Comparative analysis of essential oils found in Rhizomes Curcumae and Radix Curcumae by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A comparison of the volatile compounds in Rhizomes Curcumae （Ezhu） and Radix Curcumae （Yujin） was undertaken using gas chromatography mass spectrometi-y （GC-MS）. Ultrasonic extraction and GC-MS methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of five sesquiterpenes, namely, α-pinene, β-elemene, curcumol, germacrone and curdione, in Ezhu and Yunjin. Good linearity （r〉0.999） and high inter-day precision were observed over the investigated concentration ranges. The validated method was successfully used for the simultaneous determination of five sesquiterpenes in Ezhu and Yujin. The quantitative method can be effectively used to evaluate and monitor the quality of Chinese curcuma in clinical use.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Status and Phytomedicinal Properties of Dried Rhizomes of Turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i>)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and has long been used traditionally for centuries as a spice and medicinal elixir. Hence, the present study aimed to profile the nutritional and phytomedicinal properties of the plant in order to justify its relevance in traditional phytomedicine and advocate its application in novel pharmacological products. Using standard methods (High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry), the dried rhizomes were washed, pulverized and ethanol extracts subjected to proximate, phytochemical, vitamins, amino acid and mineral determinations. Data obtained were analyzed using student’s t-test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Determined proximate indices indicated moisture content of 9.55%, carbohydrate (57.30%), ash (24.70%), crude fiber (1.12%), proteins (2.15%) and fat (5.32%). Mineral composition analyses showed that C. longa rhizomes had higher contents of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in parts per million (ppm) at 38.68 ± 0.114, 19.75 ± 0.001, 9.20 ± 0.002 and 7.06 ± 0.014 respectively. Amino acid profile revealed the presence of both essential and non-essential types with aspartate and glutamate in higher contents at 9.78 g/100 g and 9.65 g/100 g, respectively. Findings showed also the presence of vitamins A, C and D at 254.5 ± 2.19 mg/kg, 19.47 ± 0.16 mg/kg and 10.92 ± 0.92 mg/kg, respectively. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds with high retention times. This study thus revealed that C. longa possesses various nutritional and pharmacological/medicinal components in considerable quantities and can provide the body with basic nutrients for its therapeutic needs as well as secondary compounds with tremendous phytomedicinal potentials.

Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizomes Essential Oil on Some Reproductive Parameters in Laying Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

To assess the effect of ginger rhizomes essential oil on some reproductive parameters of laying birds, 80 female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged 3 weeks and weighing between 120 - 130 g were randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. From 3 till 13 weeks, birds in group 1 (control) received distilled water orally (100 μl/kg body weight), while the other three test groups during the same period, received respectively by gavage 50, 100 and 150 μl of ginger roots essential oil per kg body weight. At 11 weeks old, eight birds per group in each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered, blood samples collected for analysis. On the other hand, the remaining females were maintained 3 with one untreated male in identical boxes per treatment, for fertility assessment, eggs characteristics and hatchability traits. Throughout the experiment, biochemical parameters, eggs characteristics, fertility and hatchability traits were analyzed. No significant change (p > 0.05) was observed during the experimental period for body and relative ovary weights. Contrary, the relative uterus weight significantly increased (p < 0.05) in dose-dependent manner. The level of serum total proteins, LH, FSH and estradiol significantly increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Also, fertility, hatchability of fertile eggs, total hatchability and chick’s weight significantly increased (p < 0.05) in birds received 100 and 150 μl/kg b.w compared to those of control group. On the other hand, embryonic mortality decreased significantly (p < 0.05) whatever the ginger rhizomes essential oil dose. It was concluded that ginger rhizomes essential oil enhances bird reproductive performances, proteins and reproductive hormone levels and hatchability traits in treated female quails.

Determination of Natural Logarithm of Diffusion Coefficient and Activation Energy of Thin Layer Drying Process of Ginger Rhizome Slices

This study is an extension of the previous work done with ARS-680 Environmental Chamber. Drying is a complex operation that demands much energy and time. Drying is essentially important for preservation of ginger rhizome. Drying of ginger was modeled, and then the effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy were determined. For this purpose, the experiments were done at six levels of varied temperatures: 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C and 60°C. The values of effective diffusion coefficients obtained in this work for the variously treated ginger rhizomes closely agreed with the average effective diffusion coefficients of other notable authors who determined the drying kinetics and convective heat transfer coefficients of ginger slices.

