Application of Classical Prescriptions of Rhizome Chinese Herbal Medicines for Medicine and Food Homology and Development Status of Its Modern Food

The efficacy,application and compatibility of five kinds of Chinese Herbal Medicines medicine(including yam,licorice,Platyc-odonisi Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,and Pueraria Lobata)for medicine and food homology in the past five years were systematically searched and summarized,and the current situation of their food development was reviewed to provide theoretical basis for the research and development of this kind of CHMs for health care.

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.

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.

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.

Study on Rhizome Crops by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Wavelet Analysis

In order to distinguish 8 kinds of rhizome crops, the 40 samples were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） combined with wavelet transform （WT）, principal component analysis （PCA） and hieramhical cluster analysis （HCA）. The results showed that the infrared spectra were similar on the whole, but there were differences in peak position, peak shape and peak absorption intensity in the range of 1 800-700 cm-1. The infrared spectra in the range of 1 800-700 cm-1 were selected to perform continuous wavelet transform （CWT） and discrete wavelet transform （DWT）. The 15th-Ievel decomposition coefficients of CWT and the 5=-level detail coefficients of DWT were classified by PCA and HCA. The cumulative contri- bution rates of the first three principal components of CWT and DWT were 93.12% and 89.78%, respectively. The accurate recognition rates of PCA and HCA were all 100%. It is proved that FTIR combined with WT can be used to distinguish different kinds of rhizome crops.

Screening of flavonoid "quercetin" from the rhizome of Smilax china Linn.for anti-psoriatic activity

Objective:To assess anti-psoriatic activity of the methanol extract and the isolated flavonoid quercetin from the rhizome of Smilax china(S.china) Linn.Methods:Mouse tail test was used for the evaluation of anti-psoriatic activity.Methanol extract(100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) and isolated flavonoid quercetin(25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) were tested in Swiss albino mice.Parameters studied in the mouse tail test were changes in epidermal thickness and percentage orthokeratotic values.The anti-inflammatory role of the methanol extract and isolated flavonoid quercetin was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats.In vitro antiproliferant assay on HaCaT cell lines was also carried out.Results:The isolated flavonoid quercetin from the rhizome of S.china produced significant orthokeratosis(P<0.01) in the mouse tail test.In epidermal thickness,a significant reduction with respect to control was observed in groups treated with retinoic acid and isolated flavonoid quercetin.The methanol extract(200 mg/kg) and isolated flavonoid quercetin(50 mg/kg) showed anti-inflammatory effect in terms of significant inhibition(P<0.001) in leukocyte migration.Maximum antiproliferant activity was shown by isolated flavonoid quercetin(IC_(50),62.42± 10.20 μg/mL).Conclusions:From the above data,the flavonoid quercetin shows significant orthokeratosis,anti-inflammatory and maximum antiproliferant activities.To our knowledge,this is the first report on the anti-psoriatic effect of the flavonoid quercetin which is promising for further investigations to prove its anti-psoriatic activity.

Antimicrobial activities of the rhizome extract of Zingiber zerumbet Linn

Objective:To investigate antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extract of Zingiber zerumbet(Z.zerumbet)(L.)Smith and its chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.Methods:The fresh rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet were extracted in cold with ethanol(4.0 L)after concentration.The crude ethanol extract was fractionated by petroleum ether and chloroform to form a suspension of ethanol extract(15.0 g),petroleum ether fraction(6.6 g)and chloroform soluble fraction(5.0 g).The crude ethanol extract and its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity against thirteen pathogenic bacteria and three fungi by the disc diffusion method.Commercially available kanamycin(30μg/disc)was used as standard disc and blank discs impregnated with the respective solvents were used as negative control.Results:At a concentration of 400μg/disc,all the samples showed mild to moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity and produced the zone of inhibition ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm.Among the tested samples,the crude ethanol extract showed the highest activity against Vibrio parahemolyticus(V.parahemolyticus).The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions were within the value of 128-256μg/mL against two Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria and all the samples showed the lowest MIC value against V.parahemolyticus(128μg/mL).Conclusions:It can be concluded that,potent antibacterial and antifungal phytochemicals are present in ethanol extract of Z.zerumbet(L.).

