Evaluation of larvicidal activity and brine shrimp toxicity of rhizome extracts of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith

Introduction: In this study, we used dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the Zingiber zerumbet rhizome to evaluate brine shrimp lethality and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti and Anopheles nuneztovari mosquitoes. Methods: Bioassays were performed by exposing third-instar larvae of each mosquito species to the DCM or MeOH extracts. Results: Probit analysis with DCM and MeOH extracts demonstrated efficient larvicidal activity against A. aegypti and A. nuneztovari larvae. Conclusions: The DCM and MeOH extracts showed higher activity against A. nuneztovari larvae than against A. aegypti larvae, suggesting that the extracts have species-specific activity

Chemistry and biochemistry of Terpenoids from Curcumaand related species

Several curcuminoids have been identified from rhizome of the common spice Curcuma longa (Zingaberaceae) and related plant species. Curcuminoids are known to display several pharmacological properties summed up in numerous papers and reviews. In addition to curcuminoids, more than 250 mono-, sesqui- di-, and triterpenoids have been identified from curcuma species. These lipophilic compounds have better absorption than curcuminoids and also exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. Little attention has been paid to these lipophilic compounds, which may be as physiologically active, if not more, as curcuminoids. This review focuses on Curcuma terpenoids and their physiological properties