Proceedings of the Third Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae
Editors: Chantaranothai, P.; Larsen, K.; Sirirugsa, P.; Simpson, D.
Symposium held in Khon Kaen, Thailand on July 7-12, 2002
publ. by Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen - 40002, Thailand
ISBN 974-435-513-1
Language: English
iv, 232 pp.; ill.

table of contents

Title: The Zingiberaceae in Flora of Thailand
Author(s): Kai Larsen
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 1-5.
Abstract: The flora of Thailand seems particularly rich in Zingiberaceae compared with neighbouring countries. This can partly be explained by very intense collecting activities over more than 40 years. As co-ordinator for the Flora of Thailand treatment the author has attempted an overview of the problems still to be solved before a treatment for the flora can be completed.

Title: Zingiberaceae in Southern Thailand
Author(s): Puangpen Sirirugsa; Charun Maknoi
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 6-15.
Abstract: Thailand has a high diversity of Zingiberaceous plants, due to the country's position in the tropics and the climatic variations between north and south. The family Zingiberaceae in Thailand includes ca. 25 genera with more than 250 species. It is estimated that 18 genera and 80 species occur in southern Thailand. Several of them are endemic, for example Boesenbergia basispicata K. Larsen & Sirirugsa, Caulokaempferia saksuwaniae K. Larsen, Geostachys angustifolia K. Larsen, Hedychium samuiensis Sirirugsa and Scaphochlamys obcordata Sirirugsa & K. Larsen. The representative species of Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia are discussed. Illustrations and information on uses are also presented.

Title: The family Zingiberaceae in Phu Phan National Park
Author(s): Surapon Saensouk; Pranom Chantaranothai
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 16-25.
Abstract: Nine genera and 47 species of the family Zingiberaceae are found in Phu Phan National Park. Boesenbergia baimaii is new to science. Chromosome number determinations of 42 species are reported. Twenty-one taxa are recorded for the first time. Somatic numbers counted are between 2n = 20-92. Chromosome number can classify the species in Boesenbergia and Curcuma.

Title: Abnormal flowers in the genus Alpinia
Author(s): Juan-Juan Song; Yuan-Jiang Tang; Zhong-Yu Xie; Pu Zou; Qi-Gen Wu; Te-Lin Wu; Zhong-Yi Chen; Jing-Ping Liao
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 26-32.
Abstract: Six types of abnormal flower in Alpinia described in this paper, namely '2-stamen', '1.5-stamen', '1-stamen', 'stamen with only one theca', 'stamen absent' and 'twin-flower'. It is proposed that the subulate apendage may be an androecial appendage, i.e. an appendage of the stamen or labellum, not of the staminode. The '1.5-stamen' flower type is regarded as a common apomorphy, which is absent in the extant taxa, of the four ginger families, from which were derived the Zingiberaceae and Costaceae with one functional stamen or the Marantaceae and Cannaceae with half a stamen. The diversification of abnormal flowers in staminal number might be a recurrence of the evolutionary history of stamen in ginger families.

Title: Evaluation of ornamental characteristics and selection of horticulturally interesting taxa in Chinese Zingiberaceae
Author(s): Jiang-Yun Gao; Jin Chen; Yong-Mei Xia
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 33-42.
Abstract: China has a rich Zingiberaceae flora, and many members of the family are highly valued as ornamentals. However, research on the ornamental characteristics of Chinese Zingiberaceae is limited. Based on observations of Zingiberaceae collections, which included 84 species and four varieties in 13 genera, we carried out a comprehensive evaluation of ornamental characteristics in Zingiberaceae. They are classified in to four groups: Flower-ornamental, Foliage-ornamental, Bract -ornamental and Lower ornamental value. Most species of Hedychium, Alpinia, Globba, Costus and Rhynchanthus were represented in the Flower-ornamental group. They are fermini-florus with a high density of colourful flowers, whose inflorescences last for a long period. The Foliage-ornamental group includes some species of Kaempferia, Stahlianthus, and Boesenbergia whose leaves are highly attractive. Most species of Curcuma and some species of Zingiber and Etlingera belong to the Bract-ornamental group, with large and colourful bracts. The rest of the ginger species are regarded as Lower Ornamental value species, including all species of Amomum and Paramomum and some species of Zingiber. Among the four ornamental groups, 16 species have been proposed as high ornamental value gingers, which have good commercial potential.