The chemical constituents in the decoction of Urtica fissa rhizomes

Phytochemical investigation of the decoction of Urtica fissa rhizomes led to the isolation of 23 known compounds. Their structures were identified as medioresinol dimethyl ether （1）, L-pyroglutamic acid methyl ester （2）, nicotinic acid （3）, L-pyroglutamic acid （4）, erythritol （5）, 6-methyl-2＇-deoxy thymidine （6）, 2-methyl-6-（2＇,3＇,4＇-trihydroxybutyl）-pyrazine （7）, 5-hydroxyl-2-hydroxymethyl pyridine （8）, adenine （9）, uracil （10）, thymine （11）, adenosine （12）, inosine （13）, 2＇-deoxyadenosine （14）, 2＇-deoxyguanosine （15）, 2＇-deoxyinosine （16）, uridine （17）, n-butyl-O-β-D-fructopyranoside （18）, di-D-fructose （19）, β-D-fructofuranosyl- α-D-galactopyranoside （20）, his （5-formyl-furfuryl） ether （21）, chlorogenic acid （22）, and 5-hydroxymethyl furaldehyde （23） by spectroscopic methods. In addition, a total of 20 compounds （1-20） were isolated from U. fissa for the first time. Meanwhile, compounds 1, 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20 were isolated from the Urticaceae plants for the first time.

Decomposition of Phragmites australis rhizomes in artificial land-water transitional zones （ALWTZs） and management implications

Rhizomes are essential organs for growth and expansion of Phragmites australis. They function as an important source of organic matter and as a nutrient source, especially in the artificial land-water transitional zones （ALWTZs） of shallow lakes. In this study, decomposition experiments on 1- to 6-year-old R australis rhizomes were conducted in the ALWTZ of Lake Baiyangdian to evaluate the contribution of the rhizomes to organic matter accumulation and nutrient release. Mass loss and changes in nutrient content were measured after 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days. The decomposition process was modeled with a composite exponential model. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationships between mass loss and litter quality factors. A multiple stepwise regression model was utilized to determine the dominant factors that affect mass loss. Results showed that the decomposition rates in water were significantly higher than those in soil for 1- to 6-year-old rhizomes. However, the sequence of decomposition rates was identical in both water and soil. Significant relationships between mass loss and litter quality factors were observed at a later stage, and P-related factors proved to have a more significant impact than N-related factors on mass loss. According to multiple stepwise models, the C/P ratio was found to be the dominant factor affecting the mass loss in water, and the C/N and C/P ratios were the main factors affecting the mass loss in soil. The combined effects of harvesting, ditch broadening, and control of water depth should be considered for lake administrators.

Trace heavy metals and harmful elements in roots and rhizomes of herbs:Screening level analysis and health risk assessment

Objective:Heavy metal and harmful element contamination are frequently reported in Chinese herbal medicines(CHMs),and roots and rhizomes parts showed a higher content than other parts.To investigate the residue level and assess the potential human health risk of heavy metals and harmful elements in roots and rhizomes,720 batches of the sample representing 20 species of herbs from different sources were collected.Methods:The content of Pb,Cd,As,Hg,and Cu in the digests was determined using ICP-MS.The chronic hazard index estimate based on non-cancer hazard quotient(HQ)was applied for potential health risk assessment of Pb,Cd,As,Hg,and Cu via consumption of CHMs.Results:Compared with the Chinese limit standard(Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission,2020 edition)of Pb,Cd,As,Hg,and Cu in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,the exceedance percentage of Pb in total samples was 14.1%,which were generally far higher than Cd,As,Hg,and Cu.Health risk assessment results based on hazard quotient calculating showed that total HQ of Cu,Pb,As,Cd,and Hg in Pulsatillae Radix and Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma exceeded 1,with the value of 1.543 and 1.235.Besides,Arsenic had the highest HQ value(0.957)in Pulsatillae Radix.Conclusion:Consuming raw materials of Pulsatillae Radix and Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma may pose a potential risk and Arsenic residues in Pulsatillae Radix deserved special attention.

