Search Results (89)

The genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) is a diverse group of plants widely distributed across tropical Asia, with several new species recently described in Thailand. This study documents and clarifies the taxonomic status of a new species, Curcuma nivea Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma sp. nov., discovered in eastern Thailand, and evaluates its horticultural potential. Morphological comparisons were conducted with closely related species in the Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis (Baker) K. Schum., focusing on diagnostic vegetative and floral traits. Curcuma nivea is characterized by its compact habit and white flowers marked with two reddish lines at the base of the labellum, lacking the yellow blotch typical of related species. Additionally, it shows the absence of both epigynous glands and anther spurs, consistent with subgeneric features. Its distinctive morphology and attractive floral display have led to its cultivation as an ornamental pot plant. The discovery of C. nivea contributes to the growing documentation of Curcuma diversity in Thailand and underscores the significance of ongoing botanical exploration and conservation. Furthermore, its compact form and unique floral traits highlight its promise for use in ornamental horticulture and breeding programs. Full article

This study reports seven new records of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: Curcuma comosa Roxb., C. pedicellata (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, C. pierreana Gagnep., C. rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, C. sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, and C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma. Field surveys were conducted across various habitats in Laos, and species identification was confirmed through morphological comparisons with type specimens and protologues. An identification key for Curcuma species in Laos is provided to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Additionally, the lectotypification of C. comosa Roxb. is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarify its taxonomic placement. The discovery of these species expands the known distribution of Curcuma in Indochina and highlights the importance of continued floristic exploration in understudied regions. These findings emphasize the need for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the nnatural habitats where these species occur. Furthermore, some of the newly recorded species exhibit attractive floral characteristics, making them valuable for sustainable horticultural applications, especially in ornamental plant cultivation. This study underscores the significance of taxonomic research in documenting regional flora, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting the sustainable utilization of plant diversity. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) is a global health issue linked to high morbidity and mortality due to complications such as cardiovascular disease and nephropathy. Conventional treatments often have side effects and limited glycemic control, leading to interest in alternative therapies. Plants from the Zingiberaceae and Berberidaceae families, traditionally used for their anti-diabetic properties, have emerged as potential adjuncts. This meta-analysis evaluates and compares their efficacy in improving glycemic control in individuals with T2 DM. A systematic literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane, identifying 1269 studies, of which 58 met inclusion criteria. Only randomized controlled trials assessing effects on fasting blood glucose (FBS), HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane’s RoB 2.0 tool. The review is registered in PROS-PERO (CRD42024516261). The analysis showed significant reductions in FBS (−1.06; 95% CI: −1.42 to −0.71), HbA1c (−1.42; 95% CI: −2.64 to −0.19), and fasting insulin (−0.75; 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.38) among participants using plant extracts, with stronger effects observed for the Berberidaceae species. HOMA-IR also decreased, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. While Berberidaceae showed higher effect sizes, Zingiberaceae species provided more consistent outcomes. Further research with standardized protocols is needed to confirm these results. Full article

Zingiberaceae is a diverse and culturally significant plant family across tropical Asia, yet in Roi Et Province, Thailand, it has remained poorly documented. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive assessment of Zingiberaceae in Roi Et Province, Thailand. Previous studies in the region have been limited and did not systematically document species occurrence. The assessment began with an overview of species diversity, followed by an investigation of their ethnobotanical uses, an evaluation of their horticultural potential, and an assessment of their conservation status. Field surveys were conducted throughout Roi Et Province across various habitat types using exploratory sampling to record all observable Zingiberaceae species. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics and comparisons with existing taxonomic literature. A total of 97 species were recorded, including 86 native and 11 introduced taxa, with 23 species endemic to Thailand and 25 species featuring new distributions reported for the province. Species richness was highest in cultivated habitats, likely reflecting the active role of traditional agroecosystems in conserving both native and introduced taxa. Natural habitats such as wetlands and dry evergreen forests hosted species with restricted distributions, underscoring the need to preserve ecological heterogeneity. Ethnobotanical interviews revealed widespread local use of rhizomes and inflorescences for food, medicine, ornamentation, and ceremonial purposes. Phenological observations indicated synchronized flowering and fruiting aligned with the monsoon season, which are traits that supports successful reproduction but may also increase vulnerability under shifting climate regimes—highlighting the importance of monitoring for conservation and guiding optimal harvest timing. These findings demonstrate that both natural and cultivated systems are integral to maintaining Zingiberaceae diversity in the region. Conservation strategies should prioritize habitat protection, support traditional cultivation practices, and promote further research into economically and culturally valuable species. Full article

