Botany
2000-Asia
program and abstracts
Prince
of Songkla University
Hat
Yai, Thailand
15 –
18 October 1991
ZINGIBERACEAE WORKSHOP, held in HAT YAI, THAILAND
(First Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae)
PROGRAM
0800-0900 Registration
0900-0930 Welcome
and Opening Ceremony, Aims of the Workshop
SESSION 1 Chairperson - Domingo Madulid
0930-1015 Keynote address: Overview of the Zingiberaceae of Thailand,
K.
Larsen
1015-1045 Morning coffee
1045-1130 Keynote address: The Tribe Hedychieae in Thailand,
Puangpen Sirirugsa
1130-1215 Keynote address: The Biodiversity and current status
of research on Zingiberaceae of Malaysia, Halijah lbrahim
1215-1330 Lunch
SESSION 2 Chairperson
- Latiff Abdul Mohamad
1330-1415 Keynote address: The
plant geography of Chinese Zingiberaceae, Te-lin
1415-1445 Keynote address: Zingiberaceae
in India: phytogeography and endemism, S.
K. Jain
1445-1515 Zingiberaceae of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, S. K. Srivastava
1515-1545 Afternoon coffee
1545-1615 Zingiberaceae
of Nepal: taxonomy and
distribution, K. R. Rajbhandari
1615-1645 An overview of Philippine Zingiberaceae, D. Madulid
1645-1730 Panel
discussion
1730-1800 Poster session
1900 Reception
Dinner at Samila Hotel, Songkla Beach.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
SESSION 3 Chairperson - Wu Te-lin
0900-0920 The peroxidase isoenzyme of Curcuma and Alpinia,
Liu Nian
0920-0940 The chemistry of Kaempferia, PittayaTuntiwachwattikul
0940-1000 Essential oil content of three species of ginger, Laily Bin Din and M.
W. Samsudin
1000-1020 Characterisation of some species of the genus Kaempferia using isozyme electrophoresis, Wallie Suvachittanont
1020-1050 Morning coffee
1050-1110 Taxonomic implications of isozyme and
anatomical studies on Curcuma spp., Halijah
Ibrahim*, H. H. Khatijah and A. Sanusi
1110-1150 Keynote address: The anatomy of Chinese Amomum and Alpinia, Qi-gen
1150-1210 Anatomy of Zingiber, Etlingera and Costus, A. Latiff*, M. Pardi and A.Rahman
1210-1230 Anatomical
and morphological variation in Elettariopsis spp., Khatijah
Hj.
Hussin* and Halijah Ibrahim
1230-1250 Placentation in Zingiberaceae, J. K. Mangaly* and P. V. Hamsa
1250-1400 Lunch
SESSION 4 Chairperson - Puangpen Sirirugsa
1400-1420 Ginger (Zingiber officinale): a possible source of raw material for drug development for certain human diseases, Tariq Mustafa and K. C. Srivastava
1420-1440 Ethnobotanical survey of gingers in selected Malay villages, H. C. Ong*, Halijah Ibrahim and R. Hassan
1440-1500 Zingiberaceae in India, ethnobotanical diversity, S. K. Jain
1500-1530 Afternoon coffee
1530-1600 Biogeography and the evolution of the Zingiberaceae, T. H. Wood
1600-1620 Costoideae
or Costaceae: a taxonomic rank controversy, Osia
Gideon
1620-1800 Panel discussion
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
Visit to Prince of Songkla University, Department of Biology, Herbarium,
Chemistry Department and field excursion to Thale Ban National Park
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
SESSION 5 Chairperson - Halijah Ibrahim
0900-0945 Keynote address: The
germplasm conservation and hybrid breeding of Chinese Zingiberaceae,
Zhong-yi
0945-1000 Germplasm
collection of Zingiberaceae in University Pertanian Malaysia, Ahmad-Abd
Rahman
1000-1015 The
conservation status of Hedychium philippinense, Domingo Madulid and M. G.
Agoo
1015-1045 Morning
coffee
SESSION 6 Chairperson- Neville Marchant
1045-1230 General
discussion on the outcome of the workshop, future research directions and
co-operative research proposals
1230-1330 Lunch
1330-1500 General
discussions, continued
* indicates the presenter
ABSTRACTS
OVERVIEW OF
THE ZINGIBERACEAE OF THAILAND
Kai Larsen, University of Aarhus, Denmark
Abstract
Southeast Asia is the evolutionary centre of
the Zingiberaceae. Within this area, the monsoon region of Indochina, including
Thailand, harbours the greatest biodiversity in the family. Out of ca 45 genera
ca 28 are found in Thailand.
