Modern Researches of Galangal.Lesser Galangal Root Alpinia officinarum.:

  seminal trace...Alpinia officinarum.Lesser Galangal Root Extract.10:1.Galangal Root Extract.Galangin.CAS RN:548-83-4.M.F.C15H10O5;Eugenol.M.F.C10H12O2.Alpinia officinarum Extract.Radix Galangae......

 


   Phytochemical info of Lesser Galangal Root:

 Product Name:
 Synonym:
 Definition:Lesser Galangal Root extract are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research update of Lesser Galangal Root.:

 This herb contains a volatile oil with cineole and methyl cinnamate as its main ingredients. It also contains galangin, galangol, etc.
 The 0.25% or 0.75% water decoction of this herb can stimulate isolated intestinal ducts. Its 1% or 0.2% water decoction and the saturated water solution of its volatile oil have inhibitory effects.
 The decoction of this herb can inhibit anthrax bacillus, Bacillus Diphtheriae, hemolytic streptococcus, hay bacillus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis, etc., to different extents.
 Galangal contains a volatile oil, an acrid resin, kaempferid, C16H12O6, galangin,C15H10O5, alpinin, C17H12O6, and galangol, with an unknown gummy substance and lignin. A. Vogel, Jr., found also starch and fixed oil. (Ph. Cb., 1844, 158.) The active principles are the volatile oil and acrid resin. Galangal is a stimulant aromatic.
 

  Anti-inflammatory activity of Galangal content:

 According to the latest investigations, the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis is connected to its radical scavenging activity to a great extent. Natural phenolics are among the substances known as potential radical scavengers. In detailed studies on radical scavenging action of individual components, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, together with the flavonoids galangin, kaempferol, and kaempferid, were identified as active components in exerting propolis' renowned anti-inflammatory activity (Krol et al., 1996). Phenolics were reported to affect the activity of several systems known to be involved in the inflammatory process.
 Dosage:From 15 to 30 grains in substance, and double in infusion. Fluid extract, 30 to 60 minims.
 Dosage At a moderate dosage, galangal is a warming and gently stimulating herb for a weakened digestive system, but at a higher dosage it can be an irritant.

  Chemical study of Alpinia officinarum:

 Seven compounds were isolated from Alinia officinarum Hance and were identified as beta-sitoterol, 1,7-diphenyl-5-ol-3-heptone, 1-phenyl-7-(3'-methoxyl-4'-hydroxyl) phenyl-5-ol-3-heptone, glandin, kaempferol-4'-methylether and 3,4-dihydroxylbenzoic acid by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, FAB-MS and EA. Among these compounds, 3,4-dihydroxylbenzoic acid was the first time obtained from Alpinia officinarum Hance. Furthermore, 1-phenyl-7-(3'-methoxyl-4'-hydroxyl) phenyl-5-ol-3-heptone and a new compound 1,7-diphenyl-3,5-heptandiol-phenyl-7-(3'-methoxyl-4'-hydroxyl) phenyl-3,5-heptaxdiol were obtained from 1,7-diphenyl-5-ol-3-heptone and 1-phenyl-7-(3'-methoxyl-4'-hydroxyl) phenyl-5-ol-3-heptone via chemical reductions.

  Isolation and structural elucidation of some glycosides from the rhizomes of smaller galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance).

 Glycosidically bound compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of fresh rhizomes of smaller galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance). Nine glycosides (1-9) were finally obtained by reversed-phase HPLC and their structures were elucidated by MS and NMR analyses. They were the three known glycosides, (1R,3S,4S)-trans-3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), benzyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), and 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (chavicol beta-D-glucopyranoside, 4); and the six novel glycosides, 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 1-hydroxy-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (5), 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene (demethyleugenol beta-D-glucopyranoside, 6), 1-O-(6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene (demethyleugenol beta-rutinoside, 7), 1-O-(6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-4-allylbenzene (chavicol beta-rutinoside, 8), and 1,2-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (9). Compounds 2-9 were detected for the first time as constituents of galanga rhizomes.

  Isolation and identification of trans-2- and trans-3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole glucosides from Alpinia galanga.:

 Three hydroxy-1,8-cineole glucopyranosides, (1R, 2R, 4S)- and (1S, 2S, 4R)-trans-2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranosides, and (1R, 3S, 4S)-trans-3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranoside, which are possible precursors of acetoxy-1,8-cineoles as unique aroma components, were isolated from the rhizomes of greater galangal (Alpinia galanga W.). Their structures were analyzed by FAB-MS and NMR spectrometry, and the absolute configulation of each aglycone was determined by using a GC-MS analysis with a capillary column coated with a chiral stationary phase. The composition of the diastereomers of (1R, 2R, 4S)- and (1S, 2S, 4R)-trans-2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranosides in the rhizomes was determined as 3:7 by a GC-MS analysis after preparing the trifluoroacetate derivatives of the glucosides.


  Inhibitory activity of Thai condiments on pandemic strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.:Food Microbiol. 2007 Jun;24(4):413-8. Epub 2006 May 12.Vuddhakul V, Bhoopong P, Hayeebilan F, Subhadhirasakul S.Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-yai, Thailand.

 Antibacterial activity of 13 condiments used in Thai cooking was investigated with a pandemic strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Using a disk diffusion technique, freshly squeezed extracts from galangal, garlic and lemon, at a concentration of 10mul/disk produced a clear zone of 13.6+/-0.5, 11.6+/-0.5 and 8.6+/-1.2mm, respectively. The inhibitory activity of these 3 condiments on pandemic strains was not significantly different from that on non-pandemic strains of V. parahaemolyticus. Because of its popularity in seafood cooking, galangal was subjected to further investigation. Only a chloroform extract of galangal inhibited growth of V. parahaemolyticus producing a clear zone of 9.5+/-0.5, 12.0+/-0 and 13.5+/-0.5mm diameter at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100mug/disk, respectively. One active component is identified as 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate. The activity of galangal was not reduced at pH 3 or in the presence of 0.15% bile salt but was reduced by freeze and spray drying. Heating a fresh preparation of galangal to 100 degrees C but not 50 degrees C for 30min also reduced growth inhibition. Therefore, using fresh galangal in cooking was recommended. The MIC and MBC of a freshly squeezed preparation of galangal were 1:16 and 1:16, respectively. This is the first report of an inhibitory activity of a Thai medicinal plant, galangal that is used in Thai cooking, on the pandemic strain of V. parahaemolyticus.

  Determination of diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal) by HPLC with photodiode array and electrochemical detection.:

 Normal-phase column chromatography followed by semi-preparative reversed-phase HPLC has been used to isolate, from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, five diarylheptanoids identified as 5-hydroxy-7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone, 5-methoxy-7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone, 7-(4"-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one, 7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-hept-4-en-3-one, 1,7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one. The levels of these five diarylheptanoids in root material were determined quantitatively by HPLC with UV detection and the assay methods so developed were simple, rapid and accurate. Four of the diarylheptanoids could also be detected by HPLC with electrochemical detection (ECD) in the oxidative mode, and ECD was found to have a higher sensitivity than photodiode array detection.

  Presence of fatty acid synthase inhibitors in the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum hance.:

 The galangal (the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum, Hance) is popular in Asia as a traditional herbal medicine. The present study reports that the galangal extract (GE) can potently inhibit fatty-acid synthase (FAS, E.C.2.3.1.85). The inhibition consists of both reversible inhibition with an IC50 value of 1.73 microg dried GE/ml, and biphasic slow-binding inactivation. Subsequently the reversible inhibition and slow-binding inactivation to FAS were further studied. The inhibition of FAS by galangin, quercetin and kaempferol, which are the main flavonoids existing in the galangal, showed that quercetin and kaempferol had potent reversible inhibitory activity, but all three flavonoids had no obvious slow-binding inactivation. Analysis of the kinetic results led to the conclusion that the inhibitory mechanism of GE is totally different from that of some other previously reported inhibitors of FAS, such as cerulenin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and C75.

  5-Hydroxy-7-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone: a pancreatic lipase inhibitor isolated from Alpinia officinarum.:

 A pancreatic lipase inhibitor, 5-hydroxy-7-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone (HPH), from the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum (AO) was isolated and its antihyperlipidemic activity was measured. HPH inhibited a pancreatic lipase with an IC(50) value of 1.5 mg/ml (triolein as a substrate). HPH significantly lowered the serum TG level in corn oil feeding-induced triglyceridemic mice, and reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. However, HPH did not show hypolipidemic activity in high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Based on these findings, we propose that PL inhibitors may be effective as hypolipidemic agents.