Title: Diversity, ecology and evolution of Zingiberaceae and Costaceae of Lambir, Borneo
Author(s): Shoko Sakai
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 43-53.
Abstract: A review is given on diversity, ecology and evolution of Zingiberaceae and Costaceae from Lambir Hills, Sarawak, Malaysia, where 46 species of Zingiberaceae and three species of Costaceae have been recorded. Among them, three pollination systems are recognized. Among 30 species studied, nine were pollinated by a species of spider hunter (Nectariniidae), 11 by two species of medium-sized Amegilla bees (Apidae) and ten by four species of small halictid bees (Halictidae). Canonical discriminant analysis for seven floral characteristics detected significant morphological differences among pollination guilds. Most ginger species showed sub-annual (flowering more than once a year) or extended flowering (flowering continuously with short interruption) with little regularity at the level of either the individual or the population. To see if each pollination system had one or more a origins, we estimated phylogeny based on matK and ITS sequence data. The results show the lability of the pollination systems with extensive parallel evolution and reversals. Amegilla pollination may be the ancestral condition among the three. At least seven pollinator changes have occurred, and all the three pollination systems have evolved more than once.

Title: Investigation of chromosome numbers in 20 taxa of Curcuma
Author(s): Takonwan Sirisawad; Puangpen Sirirugsa; Chuntana Suwanthada; Pimchai Apavatjrut
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 54-62.
Abstract: Chromosome counts from 20 taxa in Curcuma showed a wide range of chromosome numbers, which could be arranged into five groups. Group 1 with 2n = 2x = 42 included Curcuma taxa having long, cylindrical inflorescences, large leaves and pseudostems. Group 2 with 2n = 3x = 63 comprised early flowering taxa that have the first short inflorescences arising from their dormant rootstock or 'stubbed rhizome'. Their coma bracts are normally spreading, and the rhizomes are big and branching. Group 3, with 2n = 4x = 84, was another early flowering group with very short peduncles and no branching rhizome Group 4, with 2n = 24 or 32, comprised plants having long and erect peduncles, short spikes and narrow or linear leaves. Group 5 exhibited various numbers; i.e. 2n = 20, 24, 28, 34, 36 and 56, and included Curcuma taxa having undeveloped rhizomes, white staminodes and anthers without a spur.

Title: Systematic studies of Scaphochlamys species (Zingiberaceae)
Author(s): Khatijah Hj. Hussin; Aida Shafreena Ahmad Puad; Choong Chee Yen; Halijah Ibrahim
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 63-67.
Abstract: The leaf anatomy of 13 species of Scaphochlamys was investigated. Results show that all species have solitary calcium oxalate crystals and abaxial and adaxial hypodermis in the lamina. Trichomes of the simple unicellular type are present in certain species. The vascular tissue is made up of many separate bundles in the midrib and petiole forming several arcs. The petioles of all studied species have arc II bundles below the main arc, extending right up to the adaxial side. Using the shape of the petiole in transverse section, the species can be divided into three groups. Molecular phylogenetic studies using nuclear ITS sequence data show that Scaphochlamys taxa are divided into three clades. A comparison between the two groupings is discussed.