During the last 20 years the author has studied
the group together with collaborators in Edinburgh, Aarhus and Hat Yai;
taxonomic studies, including morphology, cytology and palynology have given us
new information and a better understanding of variability. More than 200
species are now recorded frog Thailand and several new species have been
described in recent years. In the lecture some of the remaining taxonomic
problems will be discussed and a general overview of the biodiversity of the
Zingiberaceae demonstrated.
THE TRIBE
HEDYCHIEAE IN THAILAND
Puangpen Sirirugsa, Prince of Songkla University,
Thailand
Abstract
The tribe Hedychieae in Thailand is comprised
of approximately eleven genera and 80 species. Eight genera of the tribe have
been treated, namely Boesenbergia, Kaempferia, Hedychium, Scaphochlamys,
Camptandra, Caulokaempferia, Etlingera and
Curcuma. From these genera, four genera will be emphasised as this has been
the major thrust of recent work by the author.
Thirteen species of Boesenbergia, fifteen species of Kaempferia, nineteen species of Hedychium and two species of Scaphochlamys are currently recognised. The distinct morphological
characteristics as well as the variation and distribution
of selected species will be discussed. Illustrations of these species will also
be presented.
THE BIODIVERSITY AND CURRENT STATUS OF RESEARCH
ON ZINGIBERACEAE OF MALAYSIA
Halijah Ibrahim, University Malaya, Malaysia
Abstract
The upsurge of interest in biodiversity of tropical plants is
enhanced by the global concern for the conservation of plant genetic resources for the future of mankind. Peninsular Malaysia
and Northern Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), represent two of the richest regions
in terms of zingiberaceous species in southeast Asia. Approximately 61 % of the total land area of Malaysia is reportedly covered
by tropical rainforests. According to records, there are
an estimated
330 to 350 species of Zingiberaceae, including some
undescribed species, representing 21 genera (including Costus) from East and West Malaysia.
This paper discusses the interesting biodiversity of Malaysian
Zingiberaceae in relation to their taxonomy, distribution,
ecology and conservation. In view of the family's great
potential for development as commodity crops,
there is a need to identify priority areas
for
developing multidisciplinary research programs. Progress of on-going work and plans for future research themes will be highlighted.
THE PLANT GEOGRAPHY OF CHINESE ZINGIBERACEAE
Wu Te-lin, South China Institute of Botany, China
Abstract
A. Classification of Zingiberaceae
The history of Zingiberaceae investigations will be briefly introduced. A classification system,
proposed by Burtt & Smith (1972), is adopted here and is as follows:-
Subfamily 1. Zingiberoideae
tribe (1). Alpineae
tribe (2). Zingibereae
tribe (3). Hedychieae
tribe (4). Globbeae
Subfamily 2. Costoideae
Some morphologic characters with evolutionary significance, such as inflorescence, bracteole, staminodes, etc. are also
discussed.
B. The plant geography of
Zingiberaceae
The Zingiberaceae is a pantropic family. It comprises 2 subfamilies, 4 tribes, 52 genera and more than 1,400 species. The subfamily
Zingiberoideae has 48 genera and more than
1,300
species. The greatest concentration of genera and species are in the Indo-Malaysian area of Asia The subfamily
Costoideae has 4 genera, 150 species
and is mainly distributed in tropical America and Africa. A distribution map of Zingiberaceae and statistics of the genera in the floristic regions of the world are presented.
C. The origin and present
distributional patterns of Zingiberaceae
Through combining fossil records with present distribution, the origin
and the formation of recent
distributional patterns of this family were probed. Fossil Zingiberaceae has been recorded in Europe and north America as well as India, in
late Cretaceous and early Tertiary. The family
was probably common to very early Laurasia and West Gondwanaland (Raven & Axelrod, 1974). After the Tertiary, the
climate of Europe and north
America
became cooler, the Zingiberaceae
gradually disappeared, but in Southeast Asia, it was less influenced by
periods of glaciation. The Zingiberaceae continuously
developed and became the centre of present distribution
and species diversity.
There is no endemic genus of Zingiberaceae in
Australia The genera of Zingiberacae of Australia are in common with Asia and
belong to Indo-Malaysia element which
entered north Australia through Malaysia.
Tropical Africa has 6 genera and 113 species of Zingiberaceae and South America has only 4 genera and 98 species. Costoideae are well developed in these
areas which may not be considered as an original centre of diversity of Zingiberaceae.