Kaempferia larsenii Sirirugsa, a rare species in Thailand belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is known for its effective pharmaceutical properties. However, its slow natural growth and threats from overharvesting and habitat encroachment pose significant challenges. This study investigated the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the plant regeneration, transplantation success, phytochemical profiling, and antioxidant properties of wild and in vitro-cultured plants. Plantlets (~1 cm long) were cultivated for 8 weeks in different types of MS media (solid, liquid, and liquid-over-solid) combined with various PGRs (BA, kinetin, TDZ, NAA, and IAA). Solid MS medium enriched with 2 mg/L BA, 3 mg/L TDZ, and 0.2 mg/L NAA produced the highest number of shoots (13.10 shoots/explant). By comparison, liquid MS medium containing 1 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L IAA also promoted high shoot production (4.70 shoots/explant). The strongest root induction (16.90 roots/explant) was achieved using a liquid MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L kinetin, and 1 mg/L NAA. Sandy soil as a planting material yielded the highest survival rate (100%) during transplantation. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were higher in mother plants than in in vitro-cultured plants. The addition of PGRs significantly enhanced the production of secondary metabolites. The leaves of K. larsenii exhibited superior antioxidant properties compared to other organs under both growing conditions. Cinnamic acid was identified as abundant in in vitro-cultured plants via HPLC analysis. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups associated with phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are useful for phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation. This research highlighted the potential of biotechnology as a crucial strategy for conserving K. larsenii and demonstrated its sustainable application in the medical and cosmetics industries. Full article

The Zingiberaceae family is widely recognized for its diversity, ecological significance, and economic value, playing a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and local livelihoods. This study investigates the species diversity, traditional uses, and economic importance of Zingiberaceae in Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand, while also assessing the conservation status of species found in natural habitats. A total of 69 Zingiberaceae taxa were identified across the province, with 7 taxa found occurring only in natural habitats and 36 taxa found only in cultivation, while 26 taxa were found in both situations. Of these, twenty-five wild taxa represent new records for the province, and six are endemic. Traditional uses include food, spices, medicine, ornamental plants, commercial cultivation, rituals and socio-religious activities, and cosmetics, with rhizomes being the most utilized plant part. Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. displayed the highest economic value. Based on conservation assessments according to IUCN red list criteria, Globba conferta M.F.Newman is proposed as critically endangered (CR), 5 species as endangered, 10 taxa as vulnerable, and 17 taxa as least concern. These findings emphasize the ecological, horticultural, and economic importance of Zingiberaceae in Kalasin, where the trade of herbal products and commercial cultivation significantly contribute to local livelihoods. To ensure long-term sustainability, conservation strategies should be prioritized, balancing biodiversity preservation with economic and horticultural benefits. Full article

Medicinal plants remain vital in the Phu Tai community in Amnat Charoen in Thailand. Traditional healers’ knowledge is largely undocumented in the literature. Our objective was to document their medicinal plant practices to preserve this valuable knowledge. Our informants were 15 Phu Tai healers. We calculated use values (UV), family importance values (FIV), and informant agreement ratios (IAR) to gauge the significance of the 211 medicinal plants used by the healers. The most important plant families were Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae (FIV = 93). Kha min (Curcuma longa) was the most important medicinal species (UV = 0.66). The decoction was the most common preparation method (85%). Skin/subcutaneous cellular tissue disorders had the highest informant agreement ratio (IAR = 0.73). Shrubs were the most common life form (36%) among the medicinal plants; the majority were collected from community forests (51%) and were native to Thailand (86%). The most frequently used plant part for medicine was the leaf (27%). Medicinal plants that can be purchased were Ueang mai na (Hellenia speciosa), Thep tharo (Cinnamomum parthenoxylon), and Som khon (Talinum paniculatum). Interestingly, monks served as traditional healers. The healer’s age and education were not correlated with the number of medicinal plants they knew. The Amnat Charoen healers possess a rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The information reported here is invaluable for further research in the field of cross-cultural ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology. Full article

This study presents four new records of Boesenbergia species (Zingiberaceae) in Cambodia: Boesenbergia parvula (Wall. ex Baker) Kuntze, B. petiolata Sirirugsa, B. siphonantha (King ex Baker) M.Sabu, Prasanthk. & Škorničk., and B. xiphostachya (Gagnep.) Loes. Previously, only B. rotunda (L.) Mansf. was officially recognized in Cambodia. This research also confirms the occurrence of B. rotunda in natural habitats. and provides a new distribution report for this species within the country, and lectotypification of B. xiphostachya (Gagnep.) Loes. We studied plant specimens collected from Cambodia, using calipers and a stereomicroscope, and identified them based on protologue descriptions and herbarium records. We provide detailed morphological descriptions, complete synonymy, taxonomic diagnoses, and a comprehensive identification key. In addition, we present data on habitat, phenology, vernacular names, traditional uses, provisional conservation statuses, horticultural potential, and cultivation guidelines. These findings substantially expand the known species diversity of Boesenbergia in Cambodia, highlighting their ecological significance, cultural value, and ornamental potential. By advancing the understanding of regional flora, this study contributes to biodiversity conservation and emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and documentation in Southeast Asia to preserve ecological integrity and. traditional knowledge. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) containing a blend of herbs, plant extracts and essential oils from the Lamiaceae, Schisandraceae, Zingiberaceae and Fabaceae families on the fecal score, intestinal histomorphology and fecal excretion of F4-fimbriated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (F4-ETEC) in post-weaning piglets. Thirty 31-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three treatment groups. The positive control (PC) group received colistin via drinking water from d 8 to 14 post-weaning and the same basal diet as the negative control (NC) group; the treatment group received the basal diet with PFA supplementation (1 g/kg of feed). The experiment lasted 21 days. At day 9 post-weaning, all piglets were orally administered 3.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU/piglet of the F4-ETEC strain. The PC piglets had higher fecal consistency than the NC and PFA piglets. PFA supplementation resulted in a lower percentage of piglets excreting F4-ETEC in the feces on days 4–7 post-challenge than in the NC group (p < 0.05) but a higher percentage versus the PC group on day 3–7 post-challenge (p < 0.05). The number of goblet cells (GCs) in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was higher than the NC and PC piglets (p < 0.01). The GC density in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was larger than in the PC piglets (p < 0.05) and similar to the NC piglets (p > 0.10). Mucus thickness in the jejunum of the PFA piglets was similar to the NC piglets and PC piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, PFA supplementation to the F4-ETEC-challenged piglets reduced the prevalence of fecal E. coli excretion and improved jejunal histomorphology. Full article

Kaempferia grandifolia Saensouk & Jenjittikul (Zingiberaceae), a rare plant species in Thailand, is commonly used as a medicinal plant, while the young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. This study focused on the in vitro propagation of K. grandifolia plants to induce the development of shoots, roots, microrhizomes, and acclimatization. The genetic variations between plants grown under in vitro propagation and plants grown in nature were also assessed. An efficient protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of K. grandifolia using microshoots (0.5 cm in length). The optimal responses for shoot multiplication (4.78 ± 1.15 shoots/explant) and root induction (11.56 ± 1.39 roots/explant) were obtained within 8 weeks in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/L of 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) plus 0.5 mg/L of NAA. Microrhizome induction was 80% when the shoot buds were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L of BAP, 1 mg/L of NAA, 11 µM of silver nitrate (AgNO₃), and 70 g/L of sucrose after 20 weeks. The survival rate of plantlets was 100% when transplanted to soil and sand. Micropropagated and field-grown donor plants of K. grandifolia showed 91.49% genetic similarity through RAPD analysis. Full article

Background: Zingiber Mill., a morphologically diverse herbaceous perennial genus of Zingiberaceae, is distributed mainly in tropical to warm-temperate Asia. In China, species of Zingiber have crucial medicinal, edible, and horticultural values; however, their phylogenetic relationships remain unclear. Methods: To address this issue, the complete plastomes of the 29 Zingiber accessions were assembled and characterized. Comparative plastome analysis and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to develop genomic resources and elucidate the intraspecific phylogeny of Zingiber. Results: The newly reported plastomes ranged from 161,495 to 163,880 bp in length with highly conserved structure. Results of comparative analysis suggested that IR expansions/contractions and changes of repeats were the main reasons that influenced the genome size of the Zingiber plastome. A large number of SSRs and six highly variable regions (rpl20, clpP, ycf1, petA-psbJ, rbcL-accD, and rpl32-trnL) have been identified, which could serve as potential DNA markers for future population genetics or phylogeographic studies on this genus. The well-resolved plastome phylogeny suggested that Zingiber could be divided into three clades, corresponding to sect. Pleuranthesis (sect. Zingiber + sect. Dymczewiczia) and sect. Cryptanthium. Conclusions: Overall, this study provided a robust phylogeny of Zingiber plants in China, and the newly reported plastome data and plastome-derived markers will be of great significance for the accurate identification, protection, and agricultural management of Zingiber resources in the future. Full article

Curcuma larsenii Maknoi & Jenjitikul is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, possessing significant pharmacological potential, although it has become endangered through the abuse of resources. This research article delineates the findings of the in vitro propagation, transplantation, and phytochemical profiles of C. larsenii, a rare plant species in Thailand. Microshoots measuring 1 cm in length were used as explants for the induction of shoots and roots in both solid and liquid Murashige and Skoog medium, incorporating various concentrations of cytokinins (6-benzylamino-purine (BA), 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin), thidiazuron (TDZ)) and auxins (1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) over a duration of 8 weeks. This study assessed the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and conducted high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The highest number of shoots was recorded in solid and liquid media containing MS medium enriched with 2 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA, as well as 2 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L IAA, yielding 5.40 and 8.80 shoots/explant, respectively. The biggest roots/explant induction of 9.20 was attained using the liquid MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L IAA. The highest survival rate (100%) was recorded when tissue culture plantlets were transplanted into a mixture of sand and soil (1:1). In vitro-cultivated plants exhibited superior total phenolic content relative to wild plants. Leaf extracts of C. larsenii exhibited markedly superior antioxidant activity compared to other plant organs from both in vitro and wild specimens. C. larsenii wild plants and in vitro plants generated phenolic acids and flavonoids and exhibited antioxidant activity, demonstrating a biotechnological alternative for the acquisition of bioactive substances. Full article

Background/Objectives: This review aims to provide a detailed understanding of the current evidence on Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum) and its potential therapeutic role in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. CNS disorders encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to various neurological, cognitive and psychiatric impairments. In recent years, natural products have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of CNS disorders due to their outstanding bioactivity and favourable safety profile. One such plant is A. officinarum, also known as lesser galangal, a perennial herb from the Zingiberaceae family. Its phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids and phenols have been documented to have a powerful antioxidants effect, capable of scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage. Methods: In this review, we critically evaluate the in vitro and in vivo studies and examine the mechanisms by which A. officinarum exerts its neuroprotective effect. Results: Several studies have confirmed that A. officinarum exerts its neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, promoting neurite outgrowth, and modulating neurotransmitter levels and signalling pathways. Conclusions: Although previous studies have shown promising results in various models of neurological disorders, the underlying mechanisms of A. officinarum in Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are still poorly understood. Further studies on brain tissue and cognitive and motor functions in animal models of AD and PD are needed to validate the results observed in in vitro studies. In addition, further clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of A. officinarum in CNS disorders. Full article

Cardamom (cardamum) is a spice produced from the seeds of several Elettaria and Amomum plants of the Zingiberaceae family. Cardamom has been demonstrated to offer numerous benefits, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other metabolic (anti-diabetic) properties, and its potential to reduce cancer risk. Recently, researchers have extracted and tested multiple phytochemicals from cardamom to assess their potential effectiveness against various types of human malignancy. These studies have indicated that cardamom can help overcome drug resistance to standard chemotherapy and protect against chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its scavenging properties. Furthermore, chemical compounds in cardamom, including limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, borneol, cardamonin, indole-3-carbinol, and diindolylmethane, primarily target the programmed cell death lignin-1 gene, which is more prevalent in cancer cells than in healthy cells. This review provides the medicinal properties and pharmacological uses of cardamom, its cellular effects, and potential therapeutic uses in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as its use in reducing drug resistance and improving the overall health of cancer patients. Based on previous preclinical studies, cardamom shows significant potential as an anti-cancer agent, but further exploration for clinical use is warranted due to its diverse mechanisms of action. Full article

The genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) is highly diverse and often exhibits similar morphological appearances, leading to frequent misidentifications that impact botanical practices, horticultural activities, and conservation efforts. This study addresses the taxonomic confusion surrounding the plant locally known as “Ploy Thaksin”, which was previously misidentified as Curcuma aurantiaca Zijp. To resolve this issue, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis and reviewed the protologues descriptions of its ally species, focusing on anther characteristics and other key features. Our findings reveal that “Ploy Thaksin” actually represents two distinct species: one correctly identified as C. aurantiaca found in lower Peninsular Thailand (Satun and Trang Provinces), and another species, characterized by calcarate anthers found in upper Peninsular Thailand which resemble C. sumatrana Miq., C. nepalensis M.Sabu, Kasaju, and S.Subedi, described here as a new species under the name “C. peninsularis Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi, and Boonma” along with the details of a description, illustration, map of distribution, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, utilization, and economic value, including the proposal of a conservation status. This study clarifies previous misidentifications and underscores the importance of precise taxonomic practices for the accurate classification and conservation of Curcuma species. The results provide valuable insights for future research and horticultural applications, enhancing the understanding of Curcuma biodiversity. Full article