curcumin and ar-turmerone

The extraction of curcuminoids and aromatic (ar)-turmerone from Curcuma longa L. using organic solvents produces chemical waste, and is therefore incompatible with food applications. To address this issue, this study presents the design of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and HDES-based microemulsions. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal extraction conditions were identified as follows: HDES = OA:menthol (1:3.6 M ratio), solid-to-liquid ratio = 10:1 (mg/mL), and extraction duration = 90 min (prediction accuracy ≥ 85 %). Under these conditions, the HDES extraction yields of bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and ar-turmerone were 2.49 ± 0.25, 5.61 ± 0.45, 9.40 ± 0.86, and 3.83 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively, while those obtained using the HDES-based microemulsion were 2.10 ± 0.18, 6.31 ± 0.48, 12.6 ± 1.20, and 2.58 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively. The HDES and its microemulsions are more effective and environmentally friendly than conventional organic solvents for the extraction of curcuminoids and ar-turmerone, and these solvents are also compatible with food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Topics: Curcuma; Curcumin; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Diarylheptanoids; Ketones; Sesquiterpenes; Solvents

Curcuma longa L. is used as food supplement to prevent diseases, although limited studies have been performed on healthy subjects up to now. In the present work, an untargeted UPLC-MS metabolomics approach was applied to study the changes of 24-hours urinary composition on healthy volunteers due to a 28-days daily consumption of a dried C. longa extract containing a standardized amount of curcuminoids. Changes in the excretion of different metabolites were observed after supplementation. Curcumin and two metabolic derivatives (hexahydrocurcumin and dihydrocurcumin) were detected in urine, indicating the absorption of the main curcuminoid from the extract and its further metabolism by liver and gut microbiota. For the first time ar-turmerone, the main apolar constituent of curcuma, was detected in urine in intact form, and its presence was confirmed by a targeted GC-MS analysis. The increase of tetranor-PGJM and tetranor-PGDM, two prostaglandin-D2 metabolites, was observed, being related to the anti-inflammatory effect exerted by curcuma. The variation of the amounts of HPAG, PAG, proline-betaine and hydroxyphenyllactic acid indicate that the supplementation induced changes to the activity of gut microbiota. Finally, the reduced excretion of niacin metabolites (nicotinuric acid, trigonelline and 2PY) and medium- and short-chain acylcarnitines suggests that curcuma could induce the mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids for energy production in healthy subjects. Overall, the results indicate that a prolonged daily consumption of a dried curcuma extract exerts multiple effects on healthy subjects, furthermore they show the opportunity offered by untargeted metabolomics for the study of the bioactivity of natural extracts in healthy human volunteers.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Chromatography, Liquid; Curcuma; Female; Humans; Ketones; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Plant Extracts; Prostaglandin D2; Sesquiterpenes; Urinalysis

Turmeric, a rhizome of Curcumin longa L. is widely used as both a spice and an herbal medicine. The traditional use of turmeric in gastroenterology is mainly based on its choleretic activity. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of turmeric on bile flow (BF) and total bile acids (TBAs) excretion in a bile fistula rat model after acute duodenal administration. A significant dose-dependent enhancement in both BF and TBAs was detected after treatment with the turmeric decoctions which suggested the choleretic activity was bile acid-dependent secretion. In order to direct the active group of compounds, aqueous (AE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and petroleum ether (PE) extracts were investigated. The EtOAc and PE extracts showing high effects were purified to locate the active ingredients. Three curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) and 2 sesquiterpenes (bisacurone B and ar-turmerone) were isolated. It was found Bisacurone B was the most potent choleretic ingredient followed by ar-turmerone, bisdemethoxycurcumin demethoxycurcumin, and then curcumin. The amounts of the active ingredients were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The EtOAc and PE extracts had high sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids content, while the AE extract had poor content of sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids which affected neither BF nor TBAs. Based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis, the content of BIS and TUR were dominant factors (P < 0.01) of controlling BL and TBAs in EtOAC and PE extracts.

