using E-nose, HS-GC-IMS, and HS-GC-MS

The properties, applications, and in vitro bioactivities of turmeric, turmeric essential oil (TEO), and turmeric essential oil by-products (TEO-BP) were evaluated using sensory analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and electronic nose techniques. A total of 62 and 66 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, were identified by GC-MS and GC-IMS, respectively. Distillation temperature, particularly at 90 °C, significantly influenced the color and organoleptic properties of TEO, with variations in VOC profiles driving these differences. Molecular distillation at 90 °C was found to optimize the purification and concentration of key VOCs in TEO. All turmeric samples demonstrated robust antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, with TEO-90 exhibiting the highest bioactivity. These results underscore the potential applications of TEO and TEO-BP in food and nutraceutical industries, offering a sustainable strategy to reduce waste and enhance the efficient utilization of turmeric resources.

Enrichment of Peanut butter using Curcuma Longa (turmeric) industrial byproducts and its impact on shelf life

This study explores the potential of Curcuma longa byproducts, called Curcuminoid removed turmeric oleoresin (CRTO), to extend the shelf life of peanut butter. CRTO, rich in curcuminoids, was added to peanut butter formulations to assess its preservative effects, flavour impact, and nutritional benefits. Results demonstrated that CRTO oil and curcuminoids effectively prolonged peanut butter shelf life by delaying rancidity. The study also compared results using oxygen scavenger film (OSF) packaging. Over time, water activity and oil separation increased, but CRTO oil and OSF helped to mitigate these effects. Sensory evaluations favored CRTO oil and curcuminoids, while microbial analysis confirmed safety of both the control and OSF samples for six months at 27 °C and 65% RH, and for four months at 37 °C and 95% RH. This study proposes a natural and sustainable method for extending peanut butter shelf life while enriching it with curcuminoids, with significant implications for the food industry.

Recent advances in delivering free or nanoencapsulated Curcuma by-products as antimicrobial food additives

Food commodities are often contaminated by microbial pathogens in transit or during storage. Hence, mitigation of these pathogens is necessary to ensure the safety of food commodities. Globally, researchers used botanicals as natural additives to preserve food commodities from bio-deterioration, and advances were made to meet users' acceptance in this domain, as synthetic preservatives are associated with harmful effects to both consumers and environments. Over the last century, the genus Curcuma has been used in traditional medicine, and its crude and nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) and curcuminoids were used to combat harmful pathogens that deteriorate stored foods. Today, more research is needed for solving the problem of pathogen resistance in food commodities and to meet consumer demands. Therefore, Curcuma-based botanicals may provide a source of natural preservatives for food commodities that satisfy the needs both of the food industry and the consumers. Hence, this article discusses the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of EOs and curcuminoids derived from the genus Curcuma. Further, the action modes of Curcuma-based botanicals are explained, and the latest advances in nanoencapsulation of these compounds in food systems are discussed alongside knowledge gaps and safety assessment where the focus of future research should be placed.

Pharmacological Profile, Bioactivities, and Safety of Turmeric Oil

The pharmacological attributes of turmeric have been extensively described and frequently related to the action of curcuminoids. However, there is also scientific evidence of the contribution of turmeric oil. Since the oil does not contain curcuminoids in its composition, it is crucial to better understand the therapeutic role of other constituents in turmeric. The present review discusses the pharmacokinetics of turmeric oil, pointing to the potential application of its active molecules as therapeutic compounds. In addition, the bioactivities of turmeric oil and its safety in preclinical and clinical studies were revised. This literature-based research intends to provide an updated overview to promote further research on turmeric oil and its constituents.

