Zingiberales

A new isodaucane sesquiterpenoid, 6,7,10-trihydoxyisodaucane, was isolated from the fruits of Reneilmia cincinnata, together with the known sesquiterpenoids oplodiol, oplopanone, 5E,10(14)-germacradien-1b,4b-diol, 1(10)E,5E-germacradien-4a-ol and eudesman-1,4,7-triol. A large amount of 5-hydroxy-3,7,4 '-trimethoxy¯avone was also isolated. Their structures were established by NMR techniques using 1D and 2D experiments. Three of the known sesquirernenoids exhibited noteworthy anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains.

One hundred and twenty (120) strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were enumerated and isolated from raw dromedary milk in Morocco using various cultured media. Strains isolated were characterized by phenotypic, physiological and biochemical properties. Results showed that high counts of LAB were found. Presumptive lactobacilli counts ranged from 2.5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive lactococci levels varied from 5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive streptococci counts varied from 4.2 Â 10 2 to 8 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive leuconostoc levels ranged from 5.4 Â 10 2 to 5.4 Â 10 7 cfu/ml. Results showed also that Lactobacillus and Lactococcus were the predominant genera with 37.5% and 25.8%, respectively. The dominated species found were Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (17.5%), Lactobacillus helveticus (10%), Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus (9.20%), Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei (5.80%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (5%). This is the first report on the characterization of LAB strains isolated from the one humped camel milk produced in Morocco.

Booklet Family Zingiberaceae ini disusun sebagai produk dari dari hasil penelitian pengamatan Morfologi Tumbuhan beberapa species dari Family Zingiberaceae serta khasiat dan manfaat tumbuhan Family Zingiberaceae dalam rangka menyelesaikan tugas akhir berupa skripsi dengan judul “Pengembangan Booklet Karakteristik Morfologi Tumbuhan Family Zingiberaceae sebagai Sumber Belajar”.

 Banana mild mosaic virus (BanMMV) is a previously undescribed filamentous virus infecting Musa spp. The complete genome has been sequenced from PCR clones and consists of 7352 nucleotides, encoding five open reading frames (ORFs) of 205, 25.5, 12.4, 8.0 and 26.8 kDa, respectively. BanMMV was most closely related to fovea- and carlaviruses, based on phylogenetic analysis using a portion of the viral replicase. Analysis of other parts of the genome revealed similarities with fovea-, carla- and potexviruses, but the virus was not clearly aligned to any previously recognised genus.

One hundred and twenty (120) strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were enumerated and isolated from raw dromedary milk in Morocco using various cultured media. Strains isolated were characterized by phenotypic, physiological and biochemical properties. Results showed that high counts of LAB were found. Presumptive lactobacilli counts ranged from 2.5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive lactococci levels varied from 5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive streptococci counts varied from 4.2 Â 10 2 to 8 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive leuconostoc levels ranged from 5.4 Â 10 2 to 5.4 Â 10 7 cfu/ml. Results showed also that Lactobacillus and Lactococcus were the predominant genera with 37.5% and 25.8%, respectively. The dominated species found were Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (17.5%), Lactobacillus helveticus (10%), Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus (9.20%), Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei (5.80%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (5%). This is the first report on the characterization of LAB strains isolated from the one humped camel milk produced in Morocco.

In this study the red flowers of Canna indica (Cannaceae) were extracted by using sonicator and isolation of anthocyanins have been carried out. Four anthocyanin pigments have been isolated apart from quercetin and lycopene. They are Cyanidin- and Cyanidin-O-b-galactopyranoside (4). These compounds were isolated by using HPLC and their structures were subsequently determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, i.e., 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, HMQC, HMBC, ESI-MS, FTIR, UVeVisible etc. The isolated compounds showed good antioxidant activity thus makes it suitable for use in food coloration and as a nutraceutical. Thus it is a promising pigment source for food applications.