ZINGIBERAGEAE IN INDIA: PHYTOGEOGRAPHY AND ENDEMISM
S. K. Jain, National Botanical Research Institute, India
Abstract
The family Zingiberaceae is among the ten
largest
monocotyledonous families in India It is represented by 22 genera and 165 species. The diversity is increased by about
one dozen infraspecific taxa. The areas of dense distribution
are the eastern region and the peninsular region.
Two monotypic genera, viz., Paracautleya and Parakaempferia, are endemic to India. The genera Costus, Curcumorpha, Elettaria, Hemiorchis, and Rhynchanthus have no endemic taxa in India.
The species numbers for endemic taxa in other
genera are:- (endemic/total species in India): Alpinia (2/11); Amomum (7/16); Boesenbergia (1/5); Caulokaempferia (1/2); Cautleya
(3/5); Curcuma (12/23); Etlingera (1/2); Globba (6/17); Hedychium (15/37); Hitchenia (1/2);
Hornstedtia
(1/2); Kaempferia (4/8); Mantisia (1/3); Roscoea (4/6) and Zingiber
(7/17).
The regional distribution of endemics shows that 34 species of
Zingiberaceae are confined to north-eastern India and eastern Himalaya. Another
five endemics occur here, but extend to other parts of India. The largest number of endemics in this region are from
Hedychium (14 taxa) and Zingiber
(4 taxa).
The second area
rich
in endemics is the peninsular region, particularly the southern parts, where 26 endemics are found. Out of these, 22 are confined to this region, and 4 extend to other parts of India. The largest number of species are from Curcuma (7) and Amomum (5). Four species, viz., Alpinia
manii, Globba pauciflora, Hornstedtia fenzlii and Kaempferia siphonantha are endemic to the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands; Amomum maximum
occurs
on these islands and extends to the mainland.
There is low endemism in the
north-western and central Himalaya and in the plains of
northern India. Cautleya petiolata is confined to the western
Himalaya, other endemics occurring in this region extend to other parts of India.
Several species of commercial and horticultural
significance are in cultivation.
Changes in circumscription of genera and species have influenced the status of endemism. Several endemics are rare and threatened; some of these are now in the
vulnerable category.
ZINGIBERACEAE OF THE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
ISLANDS
S. K. Srivastava, Botanical Survey of India, India
Abstract
The Zingiberaceae, the largest family in the Zingiberales, comprises
nearly 50 genera and 1,000
species
and is pantropical, concentrated mainly in the old world, chiefly in
Indo-malaysia. Members of the family yield spices, dyes, perfumes, medicines
and a number of ornamental species are cultivated for their
showy flowers.
The Indian members of the family comprise approximately 22 genera, 167 species and 13 varieties, mainly distributed in the
Himalayas, particularly in the north-eastern Himalayas,
Peninsular India and also in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. In the latter region, the Andaman and Nicobar group of
islands, there are ca. 11 genera and 21 species, of these, 5 are endemic to India and are confined to these
islands. The majority of the Andaman and Nicobar
species are more widespread in the Indo-malesian region.
Because of the ephemeral flowers, taxonomic study of the family is difficult and the classification is still incomplete. The family has been variously divided into a number of tribes.
Burtt and Smith (1972) recognized four
tribes: Hedychieae, Zingibereae, Alpineae and Globbeae.
There is taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion surrounding many genera established between the time of the Linneaus (1753) and of Roxburgh (1820). Bentham & Hooker (1883),
Engler & Prantl (1889) and K. Schumann (1904) gave an account of Zingiberaceae. Subsequently Valeton (1918), published new notes on the family for Java and Malayan
region.
Much work was done in the two decades following
Holttum in 1950. The important major contribution on various
aspects, viz., phylogeny, classification, systematics, tribal and generic
delimitation were made by Tomlinson (1956, 1962), Larsen (1962, 1963, 1964,
1965), Burtt (1972, 1977), Burtt & Smith (1972, 1972 b), Burtt & Olantunji (1972), Smith (1976, 1977), Spearing
(1976), Larsen &
Smith
(1978) and Kress (1990).
In India little work has been published. Santapau (1951, 1953) Rao & Verma (1972),
Phatak & Oza (1959), Panchaksharappa
(1962), and Bhargava & Nair (1980),
Balakrishnan & Nair (1980), Balakrishnan & Bhargava (1983) published accounts of some genera like Amomum Roxb., Zingiber Boehm. and Curcuma L., including species of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The genera known to occur in Andaman &
Nicobar
Islands are Alpinia Roxb.