Identification of different degrees of processed ginger using GC-IMS combined with machine learning

Ginger,the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe,was a wellknown edible plant species commonly used in China,which has pungent flavor[1].Ginger has numerous chemical compounds,such as phenolic constituents,volatile compounds(VOCs),and polysaccharides[2].Among them,VOCs are considered one of the effective compounds in ginger due to their functional properties,including anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and analgesic[3].

CHEMICAL CONSTITUTES FROM THE RHIZOMES OF MATTEUCCIA ORIENTALIS AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

The rhizomes of Matteuccia orientalis(HOOK.)TREV(Dong Fang Jia Guo Jue)have been used as traditional folk remedies for rheumatalgia and traumatic hemorrhage in China.Our earlier work on the 50%EtOH eluate from the Diaion HP 20 macroporous adsorption resin column chromatography(CC)of the 60%EtOH extract of

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF THE CONSTITUENTS FROM THE RHIZOMES OF CYPERUS ROTUNDUS ON TRPV1 ION CHANNEL

Cyperus rotundus(Cyperaceae)is used as an analgesic and sedative in oriental medicine,and has been reported to exhibit anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.On the other hand,transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1(TRPV1),the so-called capsaicin receptor,is a nonselective cation channel that senses various noxious chemical and thermal stimuli.However,it has recently

Studies on Triterpenoid Glycosides from Rhizomes ofPanacis majoris and Their Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity

A new triterpenoid glycoside（l） and seven known triterpenoid glycosides, pseudoginsenoside RT2（2）,yesanchinoside R2（3）, vinaginsenoside R13（4）, vinaginsenoside R8（5）, notoginsenoside E（6）, 6＂＇-O-acetylginsenosideRe（7）, 6＂-O-acetylginsenoside Rbl（8）, were isolated from the rhizomes of Panaeis maforis. The new triterpenoidglycoside was elucidated as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-（l→2）-fl-D-（6＇-O-ethyl）-glucuronopyranosyl]-oleanolicacid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside by extensive spectroscopic and phytochemical methods. Compounds 2-8 wereobtained from the plant for the first time. Compounds 3 and 4 displayed good activities against adenosine diphosphate（ADP）-induced platelet aggregation, and compounds 1, 5, 6 and 8 showed moderate activities. Compound 6 exhibitedmoderate antiplatelet aggregation activity induced by arachidonic acid（AA）.

Optimization of slow-release fertilizer application improves lotus rhizome quality by affecting the physicochemical properties of starch

To achieve the dual goals of high yield and good quality with low environmental costs,slow-release fertilizer(SRF)has been widely used in lotus cultivation as new type of fertilizer instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer.However,the optimal amount of SRF and how it would promote lotus rhizome quality remain unclear.This study was designed to investigate the photosynthetic characteristics and the synthesis,accumulation,and physicochemical properties of lotus rhizome starches under six SRF levels(CK,S1,S2,S3,S4,and S5).Compared with CK(0 kg ha^(–1)),the net photosynthetic rate(P_(n))and SPAD values of leaves remained at higher levels under SRF treatment.Further research showed that SRF increased the lotus rhizome yield,the contents of amylose,amylopectin,and total starch,and the number of starch granules.Among the six SRF levels,S3(1035 kg ha^(–1))showed the greatest difference from CK and produced the highest levels.With the increasing SRF levels,the peak,hot and final viscosities decreased at first and then increased,but the setback viscosity and pasting temperature increased.In order to interpret these changes at the molecular level,the activities of key enzymes and relative expression levels of starch accumulation related genes were analyzed.Each of these parameters also increased under SRF treatment,especially under the S3 treatment.The results of this study show that SRF,especially S3(1035 kg ha^(–1)),is a suitable fertilizer option for lotus planting which can improve lotus rhizome quality by affecting starch accumulations related enzymes and genes.These results will be useful for SRF application to high-quality lotus rhizome production with low environmental costs.