Title: Floral vascular system of Alpinia hainanensis K. Schum
Author(s): Jing-Ping Liao; Pu Zou; Yuan-Jiang Tang; Juan-Juan Song; Zhong-Yu Xie; Qi-Gen Wu; Te-Lin Wu
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 68-80.
Abstract: The floral vascular system of Alpinia hainanensis K. Schum. was observed in detail. The pedicel contains an outer ring and a central region of vascular bundles. Three carpellary dorsal bundles and three alternatively arranged parietal bundles separate out from the central region successively. The remaining bundles of the central region run upwards and become the placental bundles to supply ovules. The placental bundles terminate between the top of the locular region and the base of the prolongation. The lateral strands of sepals and petals derive from the outer ring in the pedicel and these bundles are arranged as two irregular rings in the locular region, of which the outer ring enters into the sepals and the inner one enters into the petals. The three parietal bundles divide into about five strands respectively, of which the outer strand enters into the petal as its midrib and the remaining strands move into the stamen, adaxially becoming the vasculature of the functional stamen and the labellum and abaxially becoming the lateral strands of the labellum. The three carpellary dorsal bundles also divide into about five traces, of which the outer trace into the calyx becomes the midrib of each sepal and an inner trace goes to the style. The remaining traces re-unite, re-divide again further up and the two adaxial carpellary dorsal traces finally enter into the labellum, becoming the marginal traces of it, whilst the abaxial one enters into the labellum becoming its midrib. The two antero-lateral glands receive small traces without lignified tube elements from the vascular plexus. There are no subulate appendages differentiated in the flower of Alpinia hainanensis. Therefore, the median part of the sepals, both the marginal portions and the median part of the labellum and the style have the same origin in vasculature from the carpellary dorsal bundles, as do the stamen, the lateral portions of labellum and the median of the petals from parietal bundles. The labellum is supposed to represent three members of the outer androecial whorl by its two marginal portions and the median part and two members of the inner whorl by its two lateral parts beside the median part.

Title: Classification of the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) based on morphological characters and isozyme patterns
Author(s): Hatairat Chokthaweepanich; Yingyong Paisooksantivatana
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 81-87.
Abstract: Sixteen taxa of Curcuma and one of Smithatris (Zingiberaceae) were evaluated for morphological and isozyme variation. Phenetic analysis of the morphological data using the simple matching coefficient and UPGMA clustering revealed two clusters at a similarity index of = 0.40. Smithatris was grouped together with the genus Curcuma. The first cluster consisted of Smithatris supraneanae, Curcuma thorelii, C. rhabdota, C. hamandii, C. roscoeana, C. alismatifolia, Curcuma ' BuaLai Prachin', Curcuma 'Patoomrat', Curcuma 'Tubtim Siam', and C. parviflora. This cluster agreed with the subgenus Paracurcuma. The second cluster consisted of Curcuma 'Waan Torahod', Curcuma 'Waan Chukmodlook' , Curcuma 'Buachan' , C. aeruginosa, C. aromatica, C. longa and C. zedoaria. The second cluster comprised taxa in subgenus Eucurcuma (Valeton, 1918). All plants were analyzed for isozyme variability with eight enzyme systems by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All the systems studied (ADH, PGM, LAP, GDH, GOT, G6PDH, MDH and EST) showed polymorphisms. Isozyme patterns of G6PDH, MDH and EST could distinguish all species. Phenetic analysis of the isozyme data using the NEI method for genetic distance and UPGMA clustering revealed three clusters at a genetic distance (D) = 1.989 with Smithatris representing one of the clusters. The classification based on isozyme data was incongruent with that based on morphology.

Title: Comparative leaf anatomy of some Kaempferia species from North-eastern Thailand
Author(s): Achra Thammathaworn; Chulalak Lakoet
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 88-97.
Abstract: A comparative study of the leaf blades of 11 species of Kaempferia from north-eastern Thailand was undertaken. The presence of hypodermis, oil cells, bundle sheath parenchyma cells and tetracytic stomata are common characters of the species studied. Two groups, based on unicellular hairs, are proposed from the present study. The first group, comprising K. elegans, K. filifolia, K. grandifolia, K. laotica, K. marginata, K. parviflora, K. rotunda and K. speciosa, has hair cells on the leaf blade. The second group, comprising K. angustifolia, K. galanga and K. siamensis lacks hair cells. Anatomical characters, including the presence or absence of cuticular protrusions on the outer tangential epidermal cell walls, the outline shape of the subsidiary and epidermal cells, the location of tannin cells and the presence or absence of starch grains in chlorenchyma cells, were used for species recognition in each group. K. speciosa was distinguished from the other taxa by the triangular papillae on the outer tangential wall of the upper epidermis that were easily seen in transverse section, and by combination of tetracytic and hexacytic stomata. K. rotunda was characterized by the presence of starch grains in the chlorenchyma cells. A key to the species studied, based on surface and transverse views of the leaf blades is presented.

