Earticle

The current eco-friendly cosmetics market is developing rapidly. However, nail product still contain chemically toxic ingredients, thereby doing harm to a person's health. Accordingly, this researcher aims to seek for safe and harmless natural dye stuffs available for dyeing nails, not the chemically-compounded nail enamel products, and to examine whether dyeing of using it is available for nails. First of all, Sappan Wood(Caesalpinia sappan. L), Turmeric(Curcuma longa Linné), Gardenia(Gardenia jasminoides Ellisf.), and Wormwood(Artemisia princeps Nakai), which are excellent vegetable dye stuffs in the dyeing property of animal fibers such as silk fabrics and wool are selected by considering protein ingredient in nail. The vegetable dye stuffs in the dried medicinal-ingredient status was heated in the distilled water, was extracted dye bath, was reheated to be concentrated. This obtained concentrate was used for dyeing. As for a dyeing condition, it saw the dyeing status by passage of time(30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes) by dyeing after non-mordanting and pre-mordanting. As a result of dyeing nail by using vegetable dye stuffs through experiment of this study, a change in color difference was shown in both the nail before dyeing and the nail after dyeing.

In livestock nutrition, natural feed additives are gaining increased attention as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters to improve animal performance. This study investigated the effects of dietary turmeric supplementation on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) were used in a 6-week feeding trial. All piglets were allotted to two dietary treatments: corn-soybean meal basal diet without turmeric (control) and with 1% weight per weight (w/w) turmeric powder (turmeric). The results showed that dietary inclusion of turmeric with the basal diet improved final body weight and total average daily gain (p < 0.05). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the fecal samples, including acetic, butyric, and propionic acids, were higher in the turmeric group (p < 0.05). The villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was higher in the ileum of turmeric-fed piglets (p = 0.04). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota indicated that, at the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most predominant taxa in all fecal samples. Bacteroidetes were significantly decreased in the turmeric group compared to the control group (p = 0.021). At the genus level, turmeric showed a decreased abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.021) and an increasing trend of Lactobacillus (p = 0.083). Among the total detected species, nine bacterial species showed significant differences between the two groups. The results of this study indicated that turmeric altered the gut microbiota and shortchain fatty acid production. This suggests that turmeric could be used as a potential alternative growth promoter for piglets.

Background: Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and is one of the main ingredients in curry powder. Turmeric is often called the golden spice and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellow color, has been confirmed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious effects. It is also known to prevent dementia and promote liver health. For these reasons, turmeric is regarded as a therapeutic food additive with many health benefits beyond its nutritional value. In this paper, the health benefits of turmeric were examined through human intervention studies. Methods: Thirty chosen individuals (28 men and 2 women) with slightly elevated alanine aminotransaminase levels consumed 1 g of turmeric powder (TP) as two capsules after each meal, three times a day, during the test period of 12 weeks. Changes in the lipid profile and in the levels of serum glucose, malondialdehyde, and metabolites in the sera were measured prior to and after TP consumption. Results: The participants exhibited dyslipidemia, fasting hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress prior to TP treatment, and these symptoms were alleviated after treatment. On metabolomics analysis of sera, levels of branch-chained amino acids (valine and leucine/isoleucine) were decreased, whereas those of aromatic amino acids (tryptophan and phenylalanine) were increased. Pronounced changes were also noted in the levels of total lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and acylcarnitine: the levels of total lysoPC were decreased whereas those of acylcarnitine were increased. Serum levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine, which are intermediates of purine degradation, were increased in the participants, although that of the final product, uric acid, was decreased. Conclusion: Oral consumption of TP alleviated dyslipidemia and changed metabolites patterns by accelerating metabolic activities with less oxidative stress in participants with mild liver dysfunction.