(3 spp.);
Amomum Roxb. (2 spp.); Boesenbergia
O.
Ktze (2 spp.); Costus L. (1 sp.); Curcuma L. (4 spp.); Globba L. (3 spp.); Hedychium
Koen.
(1 sp.); Hornstedtia Retz. (1 sp.); Kaempferia L. (1 sp.) and Zingiber
Boehm.
(4 spp.).
ZINGIBERACEAE OF NEPAL: TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION
Keshab R. Rajbhandari, National Herbarium & Plant
Laboratories, Nepal
Abstract
Zingiberaceae are represented by 11 genera and
35 species
in Nepal; most are tropical and subtropical in distribution. Species of Cautleya, Hedychium, and Roscoea occur from the temperate to the subalpine region. The largest genus is Hedychium having 10 species but most of these are cultivated for
ornamental purposes. Roscoea is the only genus
having three endemic species which have very narrow
distribution in Nepal. Distribution of Nepalese Zingiberaceae is presented.
Taxonomic problems of Nepalese species of Cautleya, Globba and Roscoea are discussed based on gross morphological
characters.
AN OVERVIEW OF PHILIPPINE ZINGIBERACEAE
D. Madulid, National Museum, The Philippines
Abstract
There are 15 genera and 103 species of Zingiberaceae recorded in the Philippines. Of this number, two genera are monotypic and endemic to the country (i.e. Leptosalena and Vanoverberghia) while 88 are unique species.
Species endemism is high, 85 percent of the total species are endemic.
Most of the endemic
taxa
are found in primary forests or regenerating forests where the soil is damp or in gullies and deep ravines.
The various species of Zingiberaceae are spread throughout the country from sea level to more than 1,000 m altitude (e.g. Amomum pandanicarpum and A. pubimarginatum). They are mostly terrestrial but a few species are epiphytic
(e.g. Hedychium
philippinense).
At present there is no comprehensive taxonomic study covering the family Zingiberaceae in the Philippines.
What is available is only an enumeration of the taxa under the family
published Merrill in 1922, but this is
incomplete and needs revision. Steiner's (1953) work was concentrated on the taxa
in
Manila and its vicinity, hence is
also incomplete. A revision of the family is needed to understand the taxonomy, biology and ecology of this very important group of plants.
THE PEROXIDASE ISOENZYME OF CURCUMA AND ALPINIA
Liu Nian, South China Institute of Botany, China
Abstract
By means of disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the isozyme of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase of 11 species of Chinese Curcuma
were
analyzed. There is an important value in dividing the genus
into sections by analyzing these two kinds of isozymes. According to the zymogram and the rhizome colours
of Curcuma, these 11 species could be divided into 3 groups:-
1. Rhizomes are yellow, red to dark red. This group contains C. longa, C. aromatica, C. xanthorrhiza and C. sp.(1).
2. Rhizomes are greyish white or pale grey. This group contains
C. kwangsiensis, C. elata, C. wenyujin, and C. sp.(2).
3. Rhizomes are pale green
and
pale yellow or green to dark green. This group contains C. phaeocaulis, C.
exigua, C. yunnanensis.
The
result of grouping species into sections along these lines is very clearly
different from traditional classification.
There is some important value in dividing
species by analyzing the two kinds of isozymes. And, the peroxide isozyme is
often more significant than the superoxide dismutase isozyme in dividing
species of Curcuma.
THE CHEMISTRY OF KAEMPFERIA
Pittaya Tuntiwachwuttikul, Silpakorn University, Thailand
Abstract
Seven species of Kaempferia, viz., K. galanga, K. parviflora, K. angustifolia, K. rotunda and three unnamed Kaempferia species have been investigated. Four major classes of structures, cinnamate esters, flavonoids, diterpenoids and cyclohexane
oxide derivatives have been found. The chemistry
of these classes will be reviewed with particular emphasis on
the diterpenoid and cyclohexane oxide derivatives.
ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENT OF THREE SPECIES OF
GINGER
Laily Bin Din & M. W. Samsudin,
University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Abstract
Essential oil contents of three gingers, Zingiber officinale, Alpinia galanga and
Kaempferia galanga were studied. All species showed similarities in
their monoterpene contents and some differences in oxygenated and sesquiterpene contents. In particular, neral and geranial are present in Zingiber officinale and
absent in Alpinia galanga and Kaempferia galanga; methyleugenol
and caryophyllene are present in Alpinia
galanga but absent in the other two species. The presence of cinnamic acid
derivatives such as ethyl cinnamate and ethyl
p-methoxycinnamate in Kaempferia galanga was prominent.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME SPECIES OF THE GENUS KAEMPFERIA
USING ISOZYME ELECTROPHORESIS
Wallie Suvachittanont, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Abstract
Traditional approaches to characterization of plants
involves description of morphological and agronomic characters. These data are sometimes difficult to reconcile with other data.