Title: Effect of nutrient deficiency on the growth and development of Curcuma alismatifolia Ganep
Author(s): Soraya Ruamrungsri; Pimchai Apavatjrut
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 98-104.
Abstract: Plants of Pathumma (Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep.) were grown in sand culture using 'stubbed rhizomes' 1.9-2 cm diameter with storage roots 6-7 cm long having 3-4 roots/rhizome, and 12-14 g of fresh weight. The rhizomes contained approximately 69.9 mg N, 37.6 mg P, 1.8 mg Ca, and 4.1 mg Mg. After sprouting, plants were fed with 250 ml of various nutrient solutions, five times a week. The solution treatments were: 1) a complete solution containing N 10, P 15, K 20, Ca 20, Mg 15, Fe 2, Mn 0.1, Zn 0.005, Cu 0.003, Mo 0.003 and B 0.02 mg/l (control treatment) 2) a N-deficient solution 3) a P-deficient solution 4) a K-deficient solution 5) a Ca-deficient solution 6) a Mg-deficient solution and 7) a nutrient-free solution, only water being supplied. Plant growth, flower quality, yield of rhizomes, and mineral content were determined. The numbers of leaves per plant were 4.8-5.4 at 14 weeks after planting. The plants from the nitrogen-deficient treatment were stunted with yellow leaves, and their flower quality and bulb production were inferior to those receiving the complete nutrient application. Similar effects also resulted from the nutrient-free growing medium. The total leaf area/plant measurements for plants growing under all the nutrient-deficient treatments were lower than those in the control group. N content of the control plants increased by about twofold at the flowering stage (144.1 mg/plant), but P content seemed to change only slightly (about 32.7 mg/plant, while Ca and Mg content were about 37.4 and 91.6 mg/plant from the control treatment.

Title: Conservation of Zingiber cf. petiolatum I. Theilade using in vitro propagation
Author(s): Sompop Prathanturarug; Nuttinee Pongsiri; Suparat Suwacharangoon; Thaya Jenjittikul
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 105-108.
Abstract: We describe an in vitro propagation protocol for Zingiber cf. petiolatum I. Theilade, a wild species from Pattani province. Fruits were cleaned with 70 % ethanol and surface sterilised for 30 minutes with 1 % Clorox containing 10 microlitre of Tween 80, then rinsed 3 times in sterile distilled water. The fruits were cut and seeds germinated on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) medium supplemented with 3 % sucrose. Three month-old seedlings were used as donor plant material. Terminal buds of the plants were inoculated on MS medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BA; 0.5-8 mg/l) alone or in combination with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.5 mg/l). Eight weeks after inoculation, the cultures were transferred to MS medium without plant growth regulator for four weeks. The cultures transferred from MS medium with 4 mg/l revealed the highest shoot induction rate of 6.75 (plus or minus) 1.51 shoots/response explant. Rooting was spontaneous and achieved in MS medium without plant growth regulator. Rooted plants were successfully transplanted to soil. The plants are being grown under greenhouse conditions for further taxonomic identification.

Title: Biodiversity and molecular aspects of Curcuma species from North-eastern Thailand
Author(s): Preeya Puangsomlee Wangsomnuk; Pinich Wangsomnuk; Boonthom Maza
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 109-119.
Abstract: Curcuma belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, plants that are increasingly important as food, medicinal plants and ornamentals. In this study, it was found that the loss of Curcuma species and reduction of genetic diversity are primarily due to habitat depletion caused by agricultural and economic development. About 18 Curcuma species occur in north-eastern Thailand. They show a wide range of morphological variation both at the intra- and interspecific levels. RAPD and nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences were studied in order to assess genetic differentiation of plants in this genus. Sixty-one decamers and ITS sequences were used to amplify DNA from in vivo plants growing at the Department of Biology, Khon Kaen University. Thirty-one arbitrary primers produced RAPD fragments, of which 212 bands ranging from 0.15 to 2 kb in size were obtained using 27 primers. The results may be useful for generic and species delimitation. Analyses of nucleotide sequences produced from ITS and the differentiation of genetic fingerprinting using random amplified polymorphic DNA for Curcuma species are discussed.

