Phytochemistry and pharmacology of plants from the ginger family, Zingiberaceae

摘要: This thesis reports on a series of investigations into the phytochemistry and pharmacology plants belonging to ginger family, Zingiberaceae (incl. Costaceae). The work falls two main parts. first part examines pungent compounds essential oil in 17 clones (Zingiber officinale) with view identify one or more unique chemistry consequent particular therapeutic (or flavouring) prospects. second comprises screening 41 taxa for inhibition PGE2 other biological activities, primary aim identifying species potential anti-inflammatory activity. tested hypothesis that combination ethnobotanical taxonomic information is productive strategy previously unrecognised plant potential. Chapter 1 provides general introduction as medicines field ethnopharmacology. It also an overview process inflammation, arachidonic acid metabolism. The literature review presented Chapter 2. reviews relating 15 genera Zingiberaceae, focus included experimental work. rich used traditional spices, but extensive about their available only few species, most notably turmeric (Curcuma longa). These attributes make family ideal target project, since phylogenetically related usually display significant degree similarity kinds secondary metabolites they produce. Chapter 3 describes preliminary ginger. aimed at determining suitable extraction solvent method, guided by activity extracts cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) bioassay. established HPLC method quantification gingerols shogaols extracts. Seventeen clones, including commercial cultivars 12 were analysed content compounds. result this reported 4. Because sterile cultigen, there increased likelihood chemically distinct genetically stable may exist. identified cultivar when compared contained significantly higher level gingerols. analysis tetraploid these did not elevated gingerol production diploid parent cultivar. The oils obtained from same steam distillation GC-MS. results are 5. clone was distinctly different others; had very high content. differed others having lower citral levels sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The…