Comparative Study on the Acid-Base Indicator Properties of Natural Dye, Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa) and Synthetic Dyes

Acid-Base Indicator, Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa) was extracted from the root of a turmeric plant. The turmeric was peeled, washed and dried in an oven at 60°C. It was ground into powder and soaked in hot and cold ethanol for the extraction. The extract was filtered and part of it was concentrated to yield a reasonable quantity of turmeric indicator. On standardization of acid with a base, 0.05 M base respectively of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and Disodium borate (B4Na2O7) were used. Hot and cold extracts of turmeric were used as indicators and were compared with methyl orange and phenolphthalein. On the preliminary test carried out, hot and cold turmeric indicator showed yellow colour in acid medium and orange colour in the base. Methyl orange showed red colour in acid but yellow in the base, phenolphthalein was colourless in acid but pink in the base. During titration there were colour changes at the end points in the entire test carried out. The average volumes at ends points were calculated, the molar concentrations and mass concentrations of the acids used were also determined. The results showed that there was no difference between the natural indicators used and the existing synthetic indicators which are toxic to our environment.

太白七药窝儿七化学成分的研究

[目的]研究太白山窝儿七的化学成分。[方法]采用硅胶柱色谱、薄层色谱、重结晶等方法对从太白山窝儿七中提取的的化合物进行分离纯化,并根据化合物的理化性质和波谱数据鉴定其化学结构。[结果]从窝儿七中分离得到6个化合物,分别为β-谷甾醇、鬼臼毒素、鬼臼毒酮、山奈酚、山荷叶素、山柰酚-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷。[结论]首次从窝儿七中分离出β-谷甾醇和山柰酚-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷。

Phenotypic Plasticity in Response to the Heterogeneous Water Supplyin the Rhizomatous Grass Species, Calamagrostis epigejosin the Mu Us Sandy Land of China

Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth. is a perennial grass with slender and long rhizome segments between interconnected neighbor ramets. To investigate the phenotypic plasticity in response to the heterogeneous soil water supply, ramet pairs of the species were subjected to heterogeneous water supply by which either mother ramets or daughter ramets were in high or low soil water supply, respectively, in the Maowusu (Mu Us) Sandy Land of Nei Mongol. The results showed that the phenotypic characteristics of the individual ramets of C epigejos were greatly influenced by the heterogeneous water supply. The ramets treated with high water supply significantly produced more new rhizomes and more offspring (ramets), and accumulated more shoot biomass, and allocated more biomass to their shoots than those treated with low water supply. In comparison with the daughter ramets in homogeneous soil water supply, phenotypic characteristics, in terms of new rhizome growth, the production of new offspring, and the biomass allocation pattern, of the daughter ramets within the pairs of the species were not significantly changed, no matter that high or low soil water supply to mother ramets. The phenotypic responses of mother ramets to soil water supply were similar to those of daughter ramets. From these results, it is inferred that the interconnected ramets of C epigejos response phenotypically to their local soil water rather than to the soil water experienced by the interconnected ramets. The interconnected ramets of C epigejos might be independent of each other in water relationship, although they are physically interconnected with rhizome segments. The physiological independence of interconnected ramets might facilitate the risk spreading and thus enhance the genet survivorship under the frequent drought stresses in Mu Us Sandland.

Rhizome Elongation Growth of Umbrella Bamboo(Fargesia murielae) Seedlings at Its Native Home in Central China

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the rhizome elongation growth of umbrella bamboo （Fargesia murielae） seedlings in China. [Method] The study was conducted in Liangfengya, Shennongjia National Nature Reserve. In the field investigation, six clumps of umbrella bamboo which grow independently were randomly selected and labeled. Rhizome elongation growth parameters, length and diameter of all the ages were measured. The age classes of bamboo rhizome were ascertained by age grade backtracking method. [Result] Field investigation suggested that at seedling phase, rhizome of umbrella bamboo prolonged very quickly under yearly time sequence, following an exponential curve. It indicated that although it was 15 years since the mother population died back, new generation had not been established its stable population yet. [Conclusion] Studying elongation regulation of umbrella bamboo may provide the theory understanding of life cycle of this long lived bamboo species.