A Comprehensive Review on the Therapeutic Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. in Relation to its Major Active Constituent Curcumin

Curcuma longa Linn. (C. longa), popularly known as turmeric, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and has a long historical background of having healing properties against many diseases. In Unani and Ayurveda medicine, C. longa has been used for liver obstruction and jaundice, and has been applied externally for ulcers and inflammation. Additionally, it is employed in several other ailments such as cough, cold, dental issues, indigestion, skin infections, blood purification, asthma, piles, bronchitis, tumor, wounds, and hepatic disorders, and is used as an antiseptic. Curcumin, a major constituent of C. longa, is well known for its therapeutic potential in numerous disorders. However, there is a lack of literature on the therapeutic potential of C. longa in contrast to curcumin. Hence, the present review aimed to provide in-depth information by highlighting knowledge gaps in traditional and scientific evidence about C. longa in relation to curcumin. The relationship to one another in terms of biological action includes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, antifertility, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antidermatophytic, and antidepressant properties. Furthermore, in-depth discussion of C. longa on its taxonomic categorization, traditional uses, botanical description, phytochemical ingredients, pharmacology, toxicity, and safety aspects in relation to its major compound curcumin is needed to explore the trends and perspectives for future research. Considering all of the promising evidence to date, there is still a lack of supportive evidence especially from clinical trials on the adjunct use of C. longa and curcumin. This prompts further preclinical and clinical investigations on curcumin.

Turmeric Oil: Composition, Extraction, Potential Health Benefits and Other Useful Applications

The turmeric essential oil of Curcuma species has extensively more useful properties due to its rich phytochemical profile. The concentration of volatile chemical constituents varies according to their type of applied plant part (i.e., root, rhizome, leaves, and flower) for extraction and type of the adopted extraction method. Novel extraction and purification methods, subcritical CO2 , supercritical CO2 , pressurized liquid extraction, and molecular distillation are found to be more efficient for good recovery of this volatile oil, along with increased concentrations of specified compounds. Not only have the curcuminoid compounds had a broad potential in the field of pharmacology but also the turmeric oil is found to have great applicability in treating several diseases and disorders. Turmeric oil possesses good antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-hyperlipidemic anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hepato-protective properties. Apart from medicinal fields, this oil has also a great future in the cosmetics, pesticide, and food industries due to its rich chemical profile. The present review focuses on providing information about turmeric oil in terms of its physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and available traditional extraction techniques, as well as available novel extraction options, actual health benefits, and other useful applications. It is hoped that the reported information is helpful for further discovery in the area of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.

Variation in the Chemical Composition of Five Varieties of Curcuma longa Rhizome Essential Oils Cultivated in North Alabama

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an important spice, particularly is Asian cuisine, and is also used in traditional herbal medicine. Curcuminoids are the main bioactive agents in turmeric, but turmeric essential oils also contain health benefits. Turmeric is a tropical crop and is cultivated in warm humid environments worldwide. The southeastern United States also possesses a warm humid climate with a growing demand for locally sourced herbs and spices. In this study, five different varieties of C. longa were cultivated in north Alabama, the rhizome essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, and the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. The major components in the essential oils were α-phellandrene (3.7-11.8%), 1,8-cineole (2.6-11.7%), α-zingiberene (0.8-12.5%), β-sesquiphellandrene (0.7-8.0%), ar-turmerone (6.8-32.5%), α-turmerone (13.6-31.5%), and β-turmerone (4.8-18.4%). The essential oil yields and chemical profiles of several of the varieties are comparable with those from tropical regions, suggesting that these should be considered for cultivation and commercialization in the southeastern United States.