The identities of two historical names, Zingiber neesanum (≡ Alpinia neesana) and Z. macrostachyum are re-investigated. Both have been considered to represent the same taxonomic entity by various workers in the past 160 years. Yet, based on traditional usage, they were applied to two distinct taxa occurring in the Western Ghats (India), both superficially similar by having long-stalked inflorescences, but much distinct in flower colour and overall morphology. Alpinia neesana was originally described only from fruiting material, while Z. macrostachyum was described from flowering material of a species with white flowers. Dalzell's presumption that his taxon was identical to Graham's, and unambiguous inclusion of A. neesana in his description made his name nomenclaturally superfluous and illegitimate. After realising the illegitimacy of Dalzell's name, a new combination was created in Zingiber for A. neesana. The name Z. neesanum continued to be applied sensu Dalzell to the white-flowered species mainly in the central and southern Western Ghats, but it was also applied to a yellow-flowered species in the northern Western Ghats, for which another name, Z. diwakarianum, was proposed recently. Despite the absence of any original material relating to Graham's or Dalzell's descriptions, recollections from the type localities prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the yellow-flowered species is the true Z. neesanum, making Z. diwakarianum a synonym, and that the existing name Z. anamalayanum has to be applied to the white-flowered species, originally described by Dalzell as Z. macrostachyum. The significance of authentic primary data sources concerning botanical history such as correspondence and manuscripts of collectors and botanists, and the importance of making these resources widely accessible through digitisation are highlighted.

The phylogenetic relationships of Costaceae, a tropical monocotyledonous family sister to the gingers (Zingiberaceae), were investigated with a combination of two chloroplast loci (the trnL-F locus, including the trnL intron, the 3trnL exon, and the trnL-F intergenic spacer, and the trnK locus, including the trnK intron and the matK coding region) and one nuclear locus (ITS1-5.8s-ITS2). The resulting parsimony analysis of selected taxa that demonstrate the range of floral morphological variation in the family shows that the Caldavena-type floral morphology is ancestral to the group and that both Tapeinochilos species and a Monocostus ؉ Dimerocostus clade represent recent divergences. The genus Costus is broadly paraphyletic but Costus subgenus Eucostus K. Schum. represents a large monophyletic radiation that is poorly resolved. Within this clade, secondary analyses suggest that pollination syndrome, traditionally used for taxonomic and classification purposes within the genus Costus, is a relatively plastic trait of limited phylogenetic utility. This represents the first detailed investigation into intrageneric and interspecific evolutionary relationships within the family Costaceae and presents some novel evolutionary trends with respect to floral morphology and biogeography.

A large and increasing number of patients use medicinal herbs or seek the advice of their physician regarding their use. More than one third of Americans use herbs for health purposes, yet patients (and physicians) often lack accurate information about the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies. Burgeoning interest in medicinal herbs has increased scientific scrutiny of their therapeutic potential and safety, thereby providing physicians with data to help patients make wise decisions about their use. This article provides a review of the data on 12 of the most commonly used herbs in the United States. In addition, we provide practical information and guidelines for the judicious use of medicinal herbs.

One hundred and twenty (120) strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were enumerated and isolated from raw dromedary milk in Morocco using various cultured media. Strains isolated were characterized by phenotypic, physiological and biochemical properties. Results showed that high counts of LAB were found. Presumptive lactobacilli counts ranged from 2.5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive lactococci levels varied from 5 Â 10 2 to 6 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive streptococci counts varied from 4.2 Â 10 2 to 8 Â 10 7 cfu/ml, presumptive leuconostoc levels ranged from 5.4 Â 10 2 to 5.4 Â 10 7 cfu/ml. Results showed also that Lactobacillus and Lactococcus were the predominant genera with 37.5% and 25.8%, respectively. The dominated species found were Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (17.5%), Lactobacillus helveticus (10%), Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus (9.20%), Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei (5.80%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (5%). This is the first report on the characterization of LAB strains isolated from the one humped camel milk produced in Morocco.

Chromatographic separation of part of an EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx resulted in the isolation of six new (1-6) and two known (7, 8) diarylheptanoids together with 12 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds, including their absolute stereochemistry, were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods as (3S,5S)-(1) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6E-heptene (2), (3S,5S)-(3) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-ethoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6Eheptene (4), (3S)-methoxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6E-hepten-5-one (5), and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one (6). Among the isolated compounds, 5, (3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptane (8), 4′-hydroxy-5,6-dehydrokawain (14), and/or phloroglucinol (20) showed significant antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma (

We have sequenced the entire coat protein (CP)-coding region and 5 162 nucleotides of the 3 untranslated region (UTR) of nine different isolates of banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) from five different countries. Further, we have sequenced the 3 621 nucleotides of the NIb-coding region of a Philippines isolate. This is the first report of BBrMV in Thailand, Vietnam and Western Samoa. When the sequences of the CP-coding region and 3 UTR were compared to each other, variability of between 0.3% and 5.6%, and 0.3% and 4.3%, was observed at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the BBrMV isolates did not reveal any relationship between the geographic location of the isolates. The BBrMV CP was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein and the purified recombinant protein was used to produce a high titre BBrMV-specific polyclonal antiserum. This antiserum was used to develop a F(ab ) 2 indirect double antibody sandwich ELISA and compared with immuno-capture PCR (IC-PCR) and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assays for BBrMV detection. RT-PCR was shown to be the most sensitive test followed by ELISA and IC-PCR.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some chemical and mineral characteristics and functional and rheological properties of Canna and Arrowroot starches produced in the Venezuelan Andes. Canna starch showed a higher (P < 0.05) moisture, ash, and crude protein content than arrowroot starch, while crude fiber, crude fat, and amylose content of this starch were higher (P < 0.05). Starches of both rhizomes own phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc in their composition. Phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are the higher in both starches. Water absorption, swelling power, and solubility values revealed weak bonding forces in Canna starch granules; this explained the lower gelatinization temperature and the substantial viscosity development of Canna starch during heating. Arrowroot starch showed a higher gelatinization temperature measure by DSC, than Canna starch and exhibited a lower value of H. Both starches show negative syneresis. The apparent viscosity of Canna starch was higher (P < 0.05) than the Arrowroot starch values. The size (wide and large) of Canna starch granules was higher than arrowroot starch. From the previous results, it can be concluded that Canna and Arrowroot starches could become interesting alternatives for food developers, depending on their characteristics and functional properties.

In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet were investigated by evaluating the effects of this compound towards the lymphocytes proliferation (mice thymocytes, mice splenocytes and human human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC), cell cycle progression and cytokine (interleukin 2 and 12) induction. Lymphocyte proliferation assay showed that zerumbone was able to activate mice thymocytes, splenocytes and PBMC at dosage dependent pattern where the best concentration was 7.5 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis showed the highest population of PBMC entered into G2/M phase after treatment for 72 h with 7.5 µg/mL zerumbone. The production of human interleukin-2 and human interleukin-12 cytokines in culture supernatant from zerumbone activated lymphocytes was prominently upregulated at 24 hour and decreased from 48 h to 72 h. The above results indicate that zerumbone can be used as immunomodulatory agent which can react toward the immune cell cytokine production in dosage dependent pattern.

Bananas are among the largest herbs in the world and their lightweight petioles hold up huge leaves. This study examined how the petioles manage to achieve adequate rigidity to do this, while allowing extensive and reversible reconfiguration in high winds. Morphological and anatomical examination of the petioles and leaves of Musa textilis suggested how these two apparently incompatible abilities are achieved. The hollow U-shaped section of the petiole and the longitudinal strengthening elements in its outer skin give it adequate rigidity, while its ventral curvature help support the leaf without the need for thick lateral veins. These features, however, also allow the petiole to reconfigure by twisting away from the wind, while the leaf can fold away. In addition, two sets of internal structures, longitudinal partitions and transverse stellate parenchyma plates, help prevent dorsoventral flattening, allowing the petiole to flex further away from the wind without buckling. These ideas were tested and verified by a range of mechanical tests. Simple four-pointbending and torsion tests showed that the petioles are indeed far more compliant in torsion than in bending. Axial bending tests and crushing tests showed that petioles could be flexed twice as far and were four times as resistant to dorsoventral flattening when intact than when the internal tissue is removed. The banana petiole, therefore, seems to be an excellent example of natural integrated mechanical design.

Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as 'Heel kalan' or 'Bari Ilaichi' is used in Unani system of medicine in gastrointestinal disorders. A crude methanolic extract and its different fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether (60-80°), ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions, were studied in rats for their ability to inhibit the gastric lesions induced by aspirin, ethanol and pylorus ligature. In addition their effects on wall mucus, output of gastric acid and pepsin concentration were recorded. The crude methanolic extract of A. subulatum and its fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate, inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol significantly, but not those which were induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin. However, ethyl acetate fraction increased the wall mucus in pylorus ligated rats. The results suggest a direct protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction on gastric mucosal barrier. While the observation of decrease in gastric motility by essential oil and petroleum ether fractions suggests the gastroprotective action of the test drug. These investigations validate the use of 'Heel kalan' in gastrointestinal disorders by Unani physicians.