Two kinds of plant in the family Zingiberaceae, genus Kaempferia, commonly called proh-hom and jangang, are both identified as Kaempferia
galanga on the basis of the morphological character of
their flowers. However, the two plants exhibit different morphological
characters of leaves.
In this study, an attempt has been made to
compare some of the gene products in these two variants using isozyme (isoenzyme) electrophoresis. Ten isoenzymes, superoxide dismutase, esterases, catalases, peroxidases, acid
phosphatase and various dehydrogenases such as alcohol, malate, lactate, glutamate
and isocitrate dehydrogenases in proh-hom and jangang as well as in other species, such as K. marginata and K. angustifolia, were examined. Isozyme patterns of some enzymes in leaves
extracted from these plants are similar even though they are in different
species. However, if the isozymes patterns are
different, it is considered unlikely that
the
plants belong to the same species.
It was found that proh-hom and jangang exhibit two different isozyme
patterns, superoxide dismutases and esterases. Proh-hom showed three superoxide
dismutase bands whereas jangang showed only two bands. Esterases in proh-hom
showed two bands while jangang showed only one band. These findings suggested that proh-hom and jangang should
be regarded as different species since they exhibit different gene
products.
TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF ISOZYME AND
ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON CURCUMA SPP
Halijah Ibrahim*, University Malaya, Malaysia
Khatijah Hj Hussin & Aminuddin Sanusi, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Abstract
Anatomical and isozyme studies were carried out
on Curcuma aurantiaca
van
Zijp, C. domestica
Valet.,
C. mangga Val.
et van
Zijp., C. xanthorhiza
Roxb.
and C. zedoaria (Bergius) Rosc. These species
are reported to be useful resources for condiments, food and
traditional medicine. The isozyme banding pattern for peroxidase shows
variation between species and reveals meaningful taxonomic implication for C. xanthorhiza and C. zedoaria
which
are morphologically similar in their vegetative features. The anatomical
results show that the five species studied can be differentiated by the shape of the midrib and petiole in cross sections, the number of type 1V bundles in the leaf and petiole, and
the number of secondary and tertiary bundles. The anticlinal walls of the abaxial epidermal cells are almost identical for all species except for C. domestica. However the leaf
sections
of leaf sheaths, roots and rhizomes do not show
any distinct differences between species.
THE ANATOMY OF CHINESE AMOMUM AND ALPINIA
Wu Qi-gen, South China Institute of
Abstract
The fruit and anatomy of 13 species and one variety of Amomum
were studied. They were Amomum villosum Lour., Amomum. villosum
Lour. var. xanthioides (Wall. ex Bak.) T.L. Wu & Senjen, A. aurantiacum H.T. Tsai & S.W. Zhao, A. longiligulare T.L. Wu, A. thyrsoideum
Gagnep.,
A. kruvanh Pierre & Gagnep., A. compactum
Soland
ex Maton, A. tsao-ko
Crevost
& Lemaire, A. subulatum Roxb., A. maximum Roxb.,
A. sericeum Roxb., A. repoeense Pierre ex Gagnep., A. chinense
Chun
ex T.L. Wu and one unknown species.
The important anatomical characters of the fruits are fruit wall structure and fruit vascular system. The more important anatomical characters of the seeds were found to be:-
1. the morphology of seed surface (smooth or with processes).
2. with or without expended cells in the outer pigment cell layer.
3. presence or absence of oil cell layer and its
distribution.
4. the shape of the whole stone cell (sclereid) layer as seen in a longitudinal section of seeds.
The investigation showed the above characters could provide a sound
basis for plant identification. The natural relationship among
above species are discussed.
Anatomical characters of fruit of the genus Alpinia,
represented by 20 Chinese species are described. The differences in fruit
characters between Amomum and Alpinia are also pointed out.
ANATOMY OF ZINGIBER, ETLINGERA AND COSTUS
A. Latiff*,
Botany Department, University
Munawirah
Pardi and Ahmad A. Rahman, University Pertanian
Abstract
Anatomical studies were carried out on ten species of Zingiber,
three
species of Etlingera and four species of Costus. Cross sections of leaf mid-rib and petioles showed some distinct
infra- and intergeneric similarities and differences. Within
the genera similarities and differences between species were also observed. The form and arrangement of open
vascular bundles are similar in all species.