Topics: Animals; Bile; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholagogues and Choleretics; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Curcuma; Curcumin; Cyclohexanols; Diarylheptanoids; Ketones; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes

The present study was designed to identify the chemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes and their inhibitory effect on a hepatoma cell line. The methanolic extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify the volatile constituents and the other part of the same extract was subjected to liquid column chromatographic separation to isolate curcumin. The inhibition of cell growth in the hepatoma cell line and the cytopathological changes were studied. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fifty compounds in the methanolic extract of C. longa. The major compounds were ar-turmerone (20.50 %), β-sesquiphellandrene (5.20 %) and curcumenol (5.11 %). Curcumin was identified using IR, 1H and 13C NMR. The inhibition of cell growth by curcumin (IC50 = 41.69 ± 2.87 μg mL-1) was much more effective than that of methanolic extract (IC50 = 196.12 ± 5.25 μg mL-1). Degenerative and apoptotic changes were more evident in curcumin- treated hepatoma cells than in those treated with the methanol extract. Antitumor potential of the methanolic extract may be attributed to the presence of sesquiterpenes and phenolic constituents including curcumin (0.051 %, 511.39 μg g-1 dried methanol extract) in C. longa rhizomes.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Curcuma; Curcumin; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyclohexenes; Drug Discovery; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Ketones; Liver Neoplasms; Monoterpenes; Plant Extracts; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes; Volatile Organic Compounds

Essential oils and extract of Curcuma longa, ar-turmerone, and curcuminoids were evaluated for their larvicidal and deterrent activity against mosquitoes. Ar-turmerone and curcuminoids constituted 36.9, 24.9 and 50.6% of rhizome oil, leaf oil, and rhizome extract, respectively. Ar-turmerone was the major compound of the rhizome oil (36.9%) and leaf oil (24.9%). The ethanolic extract had 15.4% ar-turmerone with 6.6% bisdesmethoxycurcumin, 6.1% desmethoxycurcumin, and 22.6% curcumin. In in vitro studies, essential oils of the leaf (biting deterrence index [BDI] = 0.98), rhizome (BDI = 0.98), and rhizome ethanolic extract (BDI = 0.96) at 10 µg/cm(2) showed biting deterrent activity similar to DEET at 25 nmol/cm(2) against Aedes aegypti L. Among the pure compounds, ar-turmerone (BDI = 1.15) showed the biting deterrent activity higher than DEET at 25 nmol/cm(2) whereas the activity of other compounds was lower than DEET. In Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, only ar-turmerone showed deterrent activity similar to DEET. In dose-response bioassay, ar-turmerone showed significantly higher biting deterrence than DEET at all the dosages. Ar-turmerone, at 15 nmol/cm(2), showed activity similar to DEET at 25 nmol/cm(2) and activity at 5 nmol/cm(2) was similar to DEET at 20 and 15 nmol/cm(2). Leaf essential oil with LC(50) values of 1.8 and 8.9 ppm against larvae of An. quadrimaculatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively, showed highest toxicity followed by rhizome oil and ethanolic extract. Among the pure compounds, ar-turmerone with LC(50) values of 2.8 and 2.5 ppm against larvae of An. quadrimaculatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively, was most toxic followed by bisdesmethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and desmethoxycurcumin.

Topics: Aedes; Animals; Anopheles; Curcuma; Female; Insect Bites and Stings; Insecticides; Ketones; Oils, Volatile; Plant Extracts; Sesquiterpenes

Rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Zingiberaceae) have traditionally been used for controlling inflammatory conditions. Numerous studies have aimed to isolate and characterize the bioactive constituents of C. phaeocaulis. It has been reported that its anti-inflammatory properties are a result of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition; however, its effect on the T-cell function remains to be elucidated. In this study, four known sesquiterpenoids, viz., ar-turmerone (TM), germacrone (GM), (+)-(4S,5S)-germacrone-4,5-epoxide (GE), and curzerenone (CZ), were isolated from C. phaeocaulis rhizomes and evaluated for their effects on the CD4(+) T-cell function. While GM, GE, and CZ had no effect on the activation of splenic T cells or CD4(+) T cells, TM suppressed the interferon (IFN)-γ production, without affecting the interleukin (IL)-4 expression. TM also decreased the expression of IL-2 in CD4(+) T cells, but did not change their cell-division rates upon stimulation. These results suggest that TM, a major constituent of C. phaeocaulis rhizomes selectively exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects via suppression of the inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cells, Cultured; Curcuma; Cytokines; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-2; Ketones; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Sesquiterpenes; Spleen; T-Lymphocytes

Promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were treated with different concentrations of two fractions of Curcuma longa cortex rich in turmerones and their respective liposomal formulations in order to evaluate growth inhibition and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, cellular alterations of treated promastigotes were investigated under transmission and scanning electron microscopies. LipoRHIC and LipoRHIWC presented lower MIC, 5.5 and 12.5 μg/mL, when compared to nonencapsulated fractions (125 and 250 μg/mL), respectively, and to ar-turmerone (50 μg/mL). Parasite growth inhibition was demonstrated to be dose-dependent. Important morphological changes as rounded body and presence of several roles on plasmatic membrane could be seen on L. amazonensis promastigotes after treatment with subinhibitory concentration (2.75 μg/mL) of the most active LipoRHIC. In that sense, the hexane fraction from the turmeric cortex of Curcuma longa incorporated in liposomal formulation (LipoRHIC) could represent good strategy for the development of new antileishmanial agent.

Topics: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Curcuma; Hexanes; Humans; Ketones; Leishmania; Leishmania mexicana; Leishmaniasis; Liposomes; Plant Extracts; Sesquiterpenes

Aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone) has been reported to have a cytotoxic effect on L-1210 and HL-60 cells. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer responses and immune activities in implanted tumor cells. Our study found that ar-turmerone inhibited the increase in the number of white blood cells, which normally increase by the injection of lymphoblast cells, or P388D1, and ar-turmerone increased lymphocyte percentage compared to the control. Tumor inhibition rate in the ar-turmerone-treated group was 11.79%, and the apoptosis indexes of the control, ar-turmerone and Glivec groups were 4.22±1.02, 5.45±1.46 and 10.01±2.01, respectively, in which only the Glivec-treated group showed a significance. The positive rates of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins which were treated by ar-turmerone did not show marked differences compared to the control group, but the Bax protein in the Glivec-treated group increased compared to the control group. The density of caspase-1, -3, -6, -9, Bcl-2, Bax, p21 and p53 mRNA in the control, ar-turmerone and Glivec groups did not change considerably, but the Bax mRNA of the Glivec-treated group increased compared to the control group. The ar-turmerone-treated group increased T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte proliferation activities compared to the control group, which was more significant in T-lymphocyte than in B-lymphocyte proliferation activity. The interleukin-2 (IL2) production activity of the ar-turmerone group increased compared to the control group. These findings suggest that ar-turmerone does not have a chemotherapeutic effect on tumor incidence, but it has a repressive effect on P388D1 lymphocytic leukemia. Furthermore, this protective effect of ar-turmerone from P388D1 lymphocytic leukemia resulted from the increased activity of tumor immunogenicity through increased T-lymphokine production and increased percentage of lymphocytes.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Cell Line, Tumor; Curcuma; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interleukin-2; Ketones; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Lymphocytes; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Sesquiterpenes

The rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) is often used in Asia as a spice and as a medicine. Its most well-studied component, curcumin, has been shown to exhibit poor bioavailability in animal studies and clinical trials. We hypothesized that the presence of lipophilic components (e.g., turmerones) in turmeric extract would affect the absorption of curcumin. The effects of turmerones on curcumin transport were evaluated in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The roles of turmerones on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activities and mRNA expression were also evaluated. Results showed that in the presence of α- and aromatic turmerones, the amount of curcumin transported into the Caco-2 cells in 2 hours was significantly increased. α-Turmerone and verapamil (a P-gp inhibitor) significantly inhibited the efflux of rhodamine-123 and digoxin (i.e., inhibited the activity of P-gp). It is interesting that aromatic turmerone significantly increased the rhodamine-123 efflux and P-gp (MDR1 gene) mRNA expression levels. The effects of α- and aromatic turmerones on curcumin transport as well as P-gp activities were shown here for the first time. The presence of turmerones did affect the absorption of curcumin in vitro. These findings suggest the potential use of turmeric extract (including curcumin and turmerones), rather than curcumin alone, for treating diseases.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Caco-2 Cells; Cell Survival; Colonic Neoplasms; Curcuma; Curcumin; Enterocytes; Gastrointestinal Agents; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Ketones; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins; Neoplasm Proteins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; RNA, Messenger; Sesquiterpenes; Solubility