1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Reveal Enhancement of Growth-Promoting Metabolites in Onion Seedlings Treated with Green-Synthesized Nanomaterials

Seed priming is a promising approach to improve germination, emergence, and seedling growth by triggering pre-germinative metabolism and enhancing seedling vigor. Recently, nanopriming gained importance in seed improvement as a result of the small size and unique physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials. In the present study, silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized using onion extracts as the reducing agent. Similarly, the agro-food industrial byproducts citrus seed oil and curcumin-removed turmeric oleoresin were used for the preparation of nanoemulsions. For seed priming, these green-synthesized nanomaterials were incubated with seeds of two onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars (Legend and 50147) for 72 h, and then the plants were grown in a greenhouse for 3 weeks. Seed priming with these nanomaterials increased seed germination and seedling emergence. One-dimensional ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry metabolomics studies showed that different nanopriming treatments distinctly altered the metabolome of onion seedlings. Seed priming treatments significantly inhibited plant hormones and growth regulators, such as abscisic acid and cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, and enhanced germination stimulators, such as γ-aminobutyric acid and zeatin, in onion seeds and seedlings. Therefore, these priming treatments have positive impact on improving seed performance and plant growth.

Isolation, Characterization, and Possible Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Activities of Bisabolane-Type Sesquiterpenoid Derivatives and Phenolics from the Rhizomes of Curcuma longa

One new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid, together with four known bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid derivatives and seven phenolics, was isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR) data analysis. The possible anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activities of the isolated compounds were also evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans AD pathological model, and 1β-hydroxybisabola-2,10-dien-4-one had the highest possible anti-AD activity.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Seed Priming Improves Germination, Growth, Yield, and Quality of Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) at multi-locations in Texas

Seed priming uses treatments to improve seed germination and thus potentially increase growth and yield. Low-cost, environmentally friendly, effective seed treatment remain to be optimized and tested for high-value specialty crop like watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in multi-locations. This remains a particularly acute problem for triploids, which produce desirable seedless watermelons, but show low germination rates. In the present study, turmeric oil nanoemulsions (TNE) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from agro-industrial byproducts were used as nanopriming agents for diploid (Riverside) and triploid (Maxima) watermelon seeds. Internalization of nanomaterials was confirmed by neutron activation analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The seedling emergence rate at 14 days after sowing was significantly higher in AgNP-treated triploid seeds compared to other treatments. Soluble sugar (glucose and fructose) contents were enhanced during germination in the AgNP-treated seeds at 96 h. Seedlings grown in the greenhouse were transplanted at four locations in Texas: Edinburg, Pecos, Grapeland, and Snook in 2017. At Snook, higher yield 31.6% and 35.6% compared to control were observed in AgNP-treated Riverside and Maxima watermelons, respectively. To validate the first-year results, treated and untreated seeds of both cultivars were sown in Weslaco, Texas in 2018. While seed emegence and stand establishments were enhanced by seed priming, total phenolics radical-scavenging activities, and macro- and microelements in the watermelon fruits were not significantly different from the control. The results of the present study demonstracted that seed priming with AgNPs can enhance seed germination, growth, and yield while maintaining fruit quality through an eco-friendly and sustainable nanotechnological approach.

Curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles: antipathogenic and antiparasitic activities

Introduction: Curcumin is an important bioactive compound present in Curcuma longa, and is well known for its bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antioxidant activity. The use of curcumin is limited owing to its poor solubility in water, fast degradation, and low bioavailability. This problem can be solved by using nano-curcumin, which is soluble in water and enhances its activity against various microbial pathogens and parasites.Areas covered: We have reviewed curcumin, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles and their activities against various pathogenic microbes (antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal) and parasites, as curcumin has already demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It has also inhibited biofilm formation by various bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of curcumin can be increased in the presence of light radiation due to its photo-excitation. Further, it has been found that the activity of curcumin nanoparticles is enhanced when used in combination with antibiotics. Finally, we discussed the toxicity and safety issues of curcumin.Expert opinion: Since many microbial pathogens have developed resistance to antibiotics, the combination of curcumin with different nanoparticles will prove to be a boon for their treatment. Moreover, curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles can also be used against various parasites.