Large cardamom (fruit of Amomum subulatum Roxb, N.O. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as ‘Heel kalan’ or ‘Bari Ilaichi’ is used in Unani system of medicine in gastrointestinal disorders. A crude methanolic extract and its different fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether (60–80°), ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions, were studied in rats for their ability to inhibit the gastric lesions induced by aspirin, ethanol and pylorus ligature. In addition their effects on wall mucus, output of gastric acid and pepsin concentration were recorded. The crude methanolic extract of A. subulatum and its fractions, viz. essential oil, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate, inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol significantly, but not those which were induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin. However, ethyl acetate fraction increased the wall mucus in pylorus ligated rats. The results suggest a direct protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction on gastric mucosal barrier. While the observation of decrease in gastric motility by essential oil and petroleum ether fractions suggests the gastroprotective action of the test drug. These investigations validate the use of ‘Heel kalan’ in gastrointestinal disorders by Unani physicians.

Accurate descriptions of feeding habits are essential to understanding the evolution of dietary preferences and the high levels of diversiÞcation within the Chrysomelidae. Both primary observations and summaries suggest that the cassidine beetle tribe, Cephaloleiini, is a species-rich group of feeding specialists on monocot hosts. However, accurate host ranges are poorly deÞned for most hispine beetle species. To better document occurrence and feeding, we censused the Cephaloleiini associated with rolled leaves of Þve species of Marantaceae and six species of Heliconiaceae (Zingiberales) in lowland Central Panama. Additionally, we conducted choice and no-choice feeding tests on a subset of both the plants and beetles encountered in the censuses. Both types of data suggest that most species of Cephaloleiini feed on a greater variety of related plant species than has previously been reported.

A total of 112 species of edible plants (122 samples) from Thailand were randomly collected, and their methanol extracts were screened for in vitro anti-tumor promoting activity using the inhibition test of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activation in Raji cells induced by 12-O-hexadecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (HPA, 40 rig/ml). It was found that 60% of these extracts inhibited EBV activation by 30% or more at a concentration of 200 mg/ml. Significantly, the ratio is markedly higher than that (26%) previously observed in common edible plants in Japan. Thus, physiological potentiality of edible Thai plants has been implied in terms of cancer chemoprevention.

Retroelements are ubiquitous features of eukaryotic genomes, often accounting for a substantial fraction of their total DNA content. One major group of retroelements, which includes the gypsy and copia-like elements, is distinguished by the presence of long terminal repeats (LTRs). We have identified and partially characterized a sequence from banana (Musa acuminata cv. Grand Nain) which shows significant homology to gypsy-like LTR retroelements from other species. The element, named monkey, shows a high degree of homology to the reverse transcriptase, RNase H and integrase genes of retroelements from plants, fungi and yeast. However, several stop codons are present in the major ORF of this element, suggesting that this copy of monkey, if functional, is non-autonomous. Southern analysis indicated that monkey is present in both the A and B genomes of Musa, and that it is found in 200–500 copies per haploid genome in cv. Grand Nain. Chromosomal localization by fluorescent in-situ hybridization indicates that copies of monkey are concentrated in the nucleolar organizer regions and colocalize with rRNA genes. Other copies of monkey appear to be dispersed throughout the genome.

Polygalacturonase inhibitory protein (PGIP) was extracted from 'Shinli' pear tissue, purified and partially characterized. Extraction was carried out at 4°C with a high ionic strength extraction buffer. After dialysis and concentration by ultrafiltration, the extract was chromatographed on size-exclusion chromatography (S-100), and its active fractions were applied on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The PGIP activity was bound by the lectin, and then eluted using 1 M -methyl mannopyranoside, resulting in an 18-fold purification of the PGIP and demonstrating its glycoprotein nature. The following ion-exchange chromatography gave a PGIP that was 360-fold purified relative to the initial tissue extract, and having a 45 kDa molecular weight, as estimated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. PGIP inhibitory activity was tested against A. niger, C. acutatum and B. cinerea. The radial diffusion and reducing sugar assays showed that PGIP inhibition of three PGs was affected by pH. In vivo tests revealed that PGIP inhibited polygalacturonase from all three fungi. Heated for 20 min at 85°C, the inhibitory activity of PGIP was reduced by 85-90%, and it was completely suppressed after being heated at 100°C for 20 min.