Background: Curcuma longa L., a perennial crop originating from tropical and subtropical region, including India, is noted for its important medicinal properties. However, C. longa plants are unable to endure the winter season in Korea, and its rhizomes were invariably succumb to fungal infection when stored in polyvinyl bags. In this study, we accordingly sought to develop a C. longa variety capable of producing high rhizome yields and to identify stable conditions under which rhizomes can be stored in Korea. Methods and Results: We evaluated the agronomic characteristics of nine C. longa germplasms and examined the effects of storing rhizomes at different temperatures (4℃ to 24℃) in paper bags or plastic baskets. We found that the finger rhizomes was higher in CUR02, CUR03, and CUR06 germplasms than those of other groups. Furthermore, in terms of yield per 1 m2, the weights of the finger rhizomes and tuberous roots were significantly higher in CUR09 (3.4 ㎏/m2) and CUR04 (678.7 g/m2) than those of other groups. Therefore, we consider that these C. longa germplasms might be useful as breeding material. Although the fresh weights of the rhizomes were slightly reduced when stored in paper bags and a plastic baskets at 10℃ to 15℃, there was no evidence of fungal decomposition or sprouting, which is observed when using a conventional storage method. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the selected C. longa germplasms can provide a useful source of breeding material for the development of high yielding varieties and that a temperature ranging from 10℃ to 15℃ and the use of paper bags or plastic baskets provide stable post-harvest storage conditions for C. longa rhizomes.

Background: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming has caused emergence of new pathogenic strains. The situation has warrented the development of safe and alternative growth promoters and immunity enhancers in livestock. Herbal additives in animal and bird feed is a centuries-old practice. Thus, the present study investigated the efficacy of a standardized formulation of lipophilic turmeric extract containing curcumin and turmerones, (TF-36), as a natural growth promoter poultry feed additive. Methods: The study was designed on 180 one-day old chicks, assigned into three groups. Control group (T0) kept on basal diet and supplemented groups T0.5 and T1 fed with 0.5% and 1% TF-36 fortified basal diet for 42 days. Each dietary group consisted of six replicates of ten birds. Body weight, food intake, food conversion ratio, skin colour, blood biochemical analysis and antioxidant status of serum were investigated. Results: Body weight improved significantly in T1 with a 10% decrease in FCR as compared to the control. TF-36 supplementation in T1 enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity significantly (p < 0.05) with a decrease (p < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation. It also caused a slight yellow skin pigmentation without any change in meat color, indicating the bioavailability of curcumin from TF-36. However, no significant change in the concentration of serum creatinine, total protein and liver enzyme activities were observed, indicating the safety. Conclusion: In summary, we concluded that TF-36 can be a natural feed additive to improve growth performance in poultry, probably due to the better antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects contributed by the better bioavailability of curcuminoids and turmerones. Besides, curcuminoids and turmerones were also known to be gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents.

Medicinal plants are a notable source of natural products which are of great importance for clinical purposes, including the development of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), is among the most prominent modifiable risk factors of CVD—a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health spending worldwide. Despite a plethora of synthetic treatment options, lower treatment targets have been pushed for hypertension management as synthetic treatments pose many risks to adverse effects. In this review, studies from 2006 to 2022 were used to evaluate the efficacy of a widely-used natural product in Asia, curcumin derived from Curcuma longa L., in regulating BP. Its potential in CVD treatment has been illustrated in several research studies through identifying its cardiovascular protective properties. Curcumin was reported to be able to prevent hypertension and vascular remodeling, protect against vascular dysfunction, regulate AT1R expression, and alleviate oxidative stress, among others. Because of the importance of a healthy vascular endothelium and renin-angiotensin system in regulating arterial BP, curcumin’s demonstrated outcomes in these areas suggest its potential in regulating BP. However, more formal clinical studies must be done to further verify its cardiovascular protective properties.

