An assessment was made of beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE1) inhibitory, feeding, climbing activities and lifespan of the diarylalkyls curcumin (CCN), demethoxycurcumin (DCCN) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDCCN) identified in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Based on IC50 values, BDCCN (0.024 mM) was the most inhibitory constituent, followed by DCCN (0.31 mM) and CCN (0.59 mM). Overall the three curcuminoids were significantly less inhibitory than BACE1 inhibitor IV isophthalamide (8.5 × 10-5 mM). The expression of human APP and BACE1 in compound eye of Drosophila melangaster presented rough abnormal ommatidial lattice. Co-expression of APP and BACE1 within the developing nervous system of drosophila showed climbing defects. These transgenic flies kept on media containing 1 mM of CCN and BDCCN were observed to ameliorate eye degeneration, significantly suppress locomotive dysfunctions, and increase media life time, as well as isophthalamide. CCN and BDCCN as human BACE1 inhibitory constituents may be used as potential therapeutics or lead molecules to develop Alzheimer's disease treatment drugs.

This study was conducted to investigate rheological and sensory characteristics of fish paste prepared with Curcuma longa L. powder (0, 1, 3, 5, 7%). The moisture content of the fish paste ranged from 71.35 to 72.97%. Increasing the amount of Curcuma longa L. powder in the fish paste tended to decrease the pH value and the folding test good score in all samples. Increasing the amount of Curcuma longa L. powder in the fish paste also tended to decrease the lightness (L) in the hunter color value, but to increase the redness (a) and yellowness (b). For the textural characteristics, the addition of Curcuma longa L. powder increased the strength and decreased the springiness. In a sensory evaluation, the addition of 3% Curcuma longa L. powder had the best score in taste and overall preference. Therefore, this results suggest that adding 3% Curcuma longa L. powder would be feasible for making Curcuma longa L. fish paste.

This study was conducted to investigate the quality characteristics of the natural dishwashing liquid added with the mixture extracts of Curcuma Longa L. (CL), Morus alba (MA) and Ecklonia cava (EC) at various concentrations. The pH and lightness of the natural dishwashing liquid were reduced by adding the mixture extracts, while the turbidity was increased. The natural dish washing liquid added with mixture extracts was shown to display strong antimicrobial activities against L. monocytogenes compared to that of control. Also, it revealed that antioxidant activity was increased depending on concentrations. However, natural dishwashing liquid added with mixture extracts showed the low detergency efficiency. In sensory evaluation, the natural dishwashing liquid containing CL 0.5%, MA 0.25% and EC 0.25% was preferred than the control and it showed negative result in skin patch test. These results suggest that the addition of CL 0.5%, MA 0.25% and EC 0.25% positively improved the qualities characteristics in the natural dish washing liquid.

Curcumin, the major yellow-colored pigment in turmeric(Curcuma longa L.), was extracted by using supercritical carbon dioxide. Optimum extraction conditions were determined. Overall experiments were planned by central composite design and results were analyzed by response surface methodology to find effects of three independent variables, temperature(X1), co-solvent flow rate(X2) and pressure(X3) on the yield of curcumin extract(Y). Regression model optimized by response surface analysis was as follows Y = -8.581270 + 0.220770X1 + 1.176731X2 + 0.036873X3 + -0.0026816X12 - 0.013010X2X1 - 0.103353X22 + 0.000198X3X1 - 0.0000825X3X2 - 0.000096554X32. Optimum temperature, pressure and co-solvent flow rate for extracting curcumin from turmeric were 40.31oC, 3.07 ml/min and 231.59bar, respectively, and statistical maximum yield of curcumin was 1.922%.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of 5% turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on the blood glucose and lipid metabolism function of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats. Seven-week-old male rats were divided into four groups (n=6), and fed experimental diets containing turmeric meal [basal diet+5% turmeric (BT), basal diet+STZ+5% turmeric (ST)], and control (BD), BS groups (basal diet+STZ). The results of this study, turmeric diet groups (BT, ST) in lipid component as evidenced from the significantly reduction of serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), atherosclerotic index (AI), cardiac risk factor (CRF), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, uric acid, blood glucose, non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and elevation of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). The serum albumin and globulin contents were increased in turmeric supplementation diet than STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.05). Concentrations of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in sera were lower in the turmeric diet than diabetic group. Total calcium (T-Ca), phosphorus (Pi) and potassium (K) concentrations in sera were higher in the BT, ST and BD groups than BS group. In vivo experiments with Sprague-Dawley rats showed that ingestion of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were effective in the blood glucose and lipid metabolism functional improvement.