Title: In vitro conservation of Curcuma species and the assessment of genetic stability of micropropagated plants using Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers
Author(s): Preeya Puangsomlee Wangsomnuk; Pinich Wangsomnuk; Boonthom Maza
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 120-129.
Abstract: The conservation of underexploited Curcuma taxa is essential, not only for basic research but also for applied studies. Several species needed to be conserved for their germplasm. Eight Curcuma species, collected from north-eastern Thailand, were examined to test for their propagation by aseptic multiple shoot production techniques. Tests of the requirements for cytokinin [benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ)] and napthalene acetic acid (NAA) were studied. The concentrations of 3 mg/l BA were found to be optimum for shoot production of C. alismatifolia, C. sp. but 0.5 mg/l TDZ showed the best multiplication rate for C. longa. Shoot proliferation could be continued even after a year by transferring each divided shoot explant to the same medium. Micropropagated plants could be successfully transferred to soil. In vitro propagation is an alternative method of conservation and to a certain extent can be considered as a gene bank base collection. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate the genetic stability of micropropagated plants of Curcuma alismatifolia. Thirteen arbitrary decamers were used to amplify DNA from in vivo and in vitro plant material to assess the genetic fidelity. RAPD profiles from micropropagated plants and the utilization of RAPD markers both for the assessment of genetic stability of clonal materials and to certify genetic stability throughout the systems of micropropagation are discussed.

Title: Clonal structure in Globba leucantha var. bicolor populations inferred from inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR)
Author(s): Atsuko Takano
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 130-137.
Abstract: Globba leucantha var. bicolor is distributed in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and reproduces sexually as well as asexually. The aim of this study was to inter-clonal structure in a population and dispersal distance of bulbil in this variety. Two quadrates (20 m x 30 m in size) were established in the Study Forest of Andalas University, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Every individual in the quadrate was recorded in its spatial position. Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect putative clones. Only mature plants were used for the analysis. Based on 22 polymorphic ISSR markers, 51 different genotypes were obtained (i.e., putative clones) among 90 plants from plot 1, and 68 genotypes among 108 plants from plot 2. Ramets tended to be distributed close to each other. However, some were found much further (> 10 m) from their sibling. Since the rhizome of G. leucantha runs very shortly, bulbil dispersal might result in such a spatial distribution of the ramets.

Title: Phytochemistry of Zingiberaceae
Author(s): Pittaya Tuntiwachwuttikul
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 139-144.
Abstract: Zingiberaceae are one of the major tropical plant families, and are distributed throughout the tropics, particularly in tropical Asia to northern Australia. Zingiberaceae attract much phytochemical interest due to their culinary use and their biological activity. The chemistry and biological activity of compounds isolated from some species of the family are discussed. A number of novel structures and many biologically active compounds have been identified from various species of Zingiberaceae (Pancharoen et al., 2000). Species from three genera, Boesenbergia, Kaempferia and Zingiber, were studied in our laboratory.

Title: Quantitative of major constituent in Kaempferia galanga L
Author(s): Jinda Wangboonskul; Chavi Yenjai; Sugunya Khounnikhom
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 145-148.
Abstract: Kaempferia galanga L. has been used as an ingredient in many Thai traditional medicines as a carminative and expectorant. However, clinical activity has not yet been proved scientifically. The main problem of using herbal medicine is the variation both amounts and types of the constituents. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the level of the major constituent of K. galanga, namely ethyl p-methoxycinnamate. The chromatographic mobile phase used was acetonitrile : methanol : 20 mM NaH2P04 pH 3.2 (30 : 40 : 30). A flow rate of 1 ml /min and a detection wavelength of 270 nm was used. The retention time of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate was 5.4 minutes. Analysis of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate by HPLC was validated. Eight samples of K. galanga were collected from herbal medicine shops in various part of Thailand. It was found that content of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate varied from1.77 to 4.3 % by weight. This variation in the quantity of the component by as much as 2.4 times indicates the inconsistency of the biological activity (Aranbewela et al., 1999; Elsamma et al., 1996).