본 실험에서는 발효 강황 발효액의 급여가 내장지방과 혈청지질에 미치는 효과를 살펴보고자 수행하였다. 강황과 흑설탕을 동일 비율로 혼합하여 12개월간 숙성 발효하였다. 발효액은 HPLC를 이용해 발효 후 유리당의 함량을 분석하였다. 동물실험은 총 3군으로 일반 대조군에는 고지방사료와 흑설탕 7.2%(HFD), 처리군에는 고지방 사료에 흑설탕 7.2%와 강황 12.8%(TP), 고지방 사료에 분말화한 발효 강황 20%(FTP)을 첨가한 배합사료를 4주간 급여하였다. 혈청지질에서 총 콜레스테롤과 LDL-콜레스테롤은 HFD군에 비하여 모두 감소하는 경향이었다. 혈청 중 아디포넥틴과 렙틴은 HFD군에 비해서 FTP군이 유의적으로 낮았으며(P<0.05), TNF-α은 HFD군에 비해서 FTP군이 감소하였다. 또한 간 손상 지표인 혈청의 AST는 HFD군에 비해서 FTP군이 감소하였다. 이를 통해 발효 강황 발효액은 발효 전보다 발효 후에 고지방식이를 투여한 흰쥐에 있어서 비만을 억제할 수 있는 가능성이 있는 것으로 사료되었다.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of fermented turmeric extract on body weight, abdominal fat mass and biochemical markers related to obesity in rats fed high fat diet. Turmeric and brown sugar was equally mixed and fermented for one year. Wistar rats(weighing about 125g(15 rats)) were divided into three groups: high fat diet(20.9%) and brown sugar 7.2% (HFD), turmeric powder in replace of corn starch 12.8%, brown sugar 7.2% (TP), fermented turmeric powder 20%(FTP) for four weeks. The final body weight was about 425g. The retroperitoneal fat weights in TP group showed the tendency to decrease regardless of feed intake in the rats. Serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the FTP group showed the lowering tendency than those of the HFD group(p<0.05). Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the FTP group was significantly(p<0.05) lower than that of the HFD group, and serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in all the groups were similar. These results suggest that fermented turmeric extract might be effective to prevent obesity in rats fed high fat diet.

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the growth characteristics, root yield and curcuminoid content of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), cultivated using mother seed rhizomes (MR) and finger seed rhizome (FR) of different sizes. MR are attached to the stem, and FR are connected to the MR, and are used as a general seed rhizome. Methods and Results: Seed rhizomes of different types and sizes were used: large, medium and small for FR, and large, half-sized, and small for MR. These were assigned to the experimental groups and cultivated under greenhouse conditions. The growth characteristics, root yield, and curcuminoid content did not show clear difference between MR and FR, but suggest that the larger seed rhizomes (above 30 g) could have higher root yields. On average, harvested mother rhizomes (HMR) contained more curcuminoid than harvested finger rhizomes (HFR), while the yield of HFR was higher than that of HMR. The higher weight of harvested roots correlated significantly with elevated curcuminoid content. Conclusions: The two seed rhizomes, MR and FR, did not differ in root yield and curcuminoid contents, but larger seed rhizomes may produce better root yields. This suggest that the optimum seed rhizome is larger FR, to produce higher yields and quality in turmeric root production.

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.

Studies were carried to evaluated the influence of storage method by temperatures and fillers on yield andquality of seed rhizome in turmeric. Seed rhizome was stored at styrofoam box filled with rice hull and sand (3:1) or vermiculitefor 30, 60 and 90 days at different temperatures (5, 10 and 15℃. compared to traditional method (rhizome only). Parameters were obtained for weight loss, cold injury, percentage of decayed in stored rhizome during storage periods. Also,the germination, growth pattern and yield from stored rhizome has been investigated. It was confirmed that storage of turmericin stored with filled with vermiculite helps in prevention of rhizomes from microbial and fungal attack. The storage ofrhizomes in styrofoam box without any filler at low temperature below 10℃. is not advocated due to heavy losses weightand decayed in management of postharvest for turmeric rhizome. Germination percentage, growth pattern and yield wasmaximum for rhizomes stored at styrofoam box filled with vermiculite for 90 days at 15℃. The paper outlines a briefattempt to assess the efficacy of non-chemical methods including optimal storage method (temperature and filler) of controlof decay and moisture losses during storage of turmeric.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been used as a spice such as curries. Although its various biological functions including anti-allergenic, and anti-carcinogenic activities were investigated, the total phenolic content of water and ethanol turmeric extracts and correlation between phenolic content and biological functions including antioxidant and anti-adipogenic activities of turmeric are relatively unknown. Here, we prepared water and ethanol turmeric extracts (W-TE and E-TE). The total phenolic content of W-TE and E-TE were 1.64%, and 9.31%, respectively. To examine the antioxidant activities of W-TE and E-TE, DPPH assay was employed. The E-TE showed strong scavenging activity against DPPH radicals than that of W-TE. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of E-TE on 3T3-L1 cells. The treatment of 10, 25, and 50 μg/ml E-TE for 24 h dose not affect to the 3T3-L1 cell viability. Therefore, the 10 and 50 μg/ml of E-TE were chose further experiment. We also found that the 3T3-L1 adipogenesis was dose-dependently and significantly inhibited by 10, and 50 μg/ml E-TE treatment. The 50 μg/ml of E-TE suppressed 3T3-L1 adipogenesis by 71.53% when compared to adipocytes control. Moreover, the markedly suppressed lipid droplets were observed in E-TE treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The evidences suggest that the E-TE has the potential as a functional ingredient in the development of functional foods and nutri-cosmetics on overweight and obesity.

