Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of naturally derived phenylpropanoids from Alpinia conchigera (A. conchigera) Griff. and its synthetic analogues, as well as interactions between selected compounds with first-line tuberculosis (TB) drug, rifampicin, against Mycobacterium smegmatis, a potential opportunistic nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) and a surrogate organism for TB. Methodology and results: Twelve phenylpropanoids of A. conchigera were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against M. smegmatis (ATCC 14468). The phenylpropanoid compound from A. conchigera with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal (MIC, MBC) values were selected for checkerboard tetrazolium microplate assay (TEMA) with rifampicin to determine drug interactions. A majority of the compounds had antimicrobial activity, however, purified natural compound 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) showed the highest antimicrobial activity with an MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL against M. smegmatis. The combination of ACA and rifampicin produced indifferent interaction with fractional inhibition concentration (FIC) index of 1.5, while the combination of rifampicin and ACA synthetic analogue 4-allyl-2,6- methoxyphenyl isobutyrate produced a synergistic interaction effect with FIC index of 0.5. None of the compounds tested were bactericidal but appear to be bacteriostatic. Conclusion, significance and impact of study This study presents the first report on the antimicrobial potential of natural A. conchigera-derived ACA against M. smegmatis as well as the synergistic interaction of 4-allyl-2,6- methoxyphenyl isobutyrate with rifampicin which warrants further investigation.
Anti-Infective Agents ; Alpinia ; Mycobacterium smegmatis

In this review, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of two ornamental gingers, Hedychium coronarium (butterfly ginger) and Alpinia purpurata (red ginger), are updated, and their botany and uses are described. Flowers of H. coronarium are large, showy, white, yellow or white with a yellow centre and highly fragrant. Inflorescences of A. purpurata are erect spikes with attractive red or pink bracts. Phytochemical investigations on the rhizomes of H. coronarium generated research interest globally. This resulted in the isolation of 53 labdane-type diterpenes, with little work done on the leaves and flowers. Pharmacological properties of H. coronarium included antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, chemopreventive, anti-allergic, larvicidal, anthelminthic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-urolithiatic, anti-angiogenic, neuro-pharmacological, fibrinogenolytic, coagulant and hepatoprotective activities. On the contrary, little is known on the phytochemistry of A. purpurata with pharmacological properties of antioxidant, antibacterial, larvicidal, cytotoxic and vasodilator activities reported in the leaves and rhizomes. There is much disparity in terms of research effort within and between these two ornamental gingers.
Alpinia ; chemistry ; Ginger ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Zingiberaceae ; chemistry

The qualitative and quantitative methods for the quality evaluation of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen were established. Alpinetin, pinocembrin, cardamonin and alnustone in the sample were identified by TLC. The contents of them were determined by HPLC. The separation was performed on a Ultimate XB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) at 30 degrees C using a gradient elution consisting of mobile phase A (water) and mobile phase B (MeOH). The detection wavelength was 300 nm. The TLC method was suitable for the identification of alpinetin, pinocembrin, cardamonin and alnustone. The linear ranges of the four reference compounds were 25.5-509 (r = 0.9999), 24.9-498 (r = 0.9999), 26.1-521 (r = 0.9999), 50.2-1003 ng (r = 0.9999), respectively. The average recoveries (n=9) of the four components were 97.95%, 97.36%, 97.50%, 98.02%, RSD < 1.9%. Nine samples were analyzed by the established methods. The results indicate that, the methods are simple, accurate, sensitive and reliable for quality evaluation of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen.
Alpinia ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Reproducibility of Results

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents of Alpinia jianganfeng (Zingiberaceae) distributed in Sichuan province.

METHODChromatography and spectral analyses were used to isolate the constituents and elucidate their structure.

RESULTFour compounds were isolated from the rhizome of A. jianganfeng and elucidated as kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide(1), docosanoic acid(2), 3-hydroxy-stigmast-5-en-7-one(3) and beta-sitosterol(4).

CONCLUSIONAll these compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Alpinia ; chemistry ; Fatty Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo find out the bioactive principles of Alpinia tonkinensis, by investigating its chemical constituents.

METHODIt was extracted with MeOH, distributed by different solvents, and isolated via column chromatography on silica gel.

RESULTSix compounds were elucidated through spectral analysis, which were as follows: 4',7-dimethylkaempferol(I), 5-hydroxy-3',4',7-trimethoxyflavanone(II), kumatakenin(III), 4',5,7-trimethoxyflavonol(IV), ombuine(V), and kaempferol(VI).

CONCLUSIONSix flavonoids were isolated from this plant for the first time, and so were four compounds from genus Alpinia.

Alpinia ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Kaempferols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the genetic diversity and relationship of different Alpinia officinarum germplasm.

METHODAmplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were developed to analyze genetic polymorphism in A. officinarun from eight resources. The amplified fragments were used as primary matrix with NTSYSpc-2.11F software to analyze the similarity between the A. officinarum germplasm and to construct the genetic phylogenetic tree.