  A diarylheptanoid from lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum) inhibits proinflammatory mediators via inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase, p44/42, and transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B.:

 The diarylheptanoid 7-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one (HMP) is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum). In the present study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of this compound on mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with HMP (6.25-25 microM) significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production. This compound also inhibited the release of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from human PB-MCs in vitro. In addition, Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that HMP decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, HMP treatment also reduced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) DNA binding induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for inhibition of proinflammatory mediators by HMP (25 microM), we have studied the effect of HMP on LPS-induced p38 and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We observed that the phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was markedly inhibited by HMP, whereas activation of p38 MAPK was not affected. These results suggested that HMP from lesser galangal suppressed the LPS-induced production of NO, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha and expression of iNOS and COX-2 gene expression by inhibiting NF-kappa B activation and phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK.

  Isolation and identification of trans-2- and trans-3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole glucosides from Alpinia galanga.:

 Three hydroxy-1,8-cineole glucopyranosides, (1R, 2R, 4S)- and (1S, 2S, 4R)-trans-2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranosides, and (1R, 3S, 4S)-trans-3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranoside, which are possible precursors of acetoxy-1,8-cineoles as unique aroma components, were isolated from the rhizomes of greater galangal (Alpinia galanga W.). Their structures were analyzed by FAB-MS and NMR spectrometry, and the absolute configulation of each aglycone was determined by using a GC-MS analysis with a capillary column coated with a chiral stationary phase. The composition of the diastereomers of (1R, 2R, 4S)- and (1S, 2S, 4R)-trans-2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole beta-D-glucopyranosides in the rhizomes was determined as 3:7 by a GC-MS analysis after preparing the trifluoroacetate derivatives of the glucosides.

  Pungent principal of Alpinia galangal (L.) swartz and its applications.:

 The pungent principal of galangal [Alpinia galangal (L.) Swartz] rhizomes was isolated and identified as 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (galangal acetate). Galangal acetate exhibits a unique pungent sensation, which is less intense than that of capsaicin and without a lingering effect. Applications of galangal acetate were tested in beverages, sweet goods, dressings, and personal care products. In many applications, galangal acetate is preferred to other pungent ingredients. It can be used as an alcohol enhancer or an alcohol replacer in alcohol and alcohol-free beverages. Galangal acetate is not stable in aqueous solutions and undergoes hydrolysis/isomerization reactions. Therefore, galangal acetate was absent in galangal essential oil obtained by steam distillation. However, galangal acetate was found as one of the major volatile components of the galangal rhizomes by headspace GC analysis. The stability of galangal acetate was studied under various conditions.

  1'S-1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate isolated from Alpinia galanga inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by blocking Rev transport.:

 AIDS remains a major global health concern. Despite a number of therapeutic advancements, there is still an urgent need to develop a new class of therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here, it was shown that 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), a small molecular compound isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga, inhibited Rev transport at a low concentration by binding to chromosomal region maintenance 1 and accumulating full-length HIV-1 RNA in the nucleus, resulting in a block in HIV-1 replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Additionally, ACA and didanosine acted synergistically to inhibit HIV-1 replication. Thus, ACA may represent a novel treatment for HIV-1 infection, especially in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.

  A new glycoside from Alpinia officinarum.:

 Aim: To investigate the glycosidic constituents in the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance. Methods: The isolation and purification of glycosides were done with column chromatography on macro porous resin, polyamides and Sephadex LH-20, whilst the structure elucidation was done by HRCI-MS and NMR (1D and 2D) methods. Results: A glycosidic ester identified as 4'-hydroxy-2'-methoxyphenol-beta-D-{6-0-[4"-hydroxy-3", 5"-dimethoxy (benzoate)]}-glucopyranoside (I), along with a known compound n-butyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside (II), were isolated and characterized. Conclusion: I was found to be a new compound, named as alpinoside A, whilst II was isolated from the genus Alpinia for the first time.