The purpose this study was to investigate the influences of 5% turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) supplementation on enzyme activities such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase, lipase and catalase in serum of dyslipidemic rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (24 male) were divided into four groups, namely the ND group (normal-nondyslipidemic diet), NT group (normal-nondyslipidemic diet+5% turmeric), DD group (control-dyslipidemic diet), and DT groups (dyslipidemic diet+5% turmeric). Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and uric acid were significantly decreased (p<0.05) by turmeric supplementation diet. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, amylase and lipase in sera of turmeric diet group were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The catalase activity in serum of turmeric supplementation group was significantly increased than dyslipidemic diet (p<0.05). In vivo experiment with dyslipidemic rats showed that ingestion of turmeric were effective in kidney and hepatic functional enzyme activities. Which suggests that turmeric material could be used for further studies as a potential source for nutraceutical foods.

Studies on the physicochemical properties of physiological activity substance in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were analyzed for the use as an functional food materialization. The proximate compositions in the vacuum freeze dried turmeric were carbohydrate 72.90%, moisture 5.74%, crude protein 10.02%, crude fat 4.67%, and crude ash 6.69%, respectively. The mineral contents of turmeric were calcium (Ca) 2,294.77 mg kg-1, potassium (K) 28,780.54 mg kg-1, magnesium (Mg) 2,826.90 mg kg-1, sodium (Na) 1,826.58 mg kg-1, iron (Fe) 190.94 mg kg-1, and manganese (Mn) 620.16 mg kg-1. The vitamin contents of turmeric were pantothenic acid 1.040 mg/100 g, riboflavin 0.166 mg/100 g, thiamin 0.148 mg/100 g, pyridoxine 0.010 mg/100 g, and calciferol 0.008 mg/100 g, respectively. Total amino acid contents in protein of turmeric were 7.66 g%, and major amino acids were aspartic acid 1.45 g%, glutamic acid 1.07 g%, leucine 0.71 g%, phenylalanine 0.47 g%, and arginine 0.46 g%, respectively. The amount of free amino acids of turmeric were 225.81 mg%, and major free amino acids were asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, and alanine. Especially, in the case of asparagine, it was highest. The compositions of fatty acid were saturated fatty acid 45.09%, monoenes 8.62%, and polyenes 46.30%.

The present study were conducted to determine physiological activities and antioxidant effects [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Fe2+ (ferrous ion) chelating capacity] of 70% methanol, chloroform:methanol, 2:1 volume ratio (CM) and ethyl acetate extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Bioactive compound of tannin 0.125±0.007 mg Catechin Equivalent (CE)/g dry weight. Turmeric extracts yield were 70% methanol 16.54%, CM 5.64% and ethyl acetate 4.14%, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the samples exhibited a dose-dependent increase. Results showed that extraction solvent had significant effects on total flavonoid content and antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate. But ferrous ion-chelating capacity of 70% methanol extract was higher than CM and ethyl acetate extract. From the results of this study, turmeric can be utilized as a valuable and potential nutraceutical for the functional food industry.

Background : Curcuma longa L., in the family Zingiberaceae, is distributed in tropical and/or sub-tropical regions mainly in India and China. This species is commonly called turmeric, powder is used as medicinal herbs and/or flavor enhancer. It has been cultivated in southern region mainly Jindo. However, it might be possible to extend cultivation regions due to rise in average temperature. In order to select superior lines based on agronomic characteristics, we analyzed multivariate and estimated selection effects from C. longa germplasm. Methods and Results : The C. longa germplasm were cultivated in an experimental field located in Eumseong, NIHHS, RDA. The harvested roots were investigated in agronomic characteristics included in yield and then considered its relationship among the 9 germplasm by multivariate analysis method. Results from principal component analysis (PCoA) showed that it represented 70.00% and 80.44% accumulated explanation from four and five principal compounds (PC). PCoA was conducted from 9 agronomic characteristics and then correlation coefficient has been showed by analysis between each main component value and agronomic characteristics. Value of the first PC was 2.25, 24.96% explanation of total dispersion, plant height, number of rootlet and weight of rootlet were correlated with a somewhat higher level as 0.41, 0.43 and 0.52. Value of the fifth PC was 0.94, 10.43% explanation of total dispersion, the number of shoots was correlated with a higher level as 0.87. Selection effects with outstanding candidate lines including higher lines were estimated at 126.13% in yield. Conclusion : These data on multivariate based on agronomic characteristics will be give us invaluable breeding information by selection of superior lines.