RESULTA total of 1,120 fragments were genotyped using AFLP with eight prime combinations. Analysis identified 1,044 polymorphic fragments, accounting for 92.57% of the total detected variation. Genetic phylogenetic tree analysis indicates that three categories can be divided among the eight resources of A. officinanrum.

CONCLUSIONSignificant polymorphism and genetic diversity can be observed among A. officinarum germplasm resources.

Alpinia ; classification ; genetics ; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis ; Genetic Markers ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVETo investigate the photosynthetic characteristics of wildlife tending Alpinia oxyphylla, and provide a theoretical basis for choosing wildlife tending environment and cultivation management.

METHODThe response parameters of the net photosynthetic rate to light intensity, CO2 concentration and photosynthetic characteristics were measured by Li-6400 portable photosynthesis in blossom bud forming stages under different treated conditions.

RESULTThe maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax), daily average photosynthetic rate (Pn), apparent quantum efficiency (AQY), apparent carboxylation efficiency (CE), light using efficiency (LUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) were optimal in the wild tending treatment at the light transmission rate of 17.4%-24.1%, beyond the light transmission rate, the photosynthetic capacity utilization of A. oxyphylla would not have a significant increase or be inhibited. The light compensation point (LCP) and light saturation point (LSP) of A. oxyphylla improved with light intensity enhancing. Wildlife tending could enhance the scope of A. oxyphylla to CO2 adaptation.

CONCLUSIONA. oxyphylla as sciophytes, and the optimum light transmission rate for wild tending and cultivating was at 17.4%-24.1%.

Alpinia ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Carbon Dioxide ; metabolism ; Light ; Photosynthesis ; radiation effects ; Plant Leaves ; metabolism ; radiation effects

OBJECTIVETo establish the quality criteria for decoction pieces of salt Alpinia.

METHODDecoction pieces of salt Alpinia were measured with moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-extract and volatile oils according to the procedures recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010. The content of Nootkatone was determined by HPLC, and NaCl, by chloridion electrode method.

RESULTWe obtained results of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-extract and volatile oils of 10 batches of decoction pieces of salt Alpinia moisture; Meanwhile we set the HPLC and chloridion electrode method.

CONCLUSIONThis research established a fine quality standard for decoction pieces of salt Alpinia.

Alpinia ; chemistry ; Calibration ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Electrochemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; Quality Control ; Salts ; chemistry ; Solubility ; Water ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo develop an HPLC method for determining oxyphyllenodiol A (1) and teuhetenone A (2) contained in Alpinia oxyphylla and to compare the contents of the two components contained in medicinal materials and prepared herbal medicines in pieces sold in the market and different fractions.

METHODHPLC and Waters sunfire C18 column (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) were adopted for gradient elute with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and water. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the detection wavelength was 250 nm.

RESULT1 and 2 showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.1296 - 0.8640 microg and 0.1635 - 1.0900 microg respectively, with the average recoveries of 99.08% and 97.80%. Their content ranges were 0.0059% - 0.0149% and 0.0080% - 0.0164% in different samples. The mean value of 1 and 2 were 0.0085% and 0.0104% in the whole fruits, and 0.0137% and 0.0157% in the seeds. They were undetected in the nutshells.

CONCLUSIONThe method is so precise, accurate and highly reproducible that it can be used to determine the contents of oxyphyllenodiol A and teuhetenone A in A. oxyphylla. The contents of the two components are mainly extracted from the seeds, with certain difference among different samples. There are a higher contents and no significant difference in the salted and raw seeds.

Alpinia ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Sesquiterpenes ; analysis ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of leaf extract from Alpinia purpurata.

METHODSOne gram of fresh leaf of Alpinia purpurata was grinded in 2 mL of 50% ethanol and centrifuged at 10,000×g at 4°C for 10 min. The supernatant obtained was used within 4 h for various enzymatic antioxidants assays like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ascorbate oxidase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C, total reduced glutathione (TRG) and lipid peroxidation (LPO).

RESULTSThe leaf extract of Alpinia purpurata possess antioxidants like vitamin C 472.92±6.80 μg/mg protein, GST 372.11±5.70 μmol of 1-chloro 2,4 dinitrobenzene (CDNB)-reduced glutathione (GSH) conjugate formed/min/mg protein, GPx 281.69±6.43 μg of glutathione oxidized/min/mg protein, peroxidases 173.12±9.40 μmol/g tissue, TRG 75.27±3.55 μg/mg protein, SOD 58.03±2.11 U/mg protein, CAT 46.70±2.35 μmol of H2O2 consumed/min/mg protein in high amount whereas ascorbate oxidase 17.41±2.46 U/g tissue, LPO 2.71±0.14 nmol/L of malondialdehyde formed/min/mg protein and PPO 1.14±0.11 μmol/g tissue in moderate amount.

CONCLUSIONAlpinia purpurata has the potential to scavenge the free radicals and protect against oxidative stress causing diseases. In future, Alpinia purpurata may serve as a good pharmacotherapeutic agent.

Alpinia ; chemistry ; Antioxidants ; analysis ; Catechol Oxidase ; metabolism ; Enzymes ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry