DPPH Radical Scavenging Potential of Ginger Leaves and Rhizomes

Abstract

Introduction: Gingers, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, are popularly known for their beneficial uses in medicine and culinary applications. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the leaves and rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Rosc., Curcuma longa L., and Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith. Methods: The plant samples were collected from Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Both water and ethanolic extracts were prepared separately from its leaves and rhizomes. The extracts were subjected to the determination of DPPH radical scavenging activity relative to ascorbic acid. Results and Discussion: Leaves, in general, had higher radical scavenging activity in water than in ethanol extracts. On the other hand, rhizomes had generally higher radical scavenging activity in ethanol than in water extracts except for E. elatior. Among the leaf extracts, E. elatior possessed the highest radical scavenging activity. In both water and ethanol, E. elatior displayed higher radical scavenging activity in its leaves that its rhizomes. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest the potential of E. elatior leaves as source of antioxidants.

Zingiberaceae Rhizome Essential Oil: A Review of Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Application in Food Industry

“…Some have already been authorized as food additives or flavorings, while others are presently being evaluated. Scientists are currently examining the possibility of encapsulating essential oils to stabilize and even enhance their antioxidant properties (61)(62)(63). Generally, rhizome essential oils and their derivatives have displayed their potential as biopreservatives, improving the physicochemical and organoleptic features of food ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and other agricultural and fishery products, either on their own or in combination with other plant extracts (64).…”

“…This has been demonstrated in studies where an edible coating made from achira starch (Canna indica L.) and containing 0.5% w/w turmeric rhizome oil reduced the growth of common pumpkin destructive fungi Penicillium and Cladosporium spp. by 41.6-60.3% for up to 15 days (62). The essential oil from turmeric rhizome has also been found to have antifungal properties against Aspergillus spp., including the common contaminant A. flavus found in cereals, legumes, juices, and fresh and dried fruits (79,80).…”

A Comprehensive Review of Kachur (Curcuma Zedoaria Rosc.): A Potent Herbal Drug for Various Ailments

“…Isolation of Zingiberene, 1,8 cineole, camphor, camphene and borneol investigation for potent cardiotonic effect was done. [55] Anti-viral activity Germacrone and Curcumin were isolated from C. zedoaria rhizome to study for antiviral activity against H1N1, HSV-1 and it showed good antiviral potential. [57]…”

Impact of potassium fertilization on yield, nutrient use and response efficiency, and antioxidant content of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Theilade)

“…Antioxidant properties of some chemical compounds can prevent or reduce cell damage caused by free radicals and the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are continuously formed by the body when using oxygen to process metabolic functions such as respiration and some cell-mediated immune functions (Tohma et al, 2017). Antioxidant components are necessary to protect the human body from oxidative cell damage, which is correlated with some diseases, preserve cell components in a reduced state, and improve health by preventing degenerative diseases (Barbosa and Peteros, 2018).…”