Antifungal Efficacy of Allium Sativum and Zingiber Officinale on Fungi Isolated from Spoilt Bread

Zingiber officinale is a common condiment for various foods and beverages and a history of important traditional medicine herb for the treatment of stomach disorder. This study deals with the antifungal activity of Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale and their phytochemical composition. Ethanolic extracts of two spices (Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale) were tested for antifungal activities against Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp and Fusarium sp using mycelia growth extension method, result showed varying degrees of antifungal activities against the test fungi. The two extracts showed similar pattern of antifungal activities on the test fungi withthe extract of Allium sativum being more effective with increased zones of inhibition with increased concentrations. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannin for Allium sativum and flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and anthraquinone for Zingiber officinale. The significant growth of inhibitions of the test fungi by the plant extract suggest the possible use of these spices in controlling infections caused by these fungi and food spoilage.

Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Biotechnology, and Pharmacological Activities

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., locally famed as Temulawak, has been extensively utilized in Indonesia as medicinal and nutritional plants since immemorial time. The rhizome of this plant is an important ingredient for jamu formulation (Indonesian traditional medicine). C. xanthorrhiza is traditionally used to treat several ailments such as lack of appetite, stomach disorder, liver illness, constipation, bloody diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, children’s fevers, hypotriglyceridaemia, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, rheumatism, and skin eruptions. To date, over 40 active compounds, including terpenoids, curcuminoids, and other phenolic compounds, have been isolated and identified from C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. Some pharmacological tests reported that C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antitumor, antidiabetic, and skincare and hepatoprotective properties. Efforts for biotechnologically production of C. xanthorrhiza have also been conducted, resulting in some micropropagation protocols of this plant. The current review focuses on the botanical description and distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, production and conservation status, phytochemical properties, and pharmacological activities of C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. to provide accurate and reliable data for future researches and commercialization purposes.

Medicinal Plants and Traditional Practices of Baiga Tribe in Amarkantak Region of Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The present ethnobotanical study was carried out in Amarkantak region eastern part of Madhya Pradesh during January 2018 to January 2019 to document the medicinal plants used by the Baiga tribes. Traditional medicinal plants used by the Baiga tribes of 37 plant species belonging to 35 genera and 28 families used to menstrual disorder, piles, sore throat, respiratory disorder, haematuria, miscarriage, jaundice, fever, insanity, leucorrhoea, bleeding during pregnancy, spermatorrhea, infertility in women, motiabind, scorpion bite, wounds of animals, stomach disorder, intestinal worms, diabetes, leukoderma, rheumatism, scabies, wart and easy delivery etc. and other various unreported medicinal plants are reported here.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and Mineral Constituents of Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn. and Piper Umbellatum Linn: Implications for Ethnomedicine

Aims: A significant number of tropical rainforest shrubs and lianes are inextricably linked to human use as food, spices and/or medicine. This study evaluates phytochemical and mineral constituents and ethnomedicinal uses of Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn and Piper umbellatum Linn. Methods: Two phased investigations – ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemical/mineral constituents of P. guineense and P. umbellatum – were carried out in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Firstly, key informants’ interview and questionnaire were used to elicit reactions from respondents (vendors and end users) on ethnomedicinal and sundry uses of P. guineense and P. umbellatum in nine purposively selected markets out of 27. Secondly, samples of leaves and stems of P. guineense and P. umbellatum were collected and analysed in the laboratory for selected phytochemicals (alkaloid, cyanogenic glycosides, tannin, flavonoid, tannins, anthraquinones, saponin and phenol), and minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Fe, Zn). Results: Market survey revealed that vendor/end users (85%) were well-informed on the uses of the plants for food (spices, condiments) and ethnomedicine. Most respondents (80%) affirmed that the leaves were frequently used for flavouring; and for preparing traditional medicinal soups when combined with assorted vegetables. Respondents (80%) averred that the leaf was the most frequently used followed by stems (10.9%), roots (5.5%) and seeds (3.6%). P. guineense was considered best for stomach disorder/ulcer, respiratory/urinary tract infections; P. umbellatum most preferred for arthritis, fever and fertility/womb cleansing. Phytochemical analysis revealed P. umbellatum stem had more alkaloids, flavonoids and phenol; and anthraquinone in the leaf while P. guineense stem had more saponins and tannins. However, mineral analyses revealed more Ca and Mg in P. guineense leaf; and K, Na, Zn and P in P. umbellatum stem while Fe was higher in the leaf. Conclusion: P. guineense and P. umbellatum are aromatic liane and shrub used for flavouring and spicing of food, and medicine. These fairly ubiquitous and underutilized plants can contribute significantly to food and health needs of forest dependent people in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa. The study has revealed that these aromatic plants are rich sources of phytomedicines and important minerals. Further investigation on the phytochemical/pharmacological potentials and ecological idiosyncrasies of these underutilized aromatic rainforest liane and shrub is recommended.