Research Article
Hiba Ali Hasan, Ayad Mohammed
Abstract
Background: Since primitive times, man has gone in different ways to search for cures and relief from various diseases by using several plants, plant products and plant-derived products. Recently, there is a scientific curiosity and certain popularity with regard to screening essential oils and extracts from plants used medicinally all over the world. Objective: This study design to evaluate the component of ginger extracts in different solvents by HPLC in addition to evaluate the in vitro effects of it on micro-organisms, especially the plant is used in Iraqi folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, relieving rheumatic pains and for treating stomach discomfort. Methods: The extraction of soluble compounds from ginger by the soxhlet method was performed by using methanol and n-hexane as solvents and the main composition of ginger extracts were analyzed by HPLC. Agar – well diffusion method tested antimicrobial activities of two crud extracts in different concentrations of plant on seven types of bacteria strains and one fungus. Results: Seven components were identified from the separation of ginger extracts by HPLC. The two extracts had antimicrobial activity, methanol extract was superior than n-hexane extract against the same tested microorganisms. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that this plant possesses some antimicrobial properties as antibiotics and antifungal, therefore they can be used as a potential source of active ingredients for food, pharmaceutical industry or preservatives.