The bundle sheaths of Etlingera are composed of
sclerenchyma whereas those of Zingiber and Costus are of collenchyma. In the latter they are
distributed all over the tissue but in other genera they are
confined to both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Druses are observed in Costus and calcium oxalates are observed in Zingiber
and Etlingera. The taxonomic value of these
characters will be discussed.
ANATOMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN ELETTARIOPSIS SPP.
Khatijah Hj. Hussin*, National
Abstract
Comparative anatomical and morphological
studies on Elettariopsis curtisii, E. smiithiae var. rugosa, several variants of E. triloba
and an Elettariopsis sp. were undertaken. The species are relatively
well differentiated by their vegetative and floral morphology. The variants of E.
triloba investigated are morphologically variable in their vegetative characters.
The anatomy of leaves, petioles, sheaths, stems, roots and rhizomes were
studied. Leaf anatomy show variation between the three species and also between
the variants of E. triloba.
The shape of the leaves and petioles in transverse sections and the presence of medullar bundles and fibre bundles, can be used to distinguish the different species and variants.
The presence of lacunae in the leaf midrib provides an additional character.
PLACENTATION IN ZINGIBERACEAE
Jose K. Mangaly* and P. V. Hamsa,
Abstract
Structural and developmental studies indicate that placentation in
Zingiberaceae is parietal. Among the four species studied (Alpinia calcarata, Amomum pterocarpum, Globba marantina and Zingiber officinale), the ventral and
dorsal vascular bundles of the ovary are in different
radii and the ventral bundles are normally oriented with
relation to xylem and phloem. In Z. officinale, each ventral bundle
directly, and in others the ventral bundle from its branch, the
placental bundle, provides vascular strands to ovules on the continuous
margins of adjacent carpels.
Developmental studies in Alpinia calcarata show that the
placentae intrude into the ovary chamber and fuse at the lower portion of the
ovary, leaving the upper portion of the ovary chambers confluent.
GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE): A POSSIBLE
SOURCE OF RAW MATERIAL FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT FOR CERTAIN
HUMAN DISEASES
Tariq Mustafa* and K. C. Srivastava,
Abstract
When one seeks historical and medical literature for plants
that have been used in folk medicine to treat diseases, ginger, Zingiber officinale,
appears
to be the single-most important plant in use in
Greco-Arabic (Tibb) and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. It has been attributed by favourable use for preventative or ameliorative effects in a wide variety of diseases ranging from catarrhal and rheumatic
afflictions, diseases related to the nervous system, inflammation of gums and toothache, painful menstruation, asthma,
stroke
and is known to provide relief for constipation and diabetes. Modern day biochemists / pharmacologists may be bewildered to learn of the use of a single plant in so many diverse diseases and this could be the main reason for the disregard of ginger as raw material for
a modem
drug.
Principal targets for drug action on mammalian cells are (a) receptors (b) ion channels (c) enzymes and (d) carrier
models.
We suggest that the mode of action of ginger could be related to its effect on the enzymes (cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase) involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins/eicosanoids whose
levels are generally elevated in several
of the diseases mentioned above. Ginger consumption or the
effect of ginger extract in vivo is known to modify the arachidonic acid metabolism which provides us with the contention of using ginger as the source of drug raw material.
No side effects of ginger rhizome consumption have been documented
and thus drugs prepared from it may be free
from side
effects. Possible efficacy of ginger in thrombosis and atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headache and dysmenorrhoea will be discussed.
ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF GINGERS IN SELECTED
MALAY VILLAGES
H. C. Ong*, Halijah Ibrahim and R. Hassan,
Abstract
100 households in 11 villages were randomly
selected in two states, namely Kelantan
and
Selangor, each representing east and west parts
of Peninsular
Malaysia, respectively. A relevant questionnaire was set and members of each household were
interviewed accordingly. The usefulness of zingiberaceous
species and their importance in traditional
medicine
were recorded. Results of the survey reveal that of the 180 species of Zingiberaceae (including some undescribed species), estimated for
Peninsular Malaysia, at least 16 species are used for food, medicine, spices, condiments and colouring matters (dyes).