Anti-diabetic capacity of Curcuma longa volatile oil in terms of its ability to inhibit glucosidase activities was evaluated. Turmeric volatile oils inhibited glucosidase enzymes more effectively than the reference standard drug acarbose. Drying of rhizomes was found to enhance α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 1.32-0.38 μg/ml) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 64.7-34.3 μg/ml) inhibitory capacities of volatile oils. Ar-Turmerone, the major volatile component in the rhizome also showed potent α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 0.28 μg) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 24.5 μg) inhibition.

Topics: Acarbose; alpha-Amylases; alpha-Glucosidases; Curcuma; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethnopharmacology; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; Hot Temperature; Hypoglycemic Agents; India; Ketones; Kinetics; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Oils, Volatile; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes

Amyloid β (Aβ) induces the production of neuroinflammatory molecules, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, suppression of neuroinflammatory molecules could be developed as a therapeutic method. Aromatic (ar)-turmerone, turmeric oil isolated from Curcuma longa, has long been used in Southeast Asia as both a remedy and a food. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ar-turmerone in BV2 microglial cells. Aβ-stimulated microglial cells were tested for the expression and activation of MMP-9, iNOS, and COX-2, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and ROS, as well as the underlying signaling pathways. Ar-turmerone significantly suppressed Aβ-induced expression and activation of MMP-9, iNOS, and COX-2, but not MMP-2. Ar-turmerone also reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 production in Aβ-stimulated microglial cells. Further, ar-turmerone markedly inhibited the production of ROS. Impaired translocation and activation of NF-κB were observed in Aβ-stimulated microglial cells exposed to ar-turmerone. Furthermore, ar-turmerone inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α as well as the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. These results suggest that ar-turmerone impaired the Aβ-induced inflammatory response of microglial cells by inhibiting the NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Lastly, ar-turmerone protected hippocampal HT-22 cells from indirect neuronal toxicity induced by activated microglial cells. These novel findings provide new insights into the development of ar-turmerone as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cell Line, Transformed; Cholinergic Neurons; Curcuma; Cytokines; Cytoprotection; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Ketones; MAP Kinase Kinase 4; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mice; Microglia; Neurodegenerative Diseases; NF-kappa B; Oxidative Stress; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Plant Oils; Sesquiterpenes; Signal Transduction

Recent evidence suggests that breast cancer is one of the most common forms of malignancy in females, and metastasis from the primary cancer site is the main cause of death. Aromatic (ar)-turmerone is present in Curcuma longa and is a common remedy and food. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ar-turmerone on expression and enzymatic activity levels of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and cyclooxygenaase-2 (COX-2) in breast cancer cells. Our data indicated that ar-turmerone treatment significantly inhibited enzymatic activity and expression of MMP-9 and COX-2 at non-cytotoxic concentrations. However, the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, MMP-2, and COX-1 did not change upon ar-turmerone treatment. We found that ar-turmerone inhibited the activation of NF-κB, whereas it did not affect AP-1 activation. Moreover, The ChIP assay revealed that in vivo binding activities of NF-κB to the MMP-9 and COX-2 promoter were significantly inhibited by ar-turmerone. Our data showed that ar-turmerone reduced the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling, whereas it did not affect phosphorylation of JNK or p38 MAPK. Thus, transfection of breast cancer cells with PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 siRNAs significantly decreased TPA-induced MMP-9 and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that ar-turmerone suppressed the TPA-induced up-regulation of MMP-9 and COX-2 expression by blocking NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and ERK1/2 signaling in human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, ar-turmerone significantly inhibited TPA-induced invasion, migration, and colony formation in human breast cancer cells.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; Curcuma; Cyclooxygenase 1; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Enzyme Activation; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Ketones; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RNA, Small Interfering; Sesquiterpenes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Transfection

The mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative and antitumor activities of aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), a volatile turmeric oil isolated from Curcuma longa Linn., have been largely unknown. In this study, 86% pure ar-turmerone was extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide and liquid-solid chromatography and its potential effects and molecular mechanisms on cell proliferation studied in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Ar-turmerone exhibited significant antiproliferative activity, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 64.8 ± 7.1, 102.5 ± 11.5, and 122.2 ± 7.6 μg/mL against HepG2, Huh-7, and Hep3B cells, respectively. Ar-turmerone-induced apoptosis, confirmed by increased annexin V binding and DNA fragmentation, was accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation, increased Bax and p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) levels, Bax mitochondrial translocation, cytochrome c release, Fas and death receptor 4 (DR4) augmentation, and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Exposure to caspase inhibitors, Fas-antagonistic antibody, DR4 antagonist, and furosemide (a blocker of Bax translocation) effectively abolished ar-turmerone-triggered apoptosis. Moreover, ar-turmerone stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and activation; treatment with JNK and ERK inhibitors markedly reduced PUMA, Bax, Fas, and DR4 levels and reduced apoptosis but not ROS generation. Furthermore, antioxidants attenuated ar-turmerone-mediated ROS production; mitochondrial dysfunction; JNK and ERK activation; PUMA, Bax, Fas, and DR4 expression; and apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that ar-turmerone-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells is through ROS-mediated activation of ERK and JNK kinases and triggers both intrinsic and extrinsic caspase activation, leading to apoptosis. On the basis of these observations, ar-turmerone deserves further investigation as a natural anticancer and cancer-preventive agent.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Carbon Dioxide; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Caspases; Cell Line, Tumor; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Curcuma; Cytochromes c; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Fas Ligand Protein; Hep G2 Cells; Humans; Ketones; Liver Neoplasms; MAP Kinase Kinase 4; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sesquiterpenes; Signal Transduction

Aromatic (ar)-turmerone from turmeric oil displays anti-tumorigenesis activity that includes inhibited cell proliferation. This study investigated ar-turmerone-mediated apoptotic protein activation in human lymphoma U937 cells. Ar-turmerone treatment inhibited U937 cell viability in a concentration-dependent fashion, with inhibition exceeding 84%. Moreover, the treatment produced nucleosomal DNA fragmentation and the percentage of sub-diploid cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner; both are hallmarks of apoptosis. The apoptotic effect of ar-turmerone was associated with the induction of Bax and p53 proteins, rather than Bcl-2 and p21. Activation of mitochondrial cytochrome c and caspase-3 demonstrated that the activation of caspases accompanied the apoptotic effect of ar-turmerone, which mediated cell death. These results suggest that the apoptotic effect of ar-turmerone on U937 cells may involve caspase-3 activation through the induction of Bax and p53, rather than Bcl-2 and p21.

Topics: Antioxidants; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Caspase 3; Cell Survival; Curcuma; Cytochromes c; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Ketones; Plant Extracts; Plant Oils; Sesquiterpenes; Toluene; U937 Cells

Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) is a native plant of southern Asia and is cultivated extensively throughout the warmer parts of the world. Jianghuang and Yujin are rhizome and tuberous root of C. longa, respectively, which were traditionally used as two Chinese medicines. In this paper, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were developed for quantitative determination/estimation of eight characteristic compounds including beta-caryophyllene, ar-curcumene, zingiberene, beta-bisabolene, beta-sesquiphellandrenendrene, ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone in Jianghuang and Yujin. A HP-5MS capillary column (30 m x 0.25 mm i.d.) coated with 0.25 microm film 5% phenyl methyl siloxane was used for separation and selected ion monitoring (SIM) method was used for quantitation. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on characteristics of eight identified peaks in GC-MS profiles showed that 10 samples were divided into two main clusters, Jianghuang and Yujin, respectively. Four components such as ar-curcumene, ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone were optimized as markers for quality control of rhizome (Jianghuang) and tuberous root (Yujin), which are two traditional Chinese medicines, from Curcuma longa.