Effects of methanol extract from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) (CME) on underlying mechanisms of lipolysis were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Compared to the control, lipid accumulation with 72 hr treatment of CME at the concentration 20 μg/mL was significantly decreased by 19.9% as quantified by Oil red O dye. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) content was also lowered by 19.3%. To determine the mechanism for TG content reduction, glycerol release level was measured. Incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 15 and 20 μg/mL of CME significantly elevated the level of free glycerol released into the cultured medium by 20.4 and 28.6%, respectively. In subsequent measurements using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mRNA levels of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) were significantly increased by 21.2 and 24.9%, respectively, at the concentration 20 μg/mL. Results indicated that CME stimulated lipolysis through induction of HSL and ATGL mRNA expressions, resulting in increased glycerol release.

The growth responses of six bacterial strains exposed to materials extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes were examined using impregnated paper disk agar diffusion. Methanol extracts of turmeric rhizomes exhibited strong inhibitory activity against Clostridium perfringens and weak inhibitory activity toward Escherichia coli at 5 mg/disk. However, in tests conducted with Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. bifidum, B. longum, and Lactobacillus casei, the methanol extract showed no inhibitory response. The biologically active constituent isolated from the turmeric rhizomes extracts was characterized as ar-turmerone using various spectroscopic analyses including EI-MS and NMR. The responses varied according to the dosage, chemicals, and bacterial strain tested. At 2 and 1 mg/disk, ar-turmerone strongly inhibited the growth of C. perfringens and moderately inhibited the growth of E. coli without any adverse effects on the growth of four lactic acid-bacteria. Of the commercially available compounds originating from turmeric rhizomes, curcumin exhibited strong and moderate growth inhibition against C. perfringens at 2 and 1 mg/disk, respectively, and weak growth inhibition against E. coli at 1 mg/disk. However, little or no activity was observed for borneol, 1,8-cineole, and sabinene against all six bacteria strains tested. The observed inhibitory activity of the turmeric rhizome-derived curcumin and ar-turmerone against C. perfringens and E. coli demonstrate one of the important pharmacological activities of turmeric rhizomes.

In this study three major curcuminoids in turmeric curcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2) and bismethoxycurcumin (3) were efficiently extracted by optimizing extraction condition and simultaneously identified using a fast and reliable RPHPLC-UV-MS and TLC method. The analysis by the C18 column was performed and the UV wavelength was fixed at 425 nm. In this result, the total extraction yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa) was increased with extraction time from 1 to 7 h. So, optimum extraction time is 4 h. Also, the highest yield of extraction amount 0.433g 8.66% was obtained by ultrasonic waves with quarter frequency kHz and an extraction time of 7 h. The experiment method was consistent with theoretical Value r2 = 0.987 (1), 0.997 (2) and 0.998 (3). Moreover, LC-MS analysis provided efficiently molecular weight information of three major curcuminoids in turmeric extracts and high purity (~95%) of the curcuminoids were obtained. This work offers would be useful for chemical and biological studies of natural plants and its products.