Title: Implications of heavy metal accumulation in the common ginger (Zingiber officinale) - a preliminary finding
Author(s): Mushrifah Idrih
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 149-155.
Abstract: Rhizomes of common ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) were analysed for the accumulation of selected heavy metals with respect to the soil environment. This species is cultivated by local farmers, mainly on the hill slopes of Cameron Highland, Malaysia. In the non-resistant fraction of the soil, manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) ions formed the dominant, readily available heavy metals as compared to cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) ions. The order of highest metallic ion concentration in soil relative to one another in descending order was Mn > Mg > Cu > Zn> Pb > Cd > Cr. These anthropogenic fractions of the soil were further broken down to fractions which are easily and freely leached and exchanged (EFLE), acid reduced and extracted by organic oxidation. In the rhizome of ginger, high accumulations of Mg, Mn and Zn ions were observed accounting to about four-, five- and one-fold respectively, in comparison to its presence in the soil. It is not surprising as Mg, Mn and Zn ions have long been considered as micronutrients. It is the considerable high accumulation of metallic ions such as Cd, Pb and Cr in the rhizomes that may be of concern. There is a strong positive linear relationship between all metal ions absorbed in the rhizome in relation to the existence of the metal ions in the ELFE fraction in the soil (r2 = 0.68).

Title: Isoenzyme analysis in some Zingiber species
Author(s): Remedios R. Roderos; Erna L. Elias
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 156-165.
Abstract: There is no doubt that morphological characters are valuable in taxonomic studies. However, the importance of morphological data can be supported by biochemical data. Using PAGE, the zymograms of 22 accessions of Zingiber officinale, Curcuma zedoaria and two unidentified Curcuma species were studied for the activity of 10 enzymes. The data obtained were analysed employing UPGMA as the clustering method and Jaccard' s coefficient as the binary measure. Although considerable interspecific and intergeneric variation existed, cluster analysis showed that accessions within a morphological genus generally grouped together: a sample suspected to be a Zingiber species and Z. purpureum joined the Z. officinale group to form the Zingiber cluster. These findings suggest that isoenzyme banding patterns do express some degree of genetic relationship and may assist in distinguishing members of the genus Zingiber.

Title: Effects of Curcuma longa L. rhizome extract on Aedes aegypti L. larvae
Author(s): Rintarat Sirichai; Preeprame Srisomporn; Sungsitthisawad Warangkana; Neinvitoon Thawatchai
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 166-171.
Abstract: The toxicity of fresh and five-month old extracts of Curcuma longa on Aedes aegypti larvae was investigated. Extracts of Curcuma longa were obtained using three different solvents: 95 % ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate, in the ratio of 500 gm of sample to 1000 ml of solvent. Fresh crude extraction from 95 % ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate yielded 26.24, 25.12, and 22.58 grams of dried extract, respectively. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) from fresh extracts were 27.91, 28.29 and 29.34 microg/ml when 95 % ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate were used, respectively. Extracts kept for five months had median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 42.80, 44.53 and 46.41 microg/ml when 95 % ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate were used, respectively. Between the three different solvents, three were no significant differences in toxicity at the 95 % confidence limit (P > 0.05). However, the effect of fresh and five-month old crude extractions was significantly different at the 95 % confidence limit (P < 0.05).

Title: Subchronic toxicity of Wan chak motluk (Curcuma comosa Roxb.) extract
Author(s): Songpol Chivapat; Angkana Hirunsaree; Nuchatra Junsuwanitch; Songpol Padungpat; Anuthep Rangsripipat; Somchit Niumsakul; Suphan Charuchongkolwongse
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 172-189.
Abstract: Extract of Wan chak motluk (Curcuma comosa Roxb.) rhizome has been demonstrated to effectively stimulate bile secretion and reduce plasma triglyceride and cholesterol in experimental animals. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity of Wan chak motluk by intragastric administration of an ethanolic extract containing 2.05 % of phloracetophenone (the choleretic active substance) in six groups of Wistar rats for 90 consecutive days. The experimental groups were given the extract at doses of 100, 200,400 and 800 mg/kg/day respectively while two control groups received distilled water and solvent vehicles respectively. The extract did not affect growth and food consumption of the rats. Decreases of hematocrit and hemoglobin in male rats receiving the highest dose of the extract were still within the normal range. Male rats treated with 800 mg/kg and female rats receiving 400 and 800 mg/kg of extract had a significant increase of alkaline phosphatase level. Increases in stomach weight and size were observed in male rats receiving the extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg or more and in females at a dose of 200 mg/kg and more. Histopathological examination of visceral organs revealed no abnormality related to the extract except hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the gastric epithelium, the effects of which were dose-dependent. Therefore, if the extract was putatively applied for bile secretion and plasma lipid reduction, the pathological effects on the stomach should be of concern.