Herbal Medicine of the 21st Century: A Focus on the Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Five Widely Advocated Phytotherapies

Widely advocated for their health benefits worldwide, herbal medicines (HMs) have evolved into a billion dollar generating industry. Much is known regarding their wellness inducing properties, prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for the relief of both minor to chronic ailment conditions given their long-standing use among various cultures worldwide. On the other hand, their equally meaningful chemistry, pharmacokinetic profile in humans, interaction and toxicity profile have been poorly researched and documented. Consequently, this review is an attempt to highlight the health benefits, pharmacokinetics, interaction, and toxicity profile of five globally famous HMs. A systematic literature search was conducted by browsing major scientific databases such as Bentham Science, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO to include 196 articles. In general, ginsenosides, glycyrrhizin and curcumin demonstrate low bioavailability when orally administered. Ginkgo biloba L. induces both CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and alters the AUC and Cmax of conventional medications including midazolam, tolbutamide, lopinavir and nifedipine. Ginsenosides Re stimulates CYP2C9, decreasing the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze increases the bioavailability of buspirone and is rich in vitamin K thereby inhibiting the activity of anticoagulant agents. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. displaces serum bound cardiovascular drugs such as diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil. Herbal medicine can directly affect hepatocytes leading to hepatoxicity based on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The potentiation of the activity of concurrently administered conventional agents is potentially lethal especially if the drugs bear dangerous side effects and have a low therapeutic window.

The comparison of the effect of curcumin with nystatin on inhibition level of Candida albicans

Background

Curcumin is a kind of medicinal plant, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. As the herbal medicine has been globally demanded in recent years and due to the anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties of curcumin, the present study aimed to compare the inhibitory effect of curcumin with that of nystatin on Candida albicans growth.

Methods

In this experimental study, the antifungal effect of curcumin on Candida albicans was evaluated. Candida albicans is cultivated in Agar Sabuard medium containing chlorophenic, 10-series of curcumin extract, and one 10-series of a disc impregnated with nystatin. Inside of each plate, one disc of herbal extract, one disc of nystatin as a positive control, one disc of methanol and one empty disc as negative control were placed, after 24 hrs, the inhibitory zone diameter of the herbal extract was compared with that of positive control using Mann–Whitney.

Results

The mean of inhibitory zone diameter in nystatin and curcumin was 1.04±20.46 and 1.36±0.89 mm, respectively. Mann–Whitney test shows a significant difference between the inhibitory zone diameter of these materials (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that curcumin extract did not have any effect on the inhibition of Candida albicans in laboratory environment.

Diarylheptanoids as nutraceutical: A review

Phenolic compounds are naturally occurring compounds present ubiquitously in plants. They have potential health benefits and substantiate evidence for their nutraceutical applications. Diarylheptanoids are part of the broad class of plant phenolics with structurally divergent compounds. They have been used in traditional medicines and homemade remedies to treat various ailments, as organoleptic additives in foods, and also for aesthetic purposes. With their potential therapeutic and organoleptic characteristics, diarylhepatanoids can be rightly termed as nutraceuticals. This review summarizes the wide range of pharmacological activities of diarylhepatanoids and nutraceutical formulations, with relevance to human health.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Curcuma Species

Members of the genus Curcuma L. have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for treating gastrointestinal disorders, pain, inflammatory conditions, wounds, and for cancer prevention and antiaging, among others. Many of the biological activities of Curcuma species can be attributed to nonvolatile curcuminoids, but these plants also produce volatile chemicals. Essential oils, in general, have shown numerous beneficial effects for health maintenance and treatment of diseases. Essential oils from Curcuma spp., particularly C. longa, have demonstrated various health-related biological activities and several essential oil companies have recently marketed Curcuma oils. This review summarizes the volatile components of various Curcuma species, the biological activities of Curcuma essential oils, and potential safety concerns of Curcuma essential oils and their components.

Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Spices and Condiments as Alternative Antimicrobial Remedy

Medicinal values of spices and condiments are being revived by biologists through in vitro and in vivo trials providing evidence for its antimicrobial activities. The essential oils and extracts of spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg contain active compounds like piperine, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and lignans. Similarly, condiments like coriander, black cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger are recognized for constituents like linalool, thymoquinones, curcumin, allicin, and geranial respectively. These act as natural preventive components of several diseases and represent as antioxidants in body cells. Scientists have to investigate the biochemical nature, mode of action, and minimum concentration of administrating active ingredients effectively. This review reports findings of recent research carried out across South Asia and Middle East countries where spices and condiments form chief flavoring components of traditional foods. It narrates the history, myths, and facts people believe in these regions. There may not be scientific explanation but has evidence of cure for centuries.

Alves L, Brocksom TJ, de Oliveira KT. Combining batch and continuous flow setups in the end-to-end synthesis of naturally occurring curcuminoids

A successful end-to-end continuous flow synthesis of pure curcumin (1) and two other natural derivatives present in turmeric is described.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Various Essential Oils at Varying Concentrations against Periopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis

INTRODUCTION

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) is a notorious perio-pathogen with the ability to evade host defense mechanism and invade into the periodontal tissues. Many antimicrobial agents have been tested that curb its growth, although these agents tend to produce side effects such as antibiotic resistance and opportunistic infections. Therefore search for naturally occurring anti-microbials with lesser side effects is the need of the hour.

AIM

The aim of this study was to substantiate the antimicrobial activity of various essential oils; eucalyptus oil, chamomile oil, tea tree oil and turmeric oil against P. gingivalis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pure cultures of P. gingivalis were grown on selective blood agar. Antimicrobial efficacy of various concentrations of essential oils (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%) was assessed via disc diffusion test. Zone of inhibition were measured around disc after 48 hours in millimeters.

RESULTS

Zones of inhibition were directly proportional to the concentration of essential oils tested. At 100% concentration all the tested oils possess antimicrobial activity against P.gingivalis with eucalyptus oil being most effective followed by tea tree oil, chamomile oil and turmeric oil.

CONCLUSION

All essential oils tested were effective against P.gingivalis. After testing for their clinical safety they could be developed into local agents to prevent and treat periodontitis.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome Paste and Honey Show Similar Wound Healing Potential: A Preclinical Study in Rabbits

The potential efficacy of fresh turmeric (Curcuma longa) paste to heal wounds was tested in a preclinical study in an animal model. Turmeric paste was comparedwith honey as a topicalmedicament against a control on experimentally created full-thickness circular wounds in 18 rabbits (Oryctolagous cuniculus). Wound healing was assessed on the basis of physical, histomorphological, and histochemical parameters on treatment days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Only tensile strength was measured on day 14 of treatment. It was observed that the wound healing was statistically significantly faster (P < .01) in both treatment groups compared to the control group.

Chemical constituents of Abies delavayi

Systematic phytochemical investigations on Abies delavayi afforded 110 compounds, including 49 terpenoids, 13 lignans, 20 flavonoids, three coumarins, and 25 other chemical constituents. By detailed analysis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic and high-resolution mass spectrometric data, 10 previously unreported compounds were identified: they comprised three sesquiterpenoids, two diterpenoids, one triterpenoid, one monoterpenoid, one flavonoid, and two phenols. These 10 compounds and some previously known ones were subjected to two cytotoxic bioassays against three human tumor cell lines and NO production inhibition on RAW264.7 macrophages, respectively. (25R)-24,25-Dihydroabieslactone had the strongest cytotoxic activity against Colo-205 cells with an IC50 value of 19.0±3.7μg/mL. (+)-T-cadinol, 8,11,13-abietatrien-15-ol-18-yl acetate, 18-acetoxy-13-epi-manool, imperatorin, bergapten, and 5,7-O-dimethyl poriol exhibited weak inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of approximately 50μg/mL.