퇴행성 신경질환 치료를 위한 AChE inhibitor 관련 연구로써 생물학적 유용성을 높인 커큐민에 대한 연구를 수행하게 되었다. 본 연구의 목적은 아리큐민(강황추출물)에 대한 in vitro 신경보호 효과를 확인하는데 있다. 신경보 호효과를 확인하기 위해 아리큐민(강황추출물)에 대한 AChE inhibition을 평가하였고, HT-22 세포에 대한 세포생존 율을 분석하였으며, 산화스트레스(glutamate, H202) 유발에 따른 HT-22 세포생존을 확인하였다. 아리큐민(강황추출 물)의 AChE 저해율 변화결과 아리큐민 39.06㎍/㎖ 이상의 농도에서 약 20% 이상의 AChE 활성을 저해하는 것으로 확인하였다. 그리고 산화스트레스(glutamate 5 mM 및 H2O2 500 μM) 유발 HT-22 cell의 세포 독성을 0.01~0.1 mg/ml 농도에서부터 유의하게 억제하는 것을 확인하였다(p<0.05). 이와 같은 결과로 볼 때 아리큐민(강황추출물)은 신경보호 효과 효능이 우수한 것으로 확인되었다.

This study was conducted on curcumin which had increased bioavailability as a potential AChE inhibitor for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to confirm the in vitro neuroprotective effect on Aricumin (turmeric extract). To confirm the neuroprotective effect, AChE inhibition for Aricumin was evaluated, and cell viability was analyzed for HT-22cell, and oxidative stress (glutamate, H2O2)-induced HT-22 cytotoxicity was evaluated. As a result of the change in the AChE inhibition rate of Aricumin (Turmeric extract), it was confirmed that Aricumin at a concentration of 39.06㎍/㎖ or higher inhibited AChE activity by about 20% and more. And it was confirmed that the cytotoxicity of HT-22 cells induced by oxidative stress (Gluamate 5 mM and H2O2 500 μM) was significantly inhibited from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/ml concentration (p<005). These results suggest that Aricumin (turmeric extract) have potential neuroprotective effects.

방사선 조사된 터머릭의 혼합비율에 따른 조사여부 확인을 위하여 물리적 방법(PSL, TL)을 이용하여 검지특성을 분석하였다. PSL 분석 결과, 비 조사시료와 조사시료의 PCs값이 명확하게 구분되어 방사선 조사여부를 판별할 수 있었으며, 방사선 조사된 원료를 함유한 혼합시료는 1과 10 kGy 조사시료를 0.7% 이상 혼합하였을 때 intermediate 또는 positive의 결과를 나타내어 TL 확인시험으로 조사여부 확인이 가능할 것으로 사료된다. 시료의 TL분석 결과, 방사선 조사되지 않은 시료는 자연방사선에 의해서 300oC 부근에서 최고 peak를 가지는 glow curve를 나타낸 반면, 1과 10 kGy 조사구에서는 150-250oC의 부근에서 특유의 glow curve를 나타내었다. TL ratio의 산출 결과 비 조사시료에서는 0.001보다 작은 값을, 조사시료에서는 0.355보다 높은 값을 나타내어 이미 설정한 TL ratio 기준에 따라 조사여부 확인이 가능하였다. 혼합시료의 TL 특성은 glow curve의 온도범위는 조사시료와 동일하게 나타나지만, glow curve의 형태와 intensity는 다소차이를 보였다. 조사시료를 2% 혼합하였을 때 1 kGy 시료는 비조사구의 glow curve를 나타낸 반면 10 kGy 시료에서는 조사구 특유의 glow curve를 나타냈다. 그리고 4% 이상 혼합하였을 때에는 1과 10 kGy 시료에서 모두 조사구의 glow curve를 나타내었다. 방사선 조사된 혼합시료의 TL ratio는 0.1 이하의 threshold value를 나타내어 방사선 조사된 혼합시료는 TL glow curve 형태 와 온도범위로서 방사선 조사 여부를 확인할 수 있었다.

This study was performed to investigate PSL and TL characteristics for the detection of different ratios of gamma-irradiated turmeric. It was possible to determine PSL and TL of 1- and 10-kGy irradiated turmeric. The TL ratios (TL1/TL2) of non-irradiated samples were lower than 0.001, while those of irradiated samples were higher than 0.355. In the PSL results, blended samples containing irradiated ingredients showed intermediate values for a 1% blending rate. Furthermore, TL analysis of blended samples seems to offer a promising method for irradiation identification by TL glow curve form and temperature range. The 1- and 10-kGy irradiated samples were able to be detected above a 4% blending rate. However, the TL ratio appeared as a threshold value below 0.1 for irradiated samples. Overall, TL analysis identified 4% blended samples containing gamma-irradiated turmeric.