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.

GPR based RTM imaging technology for estimating rhizome diameters and application in the western China mining area

The rhizome functions are of great significance to the ecological protection of the western China mining area,whose ecological management can be provided with technical support via accurate calculations of the rhizome biomass.The rhizome diameter is an important index parameter of rhizome biomass.In this study,we propose an estimation of rhizome diameters based on ground penetrating radar(GPR)-based reverse time migration(RTM)imaging technology.First,the spatial distribution of shallow rhizomes is simulated using the finite difference time domain method.The simulation data are examined via RTM imaging and single-channel rhizome analysis to obtain the rhizome index parameters:Δh,the width of the maximum positive peak amplitude measured at an amplitude of zero,andΔH,the distance between the zero-amplitude position above the largest positive peak in the shallow region and the zero-amplitude position below the largest positive peak in the deeper region.The experiments of physical models verify the effectiveness of the two parameters(Δh andΔH).and indicate that the values ofΔh andΔH are independent of the rhizome burial depth;instead,they are only related to the diameter of the rhizome.For both the numerical simulations and the physical model experiment,the estimation errors ofΔh andΔH for the rhizome diameters can be constrained to less than 6%and 5%,respectively,which shows that the estimation of the rhizome diameters using GPR based RTM imaging technology is reasonable and effective and its high estimation accuracy meets the technical requirements.

Studies on Rhizome Multiplication and Differentiation of Cymbidium sinense × Cymbidium goeringii

With the rhizomes obtained from the germination of Cymbidium sinense ~ Cymbidium goeringii seeds as a material, the effects of different basic media and different plant growth regulators on the multiplication and differentiation of rhizomes and rooting and transplanting of seedlings were investigated. The results showed that the basal medium more suitable for the multiplication and differentiation of rhizomes was 1/2MS; the medium more suitable for the multiplication and differentiation of rhizomes of the hybrid orchid was 1/2MS ＋ 6 - BA 2.0 mg/L ＋ KT 0.5 mg/L ＋ NAA 0.05 mg/L; the medium more suitable for the rooting of the hybrid orchid was 1/2MS ＋ IBA 0.5 mg/L; and after training of seedlings, transplanting was performed onto moss, and after 25 d, the survival rate was 95.6%.

Chemical profiling of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. rhizome using different techniques of solvent extraction

Objective:To investigate the possible phytochemical constituents of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.(C. aeruginosa) rhizome using two different techniques of direct solvent extraction. Methods: Two different techniques of direct solvent extractions, i.e. methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE) extraction and two-phase methanol/chloroform(M/C) system, were used in this study. The analysis of the phytochemical constituents in MTBE and M/C extracts was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The mass spectra of the compounds was matched with the NIST 08 mass spectral library. Results: The present study revealed that the extraction using two-phase M/C have resulted in higher metabolite coverage compared to the extraction with MTBE. Direct solvent extraction using MTBE revealed the presence of 27 compounds; whereas, M/C allowed the extraction of 18 and 36 compounds in polar(methanol) and nonpolar(chloroform) fractions respectively. The major compounds detected in the MTBE extract that based on the peak area percentage were methenolone(16.64%), cycloisolongifolene, 8,9-dehydro-9-formyl-(15.93%), labd-13-en-15-oic acid,8,12-epoxy-12-hydroxy-γ-lactone(10.77%), propiolic acid, 3-(1-hydroxy)-2 isopropyl-1,5-methylcyclohexyl)(7.84%), 4-oxo-β-isodamascol(5.17%), velleral(3.11%) and Z-α-farnesene(2.00%). The most prevailing major compounds identified in the polar fraction of the M/C extraction were α-D glucopyranoside, 1,3,4,6 tetrakis-O-(TMS)(trimethylsilyl)-β-D-fructofuranosyl 2,3,4,6-tetrakis-O-(TMS)-(38.08%), d-glucose, 2,3,4,5,6-pentakis-O-(TMS)-, O-methyloxime(14.61%), D-fructose, 1,3,4,5,6-pentakis-O-(TMS)-, O-methyloxime(5.28%), isocitric acid(TMS)(3.06%), oxalic acid, bis(TMS) ester(2.96%), hexadecanoic acid, TMS ester(2.16%), citric acid, ethyl ester, tri-TMS(1.91%) and butanedioic acid, [(TMS) oxy]-, bis(TMS) ester(1.14%); whereas in the nonpolar extract, among the major compounds detected were cycloisolongifolene, 8, 9-dehydro-9-formyl(15.70%), propiolic acid, 3-(1-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl)(11.09%), stearic acid, TMS ester(2.78%), hexadecanoic acid, TMS ester(2.33%), oleic acid, TMS ester(1.62%), curzerene(1.56%); Z-α-farnesene(1.52%), germacrone(1.41%) and β-elemene(1.33%). Conclusions: It was evident from the results that C. aeruginosa rhizome extracted using two different techniques of solvent extractions(MTBE and M/C) contained various chemical classes of compounds including terpenoids, sterols, organic acids, fatty acids and sugars. Different methods of extraction have led to different compounds extraction for C. aeruginosa rhizome. The results also indicated that the plant was a source of phytochemical importance.