Topics: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cluster Analysis; Curcuma; Curcumin; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Ketones; Molecular Structure; Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes; Plant Tubers; Polycyclic Sesquiterpenes; Quality Control; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Toluene

The antiplatelet activities of Curcuma longa L. rhizome-derived materials were measured using a platelet aggregometer and compared with those of aspirin as antiplatelet agent. The active constituent from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. was isolated and characterized as ar-turmerone by various spectral analyses. At 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, ar-turmerone was effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by collagen (IC50, 14.4 microM) and arachidonic acid (IC50, 43.6 microM). However, ar-turmerone had no effect on platelet activating factor or thrombin induced platelet aggregation. In comparison, ar-turmerone was significantly more potent platelet inhibitor than aspirin against platelet aggregation induced by collagen. These results suggested that ar-turmerone could be useful as a lead compound for inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by collagen and arachidonic acid.

Topics: Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Aspirin; Blood Platelets; Collagen; Curcuma; Hexanes; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Ketones; Plant Extracts; Platelet Aggregation; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Rabbits; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes; Toluene

Turmeric extracts were obtained from two lots of raw material (M and S) using various techniques: hydrodistillation, low pressure solvent extraction, Soxhlet, and supercritical extraction using carbon dioxide and cosolvents. The solvents and cosolvents tested were ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and their mixture in equal proportions. The composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and UV. The largest yield (27%, weight) was obtained in the Soxhlet extraction (turmeric (S), ethanol = 1:100); the lowest yield was detected in the hydrodistillation process (2.1%). For the supercritical extraction, the best cosolvent was a mixture of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. Sixty percent of the light fraction of the extracts consisted of ar-turmerone, (Z)-gamma-atlantone, and (E)-gamma-atlantone, except for the Soxhlet extracts (1:100, ethanol), for which only ar-turmeronol and (Z)-alpha-atlantone were detected. The maximum amount of curcuminoids (8.43%) was obtained using Soxhlet extraction (ethanol/isopropyl alcohol). The Soxhlet and low pressure extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities.

Topics: Antioxidants; Chromatography, Gas; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Curcuma; Curcumin; Food Handling; Ketones; Plant Extracts; Sesquiterpenes; Solvents; Toluene

We have investigated the effects of ar-turmerone isolated from turmeric (Curcuma longa L) on DNA of human leukemia cell lines, Molt 4B, HL-60 and stomach cancer KATO III cells. It was found that selective induction of apoptosis by ar-turmerone was observed in human leukemia Molt 4B and HL-60 cells, but not in human stomach cancer KATO III cells. Morphological changes showing apoptotic bodies were observed in the human HL-60 and Molt 4B cells treated with ar-turmerone. The fragmentation of DNA by ar-turmerone to oligonucleosomal-sized fragments that is a characteristic of apoptosis was observed to be concentration- and time-dependent in Molt 4B and HL-60 cells, but not in KATO III cells. The data of the present study show that the suppression by ar-turmerone of growth of these leukemia cell lines results from the induction of apoptosis by this compound.

Topics: Apoptosis; Cell Division; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Curcuma; DNA Fragmentation; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Ketones; Leukemia; Lymphocytes; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Sesquiterpenes; Stomach Neoplasms; Toluene; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Beta-turmerone and ar-turmerone, sesquiterpenoids isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin E 2 production in cultured mouse macrophage cell RAW 264.7 in a dose-dependent manner (IC 50 = 7.3 microM for beta-turmerone; IC 50 = 24.0 microM for ar-turmerone). In addition, these compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in the cell system.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Curcuma; Dinoprostone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ketones; Macrophages; Nitric Oxide; Plant Extracts; Rhizome; Sesquiterpenes; Toluene

In the course of searching for biologically active sesquiterpenoids from Curcuma genus, two sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae). Their structures were identified as ar-turmerone (1) and beta-turmerone (2). The structure elucidation of compounds 1 and 2 was carried out by comparison of their physical and spectral data with previously reported values.

Topics: Chromatography, Thin Layer; Curcuma; Ketones; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Plants, Medicinal; Sesquiterpenes; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Toluene