Chemical Profiling, Antifungal and Anti-inflammatory Evaluations of Ethanol Extract of Zingiber officinale var. rubrum and Curcuma caesia Mixture from Riau, Sumatera Island, Indonesia

Abstract

If not properly controlled, this physiological response can lead to pathological consequences, which may lead to the development and emergence of various diseases in humans, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. 9-11 Inflammation destroys, reduces, or localizes (sequesters) both damaging agents and damaged tissues. Signs of inflammation are swelling/edema, redness, heat, pain, and changes in function. 12 Numerous efficacious agents are available for the topical treatment of superficial fungal infections, like combination steroid/antifungal medication. Although, the judicious use of such products is often quite successful, the practice is questionable on both pragmatic and theoretical grounds. Steroid/antifungal combination medications are used extensively but are associated with potential disadvantages. Steroidal anti-inflammatories can cause peptic ulcers, decreased immunity to infections, osteoporosis, muscle and fat tissue atrophy, increased intra-ocular pressure, and diabetic, while non-steroidal antiinflammatories can cause peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disorders, and anemia. 13 Antifungals like plants possessing inherent anti-inflammatory activity that will lead to rapid symptomatic relief while providing a mycologic cure would be very useful. Plants with scientific evidence of antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities are red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) and black turmeric (Curcuma caesia). Biological activities of red ginger and black turmeric, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties are due to the presence of various bioactive components. Red ginger and black turmeric are a group of ginger (Zingiberaceae) with bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and essential oils. 14,15