This research is a strategic research with the aim of developing cosmaceutical and phytopharmaceutical products from Curcuma xantorrhiza (temu lawak) and Zingiber zerumbet (lempoyang). There had been claims on the usage of these two plants in traditional medicines, however they had not been supported by scientific data. Therefor this project is proposed with an aim to develop standardized, efficacious and safe cosmaceutical and phytopharmaceutical products from these two ginger plants.

The project consists of four main sub-projects. The first being sourcing, propagation and DNA profiling of Curcuma xantorrhiza (temi lawak) and Zingiber zerumbet (Lempoyang). The second project is the production and modification of phytochemicals from temu lawak and lempoyang with an aim to produce aqueous and organic extracts via various conventional extraction methods and low pressure supercritical fluid technology in laboratory scale and as well as pilot scale. In order to produce enriched phytocemicals such as zerumbone, xanthorrhizol and curcuminoids purification and isolation using recrystallization and vacuum column chromatography will be employed. Identification of phytochemicals will be done by using GC-MS, LS-MS-MS and NMR spectroscopies. Chemical modifications to form stable derivatives will be carried out by modifying the structures via chemical reactions such as epoxidation, reduction and acethylation.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Title:
DEVELOPMENT OF COSMECEUTICALS AND PHYTOPHARMACEUTICALS FROM TEMU LAWAK (CURCUMA XANTHORRHIZA) AND LEMPOYANG (ZINGIBER ZERUMBET)

 

The third project deals with studies on bioactive components which include bioassay studies on antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiinfective, as well as antimalaria. Detail mode of action of anticancer and antiinflammatory will be dealt with in detail using proteomic and genomic approaches. Gene(s) and protein(s) targeted by bioactive component involved in anticancer and antiinflammatory of temu lawak and lempoyang will be identified. In order to evaluate the skin whitening properties of lempoyang and temu lawak tyrosinase inhibitory activity assays will be carried out. This assay will lead to a conclusion that malanine synthesis will either be suppressed or not. In vitro antiinflammatory assay will include platelet activiting factor (PAF), while in vivo assay

Period of the project : 3 Years (2001 - 2004)

Achievements

Progress/Achievements for year one

New Process

Founding in both temulawak & lempoyang aqueous extracts exhibited good whitening effect. It's also displayed excellent anti-inflammatory activity.

Project Status

- On-going