Curcumin의 추출효율은 에탄을 추출방법이 가장 높았고, 항산화효과는 에탄올, 초임계, 열수 추출물 순으로 나타났다. Ames의 mutagenicity test를 실시한 결과 각각의 추출물은 돌연변이원이 없는 것으로 확인되었고, TA98에 직접변이원 2-NF 처리시 초임계 추출물의 저해율이 20.1%로 에탄올과 열수 추출물에 비하여 가장 높은 항돌연변이 효과를 나타냈다. 또한 간접 변이원 2-acetamidofluorene(10 μL/plate, Sigma Co., 2-AF)에 대한 항돌연변이 효과를 알아본 결과 2-AF로 유도된 TA98은 초임계 추출물을 0.1 mL/plate로 처리시 항돌연변이의 효과는 12.2%였으며, 알코올 추출물과 열수 추출물의 경우는 항돌연변이 효과가 나타나지 않았다. Nitrite의 분해능의 경우에 있어서도 에탄올 및 열수 추출물에 비하여 초임계 추출물이 높은 분해율을 나타냈으며 pH 1.2에서 가장 높은 분해율을 보였다. 이와 같이 초임계를 이용해 추출한 curcumin은 항산화효과, nitrite 분해능, 항돌연변이효과 등에 대한 생리활성 기능을 보였으며, 기존의 에탄올이나 열수 추출법에 비하여 유사하거나 더 높은 생리활성 효과가 나타나기도 했다.

Physiological effects of curcumin, major yellow-colored pigment in tumeric (Curcuma longa L.), extracted by traditional extracting methods, ethanol and hot-water extractions, and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using supercritical carbon dioxide as new extracting method. Antioxidative activity of ethanol extract was higher than those of SFE and hot-water extracts. Results of Ames mutagenicity test on SFE, ethanol, and hot-water extracts revealed no mutagen in the extracts. Antimutagenicity rates of SFE, ethanol, and hot-water extracts against direct mutagen, 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF), were 20.1, 9.3, and 15.2%, respectively. Antimutagenicity rate of SFE extract against TA98 derived from indirect mutagen, 2-acetamidofluorene (2-AF), was 12.2%, whereas none was observed in ethanol and hot-water extracts. Nitrite-scavenging ability of SFE extract was higher than those of ethanol and not-water extracts.

Two bio-assays were conducted to evaluate turmeric root powder and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) as alternatives to feed antibiotics for broilers. In one trial, one hundred and eighty 19-days old broilers assigned to 18 groups of 10 were fed on one of six experimental diets with three replicates during four weeks. The diets included a basal feed without additives and with either virginiamycin, MOS, or turmeric at 1, 2 and 3 g/kg, respectively. In the second trial, one hundred and forty four 21-days old broilers arranged in 16 groups of nine were fed on the first four diets with four replicates for a similar period. Virginiamycin, MOS and turmeric (1 g/kg) in the first trial generally improved the weight gain of broilers by 3.4, 6.2 and 5.3%, respectively. In the second trial they increased the weight gain significantly (p<0.05) by 8.8, 8.0 and 15.1%, respectively. Additives improved the feed efficiency up to 15.1% and carcass recovery up to 3.1% (p<0.05). Virginiamycin, MOS and turmeric (1 g/kg) markedly reduced the abdominal fat content from 1.91% BW in the control to 1.44, 0.97 and 1.2% BW, respectively, in the first trial. The corresponding values obtained in the second trial were 1.01, 0.55 and 0.6%, respectively as compared to 1.22% in the control group. All additives showed a remarkable inhibition of duodenal coliform bacteria, yeast and mould in the caecum, and all viable microbes in the ileum. A significant (p<0.05) improvement in energy and protein utilization could be recorded with supplemented diets except for high turmeric diets. Dietary 2 and 3 g/kg addition of turmeric reduced energy and protein utilization as well as fat deposition. Present results reveal that turmeric and MOS are satisfactory alternatives to antibiotics in broiler feeds. Both MOS and turmeric possess an antimicrobial effect in vivo. Turmeric may also depress fat deposition in broilers.