Background : Curcuma longa L., is a very famous spice and medicinal herb in several countries of the world. Curcumin and volatile oils of C. longa improve hepatic and renal functions, and could be used against biliary disorders, diabetic and hepatic disorders. This medicinal plant was introduced for the regional promotion, Jeollanam-do, as the subtropic area in Korea. In the present study, the plant was introduced to the Jeollanam-do region of Korea with the aim to determine the optimal planting densities for growth characteristics, yield and curcumin contents which have not been reported up until now. Methods and Results : The field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Division of Traditional Korean Medicine Resource, NIKOM, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea. The seedstock was planted at 40×20cm, 40×30cm and 40×40cm spacing with 3 replications. Nine plants were selected randomly for observations on growth characteristics such as plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, leaves area and to dry weight at days after transplanting (DAT) 90, 120 and 150. The dried samples of plant were stored in air tight polythene bags at room temperature for HPLC analysis of curcumin, which was undertaken following standard procedures. Top plant growth was observed in the 40×30cm planting density of C. longa, plant height, leaves number, leaves area and day shoot weight were larger than in the other treatments. Root length, root diameter and supporting roots of underground part were increased as planting density was wide, and dry root weight was increased in 40×30cm. However, yield and curcumin constituent was highest each 294 kg/10a and 68.7 mg/g in the planting density of 40×20cm. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, planting density of 40×20cm is the most suitable in the cultivation and curcumin constituents of C. longa.

Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) that is used as a food material has antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently the demand for functional foods and drugs has increased. The present study was carried out to determined of contents of residual sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, ash, acid insoluble ash and curcuminoids in turmeric from the Seoul Yak-ryeong market. Methods and Results: A total of 31 samples were obtained. Residual sulfur dioxide was not detected in any samples. Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) were analyzed by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) and a mercury analyzer and were detected in the ranges of 0.00 - 0.28, 0.00 - 0.07, 0.00 - 0.29 and 0.002 - 0.027㎎/g respectively. No significant difference were observed between the average heavy metal contents of domestic and imported tumeric. However, average content of ash in domestic samples (7.8%) were significantly higher than that in imported samples (6.1%), whereas that of curcuminoids was significantly higher in imported samples (47.6㎎/g) than in domestic samples (11.2㎎/g). The average content of acid insoluble ash was not significantly different between two sample types (0.9% in each). Conclusions: There are no specific standards for turmeric used as food materials. Therefore, this study can be provided as basic data for the establishment of quality standards for turmeric.

Curcuma longa L. leaf was extracted by water at 60˚C for 12 hours after being treatment of Ultra High Pressure under 500 MPa for 5-15 minute. The high pressure extraction for 15 minute (HPE15) was measured the highest extraction yield of 25.48% (w/w), compared to those from conventional extraction methods. The HPE15 showed the lowest cytotoxicity as 11.97% in adding 1.0mg/mℓ of concentration. Also, HPE15 was measured the highest inhibition of hyaluronidase as 44.48% in adding 1.0mg/mℓ. In addition, The production of NO from macrophages was measured as 7.06μM in adding 1.0mg/mℓ of HPE15, which was lower than the those from others processes. Finally, HPE15 significantly reduced up to 649.44pg/mℓ of ProstaglandinE2 production from UV-irradiation. These results suggest that the Curcuma longa Linne leaf extract from high pressure process might enhance the skin immune activities possibly by high elution of active components than other processes.

Cosmetic activities of the leaves of Curcuma longa L. were compared according to different drying methods, to expand the use of the by-products of Curcuma longa L. The highest extraction yield of 29.4% was obtained from vacuum drying process (VD), whose value was very close to 29.2% from freeze drying process (FD). Relatively lower extraction yield were observed as 24.5% and 25.3% from the raw leaf (RL) as control and hot air drying process (HD). The cytotoxicity was observed lower FD and VD than RL and HD. It shows that cytotoxicity was closely related to cosmetic activities such as tyrosinase and melanin inhibition activities by showing much better cosmetic activities of the extracts from both FD and VD than those from the RL and HD. It was interesting that was differences of the cosmetic activities and cytotoxicity between FD and VD, which implies that VD method should be a more efficient process than FD method in terms of drying time and operation costs: 6 hours vs 24 hours and 3-5 times higher extraction costs in drying. It was observed that VD is more excellent dry method than others. This result could be utilized to effectively dry other soft plant biomass.