The diversity of floral forms in the plant order Zingiberales has evolved through alterations in floral organ morphology. One striking alteration is the shift from fertile, filamentous stamens to sterile, laminar (petaloid) organs in the stamen whorls, attributed to specific pollination syndromes. Here, we examine the role of the SEPALLATA (SEP) genes, known to be important in regulatory networks underlying floral development and organ identity, in the evolution of development of the diverse floral organs phenotypes in the Zingiberales. Phylogenetic analyses show that the SEP-like genes have undergone several duplication events giving rise to multiple copies. Selection tests on the SEP-like genes indicate that the two copies of SEP3 have mostly evolved under balancing selection, probably due to strong functional restrictions as a result of their critical role in floral organ specification. In contrast, the two LOFSEP copies have undergone differential positive selection, indicating neofunctionalization. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, gene expression from RNA-seq data, and in situ hybridization analyses show that the recovered genes have differential expression patterns across the various whorls and organ types found in the Zingiberales. Our data also suggest that AGL6, sister to the SEP-like genes, may play an important role in stamen morphology in the Zingiberales. Thus, the SEP-like genes are likely to be involved in some of the unique morphogenetic patterns of floral organ development found among this diverse order of tropical monocots. This work contributes to a growing body of knowledge focused on understanding the role of gene duplications and the evolution of entire gene networks in the evolution of flower development.

Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of 13 Zingiberaceae species from the Alpinia, Costus and Zingiber genera were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of most of the extracts was antibacterial with only the methanol extract of Costus discolor showing very potent antifungal activity against only Aspergillus ochraceous (MID, 15.6 mg per disc). All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity comparable with or higher that of a-tocopherol.

Plantains and bananas (Musa spp. sect. eumusa) originated from intra-and interspecific hybridization between two wild diploid species, M. acuminata Colla. and M. balbisiana Colla., which contributed the A and B genomes, respectively. Polyploidy and hybridization have given rise to a number of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid clones with different permutations of the A and B genomes. Thus, dessert and highland bananas are classified mainly as AAA, plantains are AAB, and cooking bananas are ABB. Classification of Musa into genomic groups has been based on morphological characteristics. This study aimed to identify RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers for the A and B genomes. Eighty 10-mer Operon primers were used to amplify DNA from M. acuminata subsp. burmannicoides clone 'Calcutta 4' (AA genomes) and M. balbisiana clone 'Honduras' (BB genomes). Three primers (A17, A18, and D10) that produced unique genome-specific fragments in the two species were identified. These primers were tested in a sample of 40 genotypes representing various genome combinations. The RAPD markers were able to elucidate the genome composition of all the genotypes. The results showed that RAPD analysis can provide a quick and reliable system for genome identification in Musa that could facilitate genome characterization and manipulations in breeding lines.

Three multiple forms of polygalacturonase (PG) in ripe and two in unripe banana (Musa acuminata) fruits were separated by DEAE-cellulose and further purified using Sephadex G-150 chromatography. The multiple forms can be differentiated from each other on the basis of their properties. PG1 and PG3 were identified as endo-PG and PG2 as exo-PG on the basis of decrease in viscosity, increase in reducing sugar and the reaction product. PG2 and PG3 increased with the ripening of fruits. PG1, PG2 and PG3 exhibited optimum activity at pH 3,3, 3.7 and 4.3, respectively. Complete loss of PG2 and PG1 activities occurred at 60 and 70 °, but PG3 retained 60 and 50% activity respectively. The three forms showed a different response towards divalent metal ions. Ca 2÷ activated PG1 activity only. Teepol 0.1%, inhibited PG1 activity by 25%, but PG2 and PG3 activities were completely inhibited. CTAB, 0.1%, had no effect on PG1 and PG2 activities, but inhibited PG3 activity by 40%. 2-ME stimulated PG2 and PG3 activities but had no effect on PG1 activity. Gel filtration through Sephacryl indicated M, of 23,200, 58,000 and 130,000, respectively, for PG1, PG2 and PG3. The substrate saturation curve for PG1 and PG2 were Michaelian, while PG3 showed biphasic curve. The Km values of PG1 and PG2 were 0.22% and 0.14%, respectively.

Bioaccumulation experiments showed that the canna (Canna  generalis) could accumulate BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) from root zone and rhizome zone soil and translocate these compounds to the shoot. A comparison among these compounds showed that the sequences for accumulation in the root, rhizome and shoot were strongly related to their physicochemical properties (i.e. K ow values and molecular weight). For removal efficiency, the canna could remove about 80% of BTEX in the root zone and rhizome zone soil in 21 days. In addition, the removal efficiency in BTEX contaminated soil with 40% water content was a little higher than that found with 20% soil water content. This result indicated that the soil water content should also be considered when phytoremediation is employed.

Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of 13 Zingiberaceae species from the Alpinia, Costus and Zingiber genera were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of most of the extracts was antibacterial with only the methanol extract of Costus discolor showing very potent antifungal activity against only Aspergillus ochraceous (MID, 15.6 mg per disc). All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity comparable with or higher that of a-tocopherol.

Curcumin I, curcumin II (monodemethoxycurcumin) and curcumin ill (bisdemethoxycurcumin) from Curcuma tonga were assayed for their cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds sho wed act ivity against leukemia, colon, CNS , melanoma, renal, and breast cancer cell lines, The inhibition of liposome peroxidation by curcumins I-III at 100 ug/ ml were 58, 40 and 22 %, respectively. The inhibition of COX-I and COX-II enzymes by the curcumins was ob served. Curcumins I-III were active against COX-I enzyme at 125 ug/ml and showed 32, 38.5 and 39.2 % inhibition of the enzyme, respectively. Curcumins I-III also sho wed good inhibition of the COX-II enzyme at 125 mg/ml with 89.7, 82.5 and 58.9 % inhibition of the enzyme, respectively.

•The MADS box transcription factor family has long been identified as an important contributor to the control of floral development. It is often hypothesized that the evolution of floral development across angiosperms and within specific lineages may occur as a result of duplication, functional diversification, and changes in regulation of MADS box genes. Here we examine the role of GLOBOSA (GLO)-like genes, members of the B-class MADS box gene lineage, in the evolution of floral development within the monocot order Zingiberales.•We assessed changes in perianth and stamen whorl morphology in a phylogenetic framework. We identified GLO homologs (ZinGLO1-4) from 50 Zingiberales species and investigated the evolution of this gene lineage. Expression of two GLO homologs was assessed in Costus spicatus and Musa basjoo.•Based on the phylogenetic data and expression results, we propose several family-specific losses and gains of GLO homologs that appear to be associated with key morphological changes. The GLO-like gene lineage has diversified concomitant with the evolution of the dimorphic perianth and the staminodial labellum.•Duplications and expression divergence within the GLO-like gene lineage may have played a role in floral diversification in the Zingiberales.The MADS box transcription factor family has long been identified as an important contributor to the control of floral development. It is often hypothesized that the evolution of floral development across angiosperms and within specific lineages may occur as a result of duplication, functional diversification, and changes in regulation of MADS box genes. Here we examine the role of GLOBOSA (GLO)-like genes, members of the B-class MADS box gene lineage, in the evolution of floral development within the monocot order Zingiberales.We assessed changes in perianth and stamen whorl morphology in a phylogenetic framework. We identified GLO homologs (ZinGLO1-4) from 50 Zingiberales species and investigated the evolution of this gene lineage. Expression of two GLO homologs was assessed in Costus spicatus and Musa basjoo.Based on the phylogenetic data and expression results, we propose several family-specific losses and gains of GLO homologs that appear to be associated with key morphological changes. The GLO-like gene lineage has diversified concomitant with the evolution of the dimorphic perianth and the staminodial labellum.Duplications and expression divergence within the GLO-like gene lineage may have played a role in floral diversification in the Zingiberales.

Polygalacturonase inhibitory protein (PGIP) was extracted from 'Shinli' pear tissue, purified and partially characterized. Extraction was carried out at 4°C with a high ionic strength extraction buffer. After dialysis and concentration by ultrafiltration, the extract was chromatographed on size-exclusion chromatography (S-100), and its active fractions were applied on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The PGIP activity was bound by the lectin, and then eluted using 1 M -methyl mannopyranoside, resulting in an 18-fold purification of the PGIP and demonstrating its glycoprotein nature. The following ion-exchange chromatography gave a PGIP that was 360-fold purified relative to the initial tissue extract, and having a 45 kDa molecular weight, as estimated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. PGIP inhibitory activity was tested against A. niger, C. acutatum and B. cinerea. The radial diffusion and reducing sugar assays showed that PGIP inhibition of three PGs was affected by pH. In vivo tests revealed that PGIP inhibited polygalacturonase from all three fungi. Heated for 20 min at 85°C, the inhibitory activity of PGIP was reduced by 85-90%, and it was completely suppressed after being heated at 100°C for 20 min.

were obtained before challenge as the baseline and serially for 60 minutes after the challenge testing. In addition, all patients' conditions were observed, and FEV 1 was measured every 60 minutes until 8 hours after challenge to detect the late asthmatic response.