  Determination of diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal) by HPLC with photodiode array and electrochemical detection.:

 Normal-phase column chromatography followed by semi-preparative reversed-phase HPLC has been used to isolate, from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, five diarylheptanoids identified as 5-hydroxy-7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone, 5-methoxy-7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone, 7-(4"-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one, 7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-hept-4-en-3-one, 1,7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one. The levels of these five diarylheptanoids in root material were determined quantitatively by HPLC with UV detection and the assay methods so developed were simple, rapid and accurate. Four of the diarylheptanoids could also be detected by HPLC with electrochemical detection (ECD) in the oxidative mode, and ECD was found to have a higher sensitivity than photodiode array detection.

  Inhibitors of nitric oxide production from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga: structures of new 8-9' linked neolignans and sesquineolignan.:

 The 80% aqueous acetone extract from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga showed nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activities in mouse peritoneal macrophages. From the aqueous acetone extract, three new 8-9' linked neolignans, galanganal, galanganols A and B, and a sesquineolignan, galanganol C, were isolated together with nine known phenylpropanoids and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The structures of new neolignans were determined on the basis of physicochemical and chemical evidence. In addition, the inhibitory effects of the constituents from the rhizomes of A. galanga on NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse peritoneal macrophages were examined. Among them, galanganal (IC50=68 microM), galanganols B (88 microM) and C (33 microM), 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (2.3 microM), 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (11 microM), trans-p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (ca. 20 microM), trans-p-coumaryl alcohol (72 microM), and trans-p-coumaryl diacetate (19 microM) were found to show inhibitory activity.

  Antioxidative compounds isolated from the rhizomes of smaller galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance).:

 Antioxidative compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of fresh rhizome of smaller galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance). Seven phenylpropanoids (1-7) were obtained and their structures were elucidated by MS and NMR analyses. They comprised the two known compounds, (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol gamma-O-methyl ether (1) and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol (6); and the five novel compounds, stereoisomers of (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (2a and 2b), stereoisomers of (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-ethoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (3a and 3b), (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1-[(2E)-3-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-propenoxy]-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-pentene (4), (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(methoxymethyl)-4-penten-1-ol (5), and (4E)-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-penten-1-ol (7). Compounds 1-7 were detected for the first time as constituents of galanga rhizomes and exhibited antioxidative activities against the autoxidation of methyl linoleate in bulk phase.

  Chemical composition of the essential oils of two Alpinia species from Hainan Island, China.:

 The essential oils of two Alpinia species, ie. A. hainanensis and A. katsumadai, from Hainan Island, China were analyzed by using GC-MS. The major constituents in the leaf oil of A. hainanensis were ocimene (27.4%), beta-pinene (10.1%), 9-octadecenoic acid (6.5%), n-hexadecanoic acid (5.8%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (5.4%), and terpinen (4.3%). The oil constituents obtained from the flowers of A. hainanensis were ocimene (39.8%), beta-pinene (17.7%), terpinene (5.5%), p-menth-1-en-ol (4.9%), caryophyllene (4.9%), and phellandrene (4.4%). In A. katsumadai, the major constituents in the leaf oil were p-menth-1-en-ol (22.0%), terpinen (19.0%), 4-carene (9.1%), 1,8-cineole (8.3%), and camphor (5.6%). The major constituents in the flower oil were p-menth-1-en-ol (21.3%), 1,8-cineole (20.2%), terpinen (12.6%), phellandrene (7.0%), 4-carene (6.4%), and beta-pinene (5.2%).

  Analysis of the essential oils of the leaves, stems, rhizomes and roots of the medicinal plant Alpinia galanga from southern India.:

 The essential oils of the leaves, stems, rhizomes and roots of the medicinal plant Alpinia galanga from southern India were investigated by GC-FID, GC-MS and olfactometry. In all four samples, mono- and sesquiterpenes as well as (E)-methyl cinnamate could be identified. They are responsible for the characteristic odor as well as for the reported use in (folk) medicine and in food products of A. galanga. The essential oil of A. galanga leaves is rich in 1,8-cineole (28.3%), camphor (15.6%), beta-pinene (5.0%), (E)-methyl cinnamate (4.6%), bornyl acetate (4.3%) and guaiol (3.5%). The stem essential oil contains 1,8-cineole (31.1%), camphor (11.0%), (E)-methyl cinnamate (7.4%), guaiol (4.9%), bornyl acetate (3.6%), beta-pinene (3.3%) and alpha-terpineol (3.3%). 1,8-cineole (28.4%), alpha-fenchyl acetate (18.4%), camphor (7.7%), (E)-methyl cinnamate (4.2%) and guaiol (3.3%) are the main constituents of the rhizome essential oil. The root essential oil contains alpha-fenchyl acetate (40.9%), 1,8-cineole (9.4%), borneol (6.3%), bornyl acetate (5.4%) and elemol (3.1%). In addition, biological and aroma effects of the main and minor compounds of the four essential oils of Alpinia galanga are discussed in terms of their possible use in medicine, cosmetics and foods.

  Antiallergic principles from Alpinia galanga: structural requirements of phenylpropanoids for inhibition of degranulation and release of TNF-alpha and IL-4 in RBL-2H3 cells.:

 The 80% aqueous acetone extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga was found to inhibit release of beta-hexosaminidase, as a marker of antigen-IgE-mediated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Nine known phenylpropanoids and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde were isolated from the extract. Among them, 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate exhibited potent inhibitory activity with IC(50) values of 15 and 19 microM. From the effects of various related compounds, both the 1'- and 4-acetoxyl groups of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate were essential for their strong activity, and the 2'-3' double bond enhanced the activity. In addition, 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate inhibited ear passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions in mice and the antigen-IgE-mediated TNF-alpha and IL-4 production, both of which participate in the late phase of type I allergic reactions, in RBL-2H3 cells.


  Antioxidative/Antimicrobial effects of galangal and alpha-tocopherol in minced beef.:

 The antioxidant and microbial stabilities of galangal (Alpinia galanga) extract in raw minced beef were examined at 4 +/- 1 degree C. Raw minced beef containing galangal extracts (0 to 0.10%, wt/wt) were prepared. Lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage was assessed by monitoring malonaldehyde formation, using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method. In minced beef, added galangal extract improved oxidative stability. Galangal extract at higher concentrations of 0.05% and 0.10% (wt/wt) were also found to extend the shelf-life of minced beef. Addition of alpha-tocopherol (0.02%, wt/wt) to galangal extract (0.05%, wt/wt) were observed to increase the oxidative but not the microbial stability of minced beef during the storage of 7 days. Galangal extract may prove useful in inhibiting lipid oxidation and increasing microbial stability of minced meat.

  Vectorial angle method for studying on GC fingerprint of naphtha in Alpinia officinarum Hance:

 Aim: To establish GC quality analysis and GC fingerprint spectrum of naphtha in Alpinia officinarum Hance. Methods: The naphtha in Alpinia officinarum Hance was extracted and analyzed by GC to establish the fingerprint spectrum. The results were analyzed by similarity grade calculate method to compare the fingerprint difference of Alpinia officinarum Hance. Results: The GC fingerprint spectrum of Alpinia officinarum Hance were established. It consisted of 11 peaks. The GC spectrum results were analyzed by similarity grade calculate method which can divide Alpinia officinarum Hance into various habitats. Conclusion: The fingerprint spectrum can be used to distinguish Alpinia officinarum Hance and to evaluate its quality.

  Effects of aqueous extract of Alpinia calcarata rhizomes on reproductive competence of male rats.:

 This study examined the effects of rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) on male sexual competence and fertility, using a hot water extract (HWE) and rats. Different doses of HWE (150, 250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally administrated to male rats and their sexual behaviour was monitored (for 15 min) 3 h later using receptive females. Fertility was determined in a separate group (with the highest dose) using a noncompetitive copulation test. In the sexual behaviour study, the HWE impaired the number of rats ejaculating and markedly prolonged the latency for ejaculation. Further, the number of rats mounting and intromitting, and the latencies for mounting and intromission were inhibited. Collectively, these observations indicate a strong aphrodisiac action. The other parameters remained unchanged indicating non-impairment in libido, sexual arousability, sexual vigour and sexual performance or penile erectile ability. However, a slight impairment was evident in sexual motivation (with the highest dose) in a partner preference test. In the fertility test, HWE induced profound oligozoospermia but fertility was uninhibited. The highest dose of HWE also elevated the serum testosterone level and the number of spontaneous penile erections rapidly and markedly. Further, the HWE was nontoxic. It is concluded that A. calcarata rhizomes possess a strong and safe oral aphrodisiac activity.

  Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase activity by diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum.:

 The acetone extract from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum was evaluated for activity against 5alpha-reductase which had been prepared from rat prostate. The fraction responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme was purified, analyzed, and the active constituents were identified as four diarylheptanoids, 1,7-diphenylhept-4-en-3-one, dihydroyashabushiketol (1,7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-3-heptanone), 5-hydroxy-7-(4"-hydroxy-3"-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone and 5-hydroxy-7-(4"-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone.

  Hypoglycaemic activity of Alpinia galanga rhizome and its extracts in rabbits.:

 This investigation was carried out to study effects of Alpinia galanga rhizome on blood glucose levels. In normal rabbits, powdered rhizome and its methanol and aqueous extracts significantly lowered the blood glucose. Gliclazide also produced a significant decrease in blood glucose in the rabbits. In alloxan-diabetic rabbits, A. galanga and its methanol and aqueous extracts did not produce significant reduction in blood glucose. The hypoglycaemic effect of A. galanga in normal rabbits was comparable to gliclazide. The rhizome was found to contain high levels of certain minerals. Acute toxicity and behavioral studies revealed no visible signs of toxicity and any abnormal behavior in rabbits even at high doses. It is concluded that A. galanga produces fall in blood glucose levels in normal rabbits and the principles, both organic and inorganic, are extractable in methanol and water.


  1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastic differentiation of RAW 264.7 monocytic cells by suppressing nuclear factor-kappaB activation.:

 Osteoclastogenesis is commonly associated with various age-related diseases, including cancer. A member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL), has been shown to play a critical role in osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Thus, agents that suppress RANKL signaling have a potential to suppress bone loss. In this report, we investigated the effect of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), a component of Alpina galanga, on RANKL signaling and consequent osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line. Treatment of these cells with RANKL activated NF-kappaB, and coexposure of the cells to ACA completely suppressed RANKL-induced NF-kappaB activation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The suppression of NF-kappaB by ACA was mediated through suppression of RANKL-induced activation of IkappaBalpha kinase, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, and IkappaBalpha degradation. Furthermore, incubation of monocytic cells with RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis, and ACA suppressed it. Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis was maximal when cells were simultaneously exposed to ACA and RANKL and minimum when ACA was added 2 days after RANKL. ACA also inhibited the osteoclastogenesis induced by human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, multiple myeloma MM1 cells, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma LICR-LON-HN5 cells. These results indicate that ACA is an effective blocker of RANKL-induced NF-kappaB activation and of osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and tumor cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis and cancer-associated bone loss.

  Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by yakuchinones and their analogues.:

 Analogues of yakuchinones were synthesized as inhibitors of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. We prepared stronger inhibitors than the original natural molecules, yakuchinones A and B reported from Alpinia oxyphylla. From the limited structural activity relation study of analogues, we concluded that the optimal length of linker between two aryl groups and the presence of enone moiety in the linker were identified as essential for the activity. The IC50 value of the most potent structure was 0.92 microM. The active analogues suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA.

  Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by diarylheptanoids from Alpinia officinarum.:

 Six diarylheptanoids were isolated from the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum (Zingiberaceae) as inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) production in the lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. A double bond at C-4 of the linker between two aromatic rings was found to be essential for activity. Furthermore, the active diarylheptanoids suppressed expression of the inducible NO synthase protein and mRNA. These results imply that the traditional use of Alpinia officinarum rhizome as anti-inflammatory drug may be explained, at least in part, by the inhibition of NO production in activated macrophages.

  Bioassay-guided isolation of a vasorelaxant active compound from Kaempferia galanga L.:

 Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed on a crude dichloromethane extract of Kaempferia galanga L. using chromatography techniques. Screening of the extract for biological activity started with the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, followed by the study of its antihypertensive activity on anaesthetized rats, which involved monitoring of the extract's effect on mean arterial blood pressure. The components of the fractions obtained from the separation procedures were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). The yield of the CH(2)Cl(2) extract was 0.29% of the crude plant extract. Analysis of the data for brine shrimp lethality test using the Finney computer program showed that this extract exhibited potent bioactivity with an ED(50) value of 7.92+/-0.13 microgml(-1). Intravenous administration of the extract induced a dose-related reduction of basal mean arterial pressure (MAP) (130+/-5 mmHg) in the anaesthetized rat, with maximal effects seen after 5-10 min of injection. The gas chromatogram showed that the common compound in the active fractions obtained from the bioassay-guided fractionation of the CH(2)Cl(2) extract was ethyl cinnamate. This vasorelaxant active compound, ethyl cinnamate, was isolated as a colorless oil. Ethyl p-methoxycinnamic acid was also isolated as white needles but did not exhibit any relaxant effect on the precontracted thoracic rat aorta.

  1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate induces apoptosis of myeloma cells via induction of TRAIL.:

 A component of a traditional Thai condiment, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), is a natural compound, and it is obtained from rhizomes of the ethno-medicinal plant Languas galanga (Zingiberaceae). Our previous studies showed that ACA dramatically inhibited cellular growth of multiple myeloma cells in vivo and in vitro through the induction of apoptosis in association with the activation of caspase-8, inactivation of NF-kappaB, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Subsequently, we investigated the detailed apoptotic pathway of ACA and further demonstrated that ACA up-regulates the expression of both TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand/Apo2 ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) and TRAIL receptor death receptor 5 (DR5). In addition, TRAIL/R-Fc chimera neutralizes the ACA-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the death signaling of TRAIL is involved in the ACA-induced apoptosis of myeloma cells, and provide a rationale for the induction of TRAIL/Apo2L by ACA, which could potentially be used as a novel therapeutic agent in patients with multiple myeloma.

  1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate as an inhibitor of phagocytosis of macrophages.:

 We screened extracts of edible plants for inhibitors of phagocytosis by peritoneal exudate macrophages. 1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Languas galanga, and this compound strongly inhibited phagocytosis at an IC50 value of 1.2 microM with negligible effects on pinocytosis and cell viability. Target(s) of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate was suggested to be downstream of the signal transduction pathway that is mediated by protein kinase C.


  Inhibitors from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum on production of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages and the structural requirements of diarylheptanoids for the activity.:

 The 80% aqueous acetone extract from the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, a Chinese medicinal herb, were found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Through bioassay-guided separation, two diarylheptanoids [7-(4''-hydroxy-3''-methoxyphenyl-1-phenylhept-4-en-3-one and 3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-diphenylheptane] and a flavonol constituent (galangin) substantially inhibited LPS-induced NO production with IC50 values of 33-62 microM. To clarify structure-activity relationships of diarylheptanoids, related diarylheptanoids from Curcuma zedoaria were examined. Results indicate that the double bond or enone moiety at the 1-7 positions is important for the activity.

  Cytotoxicity of plants from Malaysia and Thailand used traditionally to treat cancer.:

 The SRB cytotoxicity assay was used to screen extracts and isolated constituents of some traditional medicinal plants from Malaysia and Thailand against two human cancer cell lines, COR L23 lung cancer cell line and MCF7 breast cancer cell line and the non-cancer MCF5 cell line. Five out of the seven species tested, i.e. Thai Alpinia galanga, Alpinia officinarum, Cayratia japonica, Physalis minima, Tabernaemontana divaricata, exhibited interesting cytotoxicity activity and this is the first report of cytotoxicity from any Cayratia species. Following bioassay-guided fractionation, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (48h exposure against COR L23 cells, IC(50) 7.8 microM against MCF7 cells, IC(50) 23.9 microM) was isolated as the major cytotoxic component of the Alpinia species, physalin F as the major cytotoxic component of Physalis minima (48 h exposure against COR L23 cells IC(50) 0.4 microM against MCF7 cells, IC(50) 0.59 microM). The Malaysian Alpinia galanga showed weak activity compared with the Thai sample and this was shown to be due to the relatively high amounts of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate present in the Thai sample.

  Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor-binding antagonist activity of Malaysian medicinal plants.:

 Forty-nine methanol extracts of 37 species of Malaysian medicinal plants were investigated for their inhibitory effects on platelet-activating factor (PAF) binding to rabbit platelets, using 3H-PAF as a ligand. Among them, the extracts of six Zingiberaceae species (Alpinia galanga Swartz., Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb., Curcuma ochorrhiza Val., C. aeruginosa Roxb., Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Z. zerumbet Koenig.), two Cinnamomum species (C. altissimum Kosterm. and C. pubescens Kochummen.), Goniothalamus malayanus Hook. f. Momordica charantia Linn. and Piper aduncum L. are potential sources of new PAF antagonists, as they showed significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 18.4 microg ml(-1).

  Immunostimulating activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharide extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum, Alpinia galanga and Citrullus colocynthis.:

 Hot water polysaccharide extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Link. (family Compositae) Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (family Cucurbitaceae) and Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. (family Zingiberaceae) were tested for their immunostimulating activity in mice. The fractions from Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga showed a marked stimulating effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and spleen cells of mice. In this case, the optimum doses were 50 and 25 mg/kg for the two fractions, respectively. On the other hand, the polysaccharide extracts of both Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga markedly enhanced the proliferation of the murine spleen cells in vitro using two tests (in vitro and in vivo effect). The results of the in vivo effect at a doses of 50 and 25 mg/kg, showed a stimulation index better than obtained with the in vitro effect at 50 and 25 microg/ml for Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga, respectively. While the extract of Citrullus colocynthis showed much weaker and variable immunostimulating activity.

  Gastroprotective effects of phenylpropanoids from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga in rats: structural requirements and mode of action.:

 The effects of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and related phenylpropanoids isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats were examined. Among them, 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate markedly inhibited the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions (ED(50)=0.61 and ca. 0.90 mg/kg). In addition, 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate inhibited the lesions induced by 0.6 M HCl (ED(50)=0.73 mg/kg) and aspirin (ED(50)=0.69 mg/kg) but it did not show a significant effect on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions and acid output in pylorus-ligated rats at doses of 0.5-5.0 mg/kg. From the gastroprotective effects of various related compounds, the 1'-acetoxyl group of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate was found to be essential for their strong activity. With regard to the mode of action, the gastroprotective effects of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate were attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin and N-ethylmaleimide, and 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate significantly increased the glutathione levels of gastric mucosa in rats. These findings suggest that endogenous prostaglandins and sulfhydryl compounds are involved in the protective effect of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate.

  3-Methylethergalangin isolated from Alpinia officinarum inhibits pancreatic lipase.:

 The pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum (AO) and its antihyperlipidemic activity were measured. When the water extract of AO was fractionated stepwise with organic solvents, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent inhibition. 3-Methylethergalangin was isolated from that fraction as an inhibitor of pancreatic lipase with an IC(50) value of 1.3 mg/ml (triolein as a substrate). AO and its ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited the serum TG level in corn oil feeding-induced triglyceridemic mice, and serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. However, this compound and the AO ethyl acetate fraction did not show hypolipidemic activity in high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The results suggest that the hypolipidemic activity of AO and 3-methylethergalangin is due to the inhibition of pancreatic lipase.

  Toxicity studies on Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa.:

 Acute (24 h) and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies on the ethanolic extracts of the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa were carried out in mice. Acute dosages were 0.5, 1.0, and 3 g/kg body weight while the chronic dosage was 100 mg/kg/day as the extract. All external morphological, hematological, and spermatogenic changes, in addition to body weight and vital organ weights were recorded. During this investigation no significant mortality as compared to the controls was observed. The weight gain in the A. galanga treated animals was significant as in the control group while the C. longa-treated animals gained no significant weight after chronic treatment. C. longa treatment induced significant changes in heart and lungs weights upon chronic treatment. Hematological studies revealed a significant rise in the RBC level of A. galanga-treated animals and a significant fall in the WBC and RBC levels of the C. longa-treated animals as compared to the controls. The gain in weights of sexual organs and increased sperm motility and sperm counts were observed in both groups of extract-treated male mice, however, these changes were highly significant in the A. galanga-treated group. Both extracts failed to show any spermatotoxic effects.
 


  Scientific References:

  1.Modern Researches of Galangal.Lesser Galangal Root Alpinia officinarum.
  2.Lesser Galangal Root Alpinia officinarum.