Evaluation of antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Acorus calamus L.rhizome through tail suspension test and forced swimming test of mice

Objective:Acorus calamus(AC)L.(Araceae)is an annual semi-aquatic and aromatic plant found in Europe,North America and Asia.Its rhizomes are often used by Native Americans,Americans,and Chinese as well as by other cultures.Ethnobotanical studies and documents have shown their use in various disease treatments,such as insomnia,mental disorders,diabetes mellitus,epilepsy,inflammation,asthma,neuropathic pain,and diarrhea.In this study,the antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of the AC rhizome part in mice was investigated.Methods:Three doses of methanolic extract of AC rhizome(MEACR)(25,50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt),three doses of hydroalcoholic extract of AC rhizome(HAACR)(100,200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt),and standards(imipramine,15 mg/kg b.wt and fluoxetine,20 mg/kg b.wt)was daily oral administration to the mice for consecutive 14 days.The extract effect on the immobility time was monitored by a tail suspension test(TST)and a forced swimming test(FST).Monoamine oxidase(MAO)levels were also analyzed using standard methods.Results:The optimum antidepressant activity was viewed at 100 mg/kg b.wt of MEACR extract and400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract with 23.82%and 20.59%immobility period reduction,respectively.Besides,the extracts weakened the FST-induced elevation of MAO activity significantly and returned to near-normal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.100 mg/kg b.wt or above of MEACR extract significantly prevented the MAO-A and MAO-B activities in mice brain at a dose-dependent fashion.But,just 400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract prevented the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Fluoxetine and imipramine showed a tendency to prevent the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B.Conclusion:This study suggests that AC rhizome extract mediated antidepressant activity by modulating the central neurochemical and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in response to FST and TSTinduced stress.Therefore,AC rhizome extract can be used as a valuable plant supplement to treat depressive disorders.

The Synthesis and Storage Sites of Phenolic Compounds in the Root and Rhizome of <i>Echinacea purpurea</i>

Cichoric acid is the main phenolic compound in the root and rhizome of the medicinal part, Echinacea purpurea that is known for possessing immune enhancing characteristics. In this study, we analysis the the synthesis and storage sites of phenolic compound in E. purpurea. We used fluorescent microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cytochemical and immunocytochemical localization to observe the distribution of phenolic compounds. Our results show that the phenolic compounds were mostly distributed in the cortex parenchyma cells, vascular parenchyma cells and pith parenchyma cells in the root and rhizome, and mainly present in the vacuoles, large intercellular spaces and their surrounding cell walls. No phenolic compounds were observed in the cytoplasm and the organelles. We concluded that the phenolic compounds were synthetized in the cortex parenchyma cells, vascular parenchyma cells and pith parenchyma cells in the root and rhizome, and stored in the vacuoles of parenchyma cells. The above results provided significantly cytological information for further approaching the metabolic regulation and transfer pathways of phenolic compounds in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Protective effects of components of the Chinese herb grassleaf sweetflag rhizome on PC12 cells incubated with amyloid-beta42