Biological Studies of Turmeric Oil, Part 3: Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Turmeric Oil and Fish Oil in Comparison with Aspirin

Turmeric and fish oil have been gaining interest as food supplements because of their beneficial properties. Turmeric oil contains sesquiterpenes and fish oil has eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possessing anti-inflammatory activity. The present study is to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of these two natural food products with aspirin as a standard. The percent inhibition as a measure of paw edema for turmeric oil and fish oil at 100 mg/kg was 76% and 31%, respectively, while the percent inhibition by the combination of the two at 100 mg/kg was 62%, which was the same as that of aspirin at the same dose. The inhibitory activity of fish oil at 50 mg/kg was 86% and with an increase in dose the activity decreased. The analgesic activity measured by the tail flick method showed optimum activities for turmeric oil and fish oil at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively, whereas the combination of the two decreased the analgesic activity. Thus the two common food ingredients, oils from turmeric and fish, have desirable biochemical properties to develop further their use as food and medicine.

Effectiveness of curcumin against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of curcumin against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate in vitro. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) served as standards for comparison.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biofilms of E.faecalis were formed on instrumented, extracted human teeth (n = 96). At the end of the 2nd day, 2nd and 8th weeks, specimens were treated for 30 min with one of the test solutions or saline (control) and the surviving colony-forming units (CFU/mL) was recorded. Results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunnet test for pair-wise comparison with Bonferroni correction (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

Only NaOCl showed complete eradication of bacteria at all time periods. In the 2-day and 2nd week biofilms, curcumin and NaOCl showed complete inhibition, which was significantly lower than the CFU recovered in the CHX and saline groups (p < 0.05). In 8 week biofilms, samples treated with curcumin showed 553 ± 137.6 CFU/mL, which was significantly higher than NaOCl (0 CFU/mL), but significantly lower than CHX (2551 ± 129.8) and saline control (1.42 × 1011 ± 2.12 × 1010; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium hypochlorite (3%) showed maximum antibacterial activity against E.faecalis biofilm formed on the tooth substrate, followed by curcumin and CHX. Considering the potential for undesirable properties of NaOCl, the use of herbal alternatives in endodontics might prove to be advantageous.

Biological Studies of Turmeric Oil, Part 1: Selective in vitro Anticancer Activity of Turmeric Oil (TO) and TO-Paclitaxel Combination

The oil from turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains several sesquiterpenes with medicinal properties. The oil fractions were purified by repeated high vacuum distillations to constant boiling points and by column chromatography. The major components in the oil fractions were identified as α,β and ar-turmerones. The purified turmeric oil (TO) fractions had growth inhibitory activity against breast (SKBR-3), pancreatic (PANC-1), and prostate (PC-3) cancers, and reduced activity against a non-cancerous cell line, WI-38. A combination of the distillation fraction of turmeric oil and paclitaxel showed substantial increase in growth inhibitory activity against the three cancer cell lines compared with paclitaxel alone, while having reduced activity against the non-cancerous cell line. Percent inhibition may be related to the structural parameters of the turmerones. These results suggest that components in turmeric oil fractions have anticancer activity against breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer and a strong positive effect on the activity of paclitaxel.

Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents From Mother Nature

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States after cancers of the lung and the breast/prostate. While the incidence of CRC in the United States is among the highest in the world (approximately 52/100,000), its incidence in countries in India is among the lowest (approximately 7/100,000), suggesting that lifestyle factors may play a role in development of the disease. Whereas obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, a high-calorie diet, and a lack of physical activity promote this cancer, evidence indicates that foods containing folates, selenium, Vitamin D, dietary fiber, garlic, milk, calcium, spices, vegetables, and fruits are protective against CRC in humans. Numerous agents from "mother nature" (also called "nutraceuticals,") that have potential to both prevent and treat CRC have been identified. The most significant discoveries relate to compounds such as cardamonin, celastrol, curcumin, deguelin, diosgenin, thymoquinone, tocotrienol, ursolic acid, and zerumbone. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, these agents modulate multiple targets, including transcription factors, growth factors, tumor cell survival factors, inflammatory pathways, and invasion and angiogenesis linked closely to CRC. We describe the potential of these dietary agents to suppress the growth of human CRC cells in culture and to inhibit tumor growth in animal models. We also describe clinical trials in which these agents have been tested for efficacy in humans. Because of their safety and affordability, these nutraceuticals provide a novel opportunity for treatment of CRC, an "old age" disease with an "age old" solution.

Maturation and upregulation of functions of murine dendritic cells (DCs) under the influence of purified aromatic-turmerone (AR)

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of purified aromatic-turmerone (ar-turmerione, AR) on murine dendritic cells (DCs). These impacts of AR on DCs from bone marrow derived DCs(BMDCs) were assessed with use of conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cytochemistry assay, FITC-dextran, bio-assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that AR induced phenotypic maturation as evidenced by increased expression of CD86, CD40, CD83, CD80 and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II). The functional tests showed the activity of acidic phosphatase (ACP) inside the DCs were downregulated after treatment with AR (which occurs when phagocytosis of DCs were decreased). Finally, we proved that AR increased the production of IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). These data suggested that AR could promote phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs and this adjuvant-like activity may have potential therapeutic value. It is therefore concluded that AR could exert positive modulation on murine DCs.

Plant extracts for the control of bacterial growth: efficacy, stability and safety issues for food application

The microbial safety of foods continues to be a major concern to consumers, regulatory agencies and food industries throughout the world. Many food preservation strategies have been used traditionally for the control of microbial spoilage in foods but the contamination of food and spoilage by microorganisms is a problem yet to be controlled adequately. Although synthetic antimicrobials are approved in many countries, the recent trend has been for use of natural preservatives, which necessitates the exploration of alternative sources of safe, effective and acceptable natural preservatives. Plants contain innumerable constituents and are valuable sources of new and biologically active molecules possessing antimicrobial properties. Plants extracts either as standardized extracts or as a source of pure compounds provide unlimited opportunities for control of microbial growth owing to their chemical diversity. Many plant extracts possess antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria, yeast and molds, but the variations in quality and quantity of their bioactive constituents is the major detriments in their food use. Further, phytochemicals added to foods may be lost by various processing techniques. Several plant extracts or purified compounds intended for food use have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, but typical toxicological information is not available for them. Although international guidelines exist for the safety evaluation of food additives, owing to problems in standardization of plant extracts, typical toxicological values have not been assigned to them. Development of cost effective isolation procedures that yield standardized extracts as well as safety and toxicology evaluation of these antimicrobials requires a deeper investigation.

Antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activities of Garcinia extracts

The effect of hexane and chloroform extracts from the fruit rinds of Garcinia cowa and Garcinia pedunculata on the growth and aflatoxin production in Aspergillus flavus was studied using peanut powder as a model food system. The growth of A. flavus was completely inhibited by the hexane and chloroform extracts from G. cowa and chloroform extract from G. pedunculata at 3000 ppm concentration, which was considered as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC for the hexane extract of G. pedunculata was at 4000 ppm. Both the extracts from G. cowa inhibited aflatoxin B1 production upto 100% at a lower concentration of 2000 ppm. It was observed that, at lower concentration of the extracts from G. cowa and G. pedunculata, the degree of inhibition of aflatoxin production was much higher than the inhibition of fungal growth. The hexane and chloroform extracts from G. cowa and G. pedunculata were also studied for their antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex at 100 ppm concentration and reducing power by potassium ferricyanide reduction method at various concentrations. Hexane and chloroform extracts from G. cowa showed higher antioxidant capacity than G. pedunculata extracts. Similarly, both the extracts from G. cowa showed higher reducing power than the extracts from G. pedunculata. The antiaflatoxigenic activities of the extracts from G. cowa and G. pedunculata may be due to their effective antioxidative properties, which could suppress the biosynthesis of aflatoxin.