Growth Strategy of Seagrass Thalassia hemprichii in Xincun Bay near Hainan Island of China

A compilation of data on biomass and growth allowed an examination of the intraspecific plasticity in Tha/assia hemprichii which played key roles to develop site-specific growth strategies for this species in Xincun Bay. The results showed the difference in rhizome elongation rates which explained most of the variation of biomass and growth within species. The seagrass T. hempdchii in Xincun Bay adjusted its vertical and horizontal rhizome elongation rates alternatively in response to light level and temperature changes, resulting in the variation of shoot densities and above biomass in return. The vertical and horizontal rhizomes elongated at rates of 2.38 and 24.4 cm yr1 in summer while 1.87 and 29.2 cm yr^-1 in winter respectively. The shoot density ranged from 822 to 941 shoots m^2 with a peak in summer and a trough in winter which was similar to that of biomass. The growth strategy enabled T. hempdchii to minimize the negative effects of desiccation in summer as well as light reduction in winter.

雪里见中草酸钙针晶形态结构与含量

利用显微镜和电镜观察雪里见（Arisaema rhizom C.E.C.Fisch）中草酸钙针晶的形态,并采用RP-HPLC法测定草酸钙的含量。结果表明,草酸钙针晶细长,具有尖锐的针尖;草酸在0.099 64-1.992 80g/L范围内线性关系良好（r=0.999 3）;平均回收率为100.23%,RSD为1.52%。草酸钙针晶显微结构与同科植物的基本相同,建立的含量测定方法操作简便,结果可靠,重复性好,可作为雪里见药材质量控制的方法。

Component Composition of Essential Oils <i>Curcuma longa</i>L. (Zingiberaceae) Introduced in Uzbekistan

This article presents the results of studying the component composition of essential oils of leaves and rhizomes of C. longa grown in Uzbekistan. The chemical composition of essential oils of vegetative organs of the Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) plant introduced in Uzbekistan was studied for the first time. Essential oils of the plant were isolated by hydrodistillation, their chemical composition was studied by chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the composition of essential oils of leaves and rhizomes C. longa L., introduced in the Tashkent oasis, found 27 and 16 components, respectively, among which the leaf is dominated by α-fellandren (33.79%), α-terpinolene (24.28%), n-cymene (12.27%), eucalyptol (9.77%), and in the rhizomes-6-(1,3-dimethyl-buta-1,3-dienyl)-1,5,5-trimethyl-7-oxa-bicyclo [4.1.0] hept-2-EN (22.77%), α-curcumene (4.11%), 2,6,6,9-tetramethyl-tricyclo [5.4.0.0(2.8)] undec-9-EN (3.81%), α-zedren (1.14%), as well as 3 components that were not identified (the mass spectrum did not match the library data) their mass fraction was 47.47%, 10.41% and 3.46%. The composition of leaves and rhizomes of C. longa differ quantitatively and in quality. For example, α-curcumene in percentage content is more contained in rhizomes, and α-fellandren, which is the dominant content in leaves, is not found in the underground part.

Spatial Distribution and Environmental Determinants of Denitrification Enzyme Activity in Reed-Dominated Raised Fields

Denitrification is an important process of nitrogen removal in lake ecosystems.However,the importance of denitrification across the entire soil-depth gradients including subsurface layers remains poorly understood.This study aims to determine the spatial pattern of soil denitrification enzyme activity(DEA) and its environmental determinants across the entire soil depth gradients in the raised fields in Baiyang Lake,North China.In two different zones of the raised fields(i.e.,water boundary vs.main body of the raised fields),the soil samples from 1.0 m to 1.1 m depth were collected,and the DEA and following environmental determinants were quantified:soil moisture,p H,total nitrogen(TN),ammonia nitrogen(NH4+-N),nitrate nitrogen(NO3–-N),total organic carbon(TOC),and rhizome biomass of Phragmites australis.The results showed that the soil DEA and environmental factors had a striking zonal distribution across the entire soil depth gradients.The soil DEA reached two peak values in the upper and middle soil layers,indicating that denitrification are important in both topsoil and subsurface of the raised fields.The correlation analysis showed that the DEA is negatively correlated with the soil depth(p < 0.05).However,this phenomenon did not occur in the distance to the water edge,except in the upper layers(from 0.2 m to 0.7 m) of the boundary zone of the raised fields.In the main body of the raised fields,the DEA level remained high;however,it showed no significant relationship with the distance to the water edge.The linear regression analysis showed significant positive correlation of the DEA with the soil TN,NO3–-N,NH4+-N,and TOC;whereas it showed negative correlation with soil p H.No significant correlations with soil moisture and temperature were observed.A positive correlation was also found between the DEA and rhizome biomass of P.australis.