The major ingredients of grassleaf sweetflag rhizome are β-asarone and eugenol, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons. This study aimed to observe the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of β-asarone and eugenol, components of the Chinese herb grassleaf sweetflag rhizome, on PC12 cells. First, PC12 cells were cultured with different concentrations（between 1 × 10–10 M and 1 × 10–5 M） of β-asarone and eugenol. Survival rates of PC12 cells were not significantly affected. Second, PC12 cells incubated with amyloid-beta42, which reduced cell survival, were cultured under the same conditions（1 × 10–6 M β-asarone and eugenol）. The survival rates of PC12 cells significantly increased, while expression levels of the m RNAs for the pro-apoptotic protein Bax decreased, and those for the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl m RNA increased. In addition, the combination of β-asarone with eugenol achieved better results than either component alone. Our experimental findings indicate that both β-asarone and eugenol protect PC12 cells through inhibiting apoptosis, and that the combination of the two is better than either alone.

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.

The effect of Sachalin rhodiola rhizome extract on liver starch and liver cell morphous of sports fatigue rat

Objective To inspect the effect of Sachalin rhodiola rhizome extract to the swimming time and content of liver starch and liver cells morphous of sports fatigue rat.Methods Using weight loading swimming to determine swimming time,using kits to determine liver starch,using transmission electron microscope to observe the diversify of rat liver cells morphous and construction.Results To compare with negative control group,the Sachalin rhodiola rhizome extract can obviously extend survival time of swimming rat,increase the content of liver starch.Conclusions Sachalin rhodiola rhizome extract can raise the staying power of sports fatigue rat,strengthen sport ability and play a part in antifatigue by increasing the content of liver starch and protecting liver cells of sports fatigue rat.

Effects of Alcohol Extract of Giantleaf Ardisia Rhizome on Levels of Inflammatory Factors in Serum of Rats with Adjuvant Arthritis

[Objectives]The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extract of Giantleaf Ardisia Rhizome on the serum levels of interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in adjuvant arthritis(AA)rats induced by Freund’s complete adjuvant(CFA),so as to investigate its role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.[Methods]Rat models of AA were induced by CFA,and they were given with different doses of ethanol extract of Giantleaf Ardisia Rhizome,followed by scoring of systemic and joint inflammation and swelling degree and determination of serum IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1βlevels.[Results]Compared with the model group,the ethanol extract of Giantleaf Ardisia Rhizome significantly reduced the scores of systemic and joint inflammation and swelling degree and the serum levels of IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1βin AA rats(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]The ethanol extract of Giantleaf Ardisia Rhizome can suppress the development of AA in rats and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expression of serum inflammatory factors(IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β).

Identification of Volatile Oil Components of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Root and Rhizome,Herb

[Objectives] Volatile oil components of traditional drug use site " root and rhizome" of N. jatamansi and herb were identified and contrasted,which aimed to provide the basis for rationally using wild N. jatamansi resource. [Methods]Volatile oil components from different sites of N. jatamansi were identified and isolated by GC-MS. [Results] There were 56 kinds of volatile oil components from different sites of N. jatamansi,in which 39 components from herb of N. jatamansi,39 components from root and rhizome of N. jatamansi,and there were 22 common components. But 1 component in higher concentration had obvious difference. [Conclusions] The herb of N. jatamansi could not completely replace " root and rhizome" of N. jatamansi as the medicine,which was consistent with prior detection result of each physicochemical index from different sites of N. jatamansi. The research could provide the reference for making quality standard of N. jatamansi medicine and rational basis for its further research and development.

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.