Interestingly, there are also a few species which
are used in rituals associated with beliefs, customs and traditions. Of the 16 useful gingers, all are known to be
cultivated species grown mostly in home gardens except for Alpinia conchigera
which
can be found wild (growing among the belukar) as well as cultivated. Of these,
13
species are reportedly introduced and 3 species native to
Peninsular Malaysia. The degree of dependence on plants for food arid medicine is much
related
to the lifestyle of the villagers concerned.
ZINGIBERACEAE IN
S. K. Jain, National Botanical Research Institute,
Abstract
The family Zingiberaceae is represented in
Significant ethnobotanical diversity in various regions of
A few examples of ethnobotanical
diversity
are: Rhizome of Curcuma angustifolia for inflammation and bone fracture in eastern India; for intestinal diseases in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and for
fever and jaundice in the peninsular region. A massage and bath with the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria is useful
for
jaundice in eastern India and rhizome as a blood purifier in
peninsular region. Curcuma longa leaf for cold, fever and pneumonia in Bihar and Orissa;
rhizome anthelmintic in peninsula India; rhizome for cough, insect
bites, leprosy, pimples and freckles on face, inflammation
and wounds in plains of northern India. Its flower is considered an
antifertility agent. Turmeric is sacred in many
social
and religious rites throughout India.
Rhizome or rootstock of Curcuma amada, C.
angustifolia, C. aromatica, C. longa, C. neilgherrensis,
C. pseudomontana and C. zedoaria is edible as a condiment or
vegetable. The root of Hedychium acuminatum for intestinal and liver
diseases in north India, root of Hedychium gracile for pain in chest in
eastern India, rhizome of Hedychium spicatum for asthma, bronchitis,
vomiting and digestive disorders in north India and for eye diseases in eastern
India. The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale for cough, tuberculosis, labour pain and insect bites in eastern India, but for abortion, intestinal
rheumatic diseases in plains of north India. Z. zerumbet for asthma, bronchitis, snakebite and mucus
in urine in Bihar; rhizome for flavour in soup in east India.
Several of these uses are unique to the folk, and are not yet commercialised.
The full paper will have more examples.
BIOGEOGRAPHY AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE
ZINGIBERACEAE
T. H. Wood, USA
Abstract
The present day distribution of taxonomic divisions of the Zingiberaceae, together with a knowledge of plate tectonics, provides information that allows a tentative phylogeny of the family.
The Costoideae and the tribe Alpineae are the most primitive groups in
the family which had their origin before South
America and Africa had separated 70 million years ago. The tribe Hedychieae is
the next most ancient division, probably originating after the Indian subcontinent separated from
Africa. The tribes Globbeae and Zingibereae are more recent in their evolution.
The Zingiberaceae are still rapidly evolving in response to recent
mountain uplifts: Riedelia and Tapeinochilos in New Guinea; Caulokaempferia,
Siliquamomum, and Boesenbergia in southeast Asia; as well as Costus
subgenus Ornithophyllus in the Americas are examples.
COSTOIDEAE OR COSTACEAE: A TAXONOMIC RANK
CONTROVERSY
Osia Gideon, Papua New Guinea Forest Research Institute, Papua New Guinea
Abstract
The taxonomic position of
the natural group comprising Costus, Dimerocostus,
Monocostus and Tapeinochilos is reviewed. Information on morphological
and anatomical features are scanned and a discussion on the proper taxonomic position of this
group, indisputably one of the most natural members of the order Zingiberales, is given.
Its relationship with Zingiberaceae (sens. lat.) and other members of the order
is discussed. An explanation is given for the preferred taxonomic rank for the Costus group.
THE GERMPLASM CONSERVATION AND HYBRID BREEDING
OF CHINESE ZINGIBERACEAE
Chen Zhong-yi, South China Institute of Botany, China
Abstract
About 21 genera and 200 species of
Zingiberaceae are found in China. Over a half of total Chinese Zingiberaceae (about 15 genera and 120 species), collected from southern and southwestern
parts of China, are well conserved in
the South China Botanical Garden, Guangzhou. It has been proven that it is possible for
zingiberaceous plants to grow
well after they are transplanted. It is of great significance for us to preserve the germplasm of the Chinese Zingiberaceae.
The total area of Ginger Garden is 2 hectares, including an experimental field, reproductive field and exhibition ground. The garden
is aimed at the introduction and acclimatization of Chinese Zingiberaceae and offers a large quantity of living materials for multidisciplinary studies on botany, including cytology, palynology, morphology,
phytochemistry and genetics.
A program utilizing the germplasm of Chinese Zingiberaceae to increase
propagation rates has resulted in new cultivars such as: Alpinia zerumbet
cv. Yuhua, Alpinia henryi x polyantha, and Amomum
villosum x Alpinia katsumada.
GERMPLASM COLLECTION OF ZINGIBERACEAE IN UNIVERSITY PERTANIAN MALAYSIA
Ahmad Abd Rahman, University Pertanian Malaysia,
Malaysia
Abstract
The Zingiberaceae is an economically important plant family in the tropics. The family
had been recognised since 1753. Presently about 47
genera and nearly 2,000 species are recognised world-wide, most of them in tropical areas, especially in
Indo-Malaysia. In Peninsular Malaysia there are about 22 genera and nearly 200 species identified, and it is believed that there are a lot more in the jungle especially in Sabah and Sarawak. The common
Zingiberaceae species are easily recognised because they are used as food flavour, mixtures in traditional medicine as well as ornamental plants.
Work on the chemical constituents of certain species
have been studied, especially various types of flavonoids, terpenes, etc. Work is currently being carried out because of the potentiality of this family as source of natural products.
For conservation purpose, a "Zingiberium" has been developed at the Department of Biology, Universiti Pertanian
Malaysia. A few expeditions have been conducted to collect the species
in some parts of Peninsular
Malaysia. All the species are planted and identified. To date about 120 species have been collected.
Collections will continue to be made, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
Work on the potential of certain species as
ornamental plants is on-going. Work
is also being
carried out on the analysis of the chemical content in common species
usually used
as components in traditional medicine.
THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF HEDYCHIUM PHILIPPINENSE
Domingo Madulid, National Museum, The Philippines
Abstract
Hedychium philippinense K. Schum. is a species of the family Zingiberaceae which once
was common in primary forests in many parts of the Philippines. Due to forest destruction, the habitat of this epiphytic
plant has been severely affected
to the
extent that it has now become very rare in the wild.
This plant is listed in CITES Appendix II and its export is regulated by the government. It is recommended that this plant be
propagated both in situ
and ex situ to ensure its preservation.
POSTER
ETHNOBOTANY OF ZINGIBERACEAE
Jose K. Mangaly and M. Sabu, University of Calicut, India
Abstract
Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga, Curcuma
longa, Kaempferia galanga and Zingiber officinale and seeds of Elettaria cardamomum have been extensively used in India from
ancient times for various purposes including use as ingredients of Ayurvedic preparations. Alpinia galanga is used for rheumatism, respiratory ailments, stomach complaints and as a tonic. Curcuma longa is used in rituals, for flavouring, poisonous affectations, ulcers, wounds, ring-worm
infection, chicken-pox and as a skin tonic. Kaempferia galanga provides relief to cough, asthma, skin diseases and splenetic disorders. Zingiber officinale is used for
flavouring meat and fish preparations, preparing Ayurvedic medicines and its
juice cures indigestion. Elettaria cardamomum is used for
flavouring meat preparations, cakes, confectionary, and as a
remedy for indigestion.
POSTER
EDIBLE GINGERS OF MALAYSIA
Halijah Ibrahim, University Malaya, Malaysia
Abstract
Malaysia is unique in having a multiracial society
comprising diverse ethnic groups and this is especially true for East Malaysia
(Sabah and Sarawak). Village folk, particularly those in remote, undeveloped areas, have for generations exploited the local flora, often
exhausting
the forest of food and medicinal plant resources. Of the
estimated 330 to 350 species of Zingiberaceae in
Malaysia, approximately 13 %
are
reported to be edible, representing some 40
to 50 species from 13 genera (including Costus).
These are either consumed as food or used as medicine
as a traditional remedy for certain illnesses or diseases. In the majority
of the edible species, the rhizomes are consumed as fresh vegetables or salad, condiments
and spices/food flavour. In others, young aerial shoots, young and mature
inflorescences, ripe fruits and seeds are either eaten fresh, pickled or cooked. Parts used and
relevant descriptions are included in the text. Examples of these plants from
East
and West Malaysia are exhibited and discussed
POSTER
NOTES ON SOME MEDICINAL ZINGIBERACEAE OF THE APO KAYAN PLATEAU, EAST KALIMANTAN
Danna J. Leaman, University of Ottawa, Canada
Abstract
An inventory of traditional medicines known to and used by heaters
in three Kenyah villages in the Apo Kayan Plateau region of East Kalimantan
resulted in the identification of more than 200 plant species and five animal species used to treat at least 65 distinct health problems. This collection includes 20 species of Zingiberaceae, the largest family of Kenyah medicinal
plants.