Title: Antimycobacterial and antifungal activities of flavonoids from Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Bak
Author(s): Chavi Yenjai; Prasat Kittakoop; Supawadee Daodee; Khanchara Prasanphen
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 190-192.
Abstract: Two flavonoids, 3,5,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone and 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, were isolated from Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Bak., a popular health-promoting herb among the residents of north-eastern Thailand. The chemical structure of these compound was elucidated by analyses of their spectral data. These flavonoids exhibited potent anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with respective MIC values of 200 and 50 microg/ml respectively. Both of them possessed antifungal activity against Candida albicans with IC50 values of 39.71 and 17.63 microg/ml, respectively.

Title: Antifungal and antimycobacterial activity of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate from Kaempferia galanga L
Author(s): Chavi Yenjai; Supawadee Daodee; Jinda Wangboonskul
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 193-195.
Abstract: Ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, a major constituent of Kaempferia galanga L., exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans with IC50 of 15.75 microg/ml. This compound also showed anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with respective MIC of 200 microg/ml. However, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate possessed no anti-plasmodial (at 10 microg/ml) properties and was inactive (at 50 microg/ml) against breast cancer, oral human epidermoid carcinoma and NCI-H187 cell lines.

Title: Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.: a source of east Indian arrowroot
Author(s): Mamiyil Sabu; Jana Skornickova
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 196-200.
Abstract: The poster depicts the process involved in the extraction of starch from the rhizomes of Curcuma spp. The traditional method prevalent in South India is described. The list of different species of Curcuma used in various parts of India for this purpose is also provided. All of them are growing naturally in many South and North Eastern States of India. Some of these species are becoming rare and endangered in some areas due to over exploitation of its rhizome by local people. The uses of this starch in medicine and cuisine are also provided.

Title: Ethnomedicinal uses of thai zingiberaceous plants
Author(s): Wongsatit Chuakul
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 201-207.
Abstract: A survey of the utilisation of medicinal plants at Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Maha Sarakham, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Lampang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Pattani, Phatthalung, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Saraburi, Si Sa Ket, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, Surin, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon was carried out by interviewing herbalists, followed by collection and identification of specimens. The specimens were compared with materials in the Bangkok Herbarium, Botany Section, Botany and Weed Science Division, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (BK) and the Bangkok Forest Herbarium (BKF). Fifty-one species of Zingiberaceae were recorded as medicinal plants.

Title: Asian herbal drugs from the family Zingiberaceae
Author(s): Magdalena C. Cantoria
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 208-221.
The Zingiberaceae is a family of about 49 genera and 1300 species. It comprises perennial aromatic herbs with fleshy rhizomes and tuberous roots. The flowers occur in racemes, heads, or cymes. The perianth is 6-merous, the outer calyx-like, the inner corolla-like. Two of the stamens are modified as a petaloid labellum. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule; the seed is provided with perisperm. Herbal drugs are obtained from eight genera, namely, Alpinia, Amomum, Boesenbergia, Elettaria, Curcuma, Kaempferia, Zingiber, and Costus. Costus is included by Engler in the Zingiberaceae, but it is sometimes separated as a distinct family, mainly because its aerial parts are not aromatic. Over 20 species belonging to these genera are sources of herbal drugs used in Asia and listed in pharmacopoeias and in other drug compendia. Volatile oils, oleoresins and pungent principles characterize the family. Other constituents include colouring matter known as curcuminoids (e.g. curcumin), tannins, phenolic acids, leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, ketones, and terpenoids. Only a few isolated examples of alkaloids have been reported. Steroid saponins and sterols, rare in monocots, are found in Costus.

Title: List of Participants
Author(s):
In: Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae (ed.: P. Chantaranothai; K. Larsen; P. Sirirugsa; D. Simpson), Applied Taxonomic Research Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2003: p. 223-232.