METHODS: The extract was analyzed quantitatively by performing a validated reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Zerumbone was isolated by chromatographic technique while the essential oil was acquired through hydro-distillation of the rhizomes and further analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-MS. Chemotaxis assay was assessed by using a 24-well cell migration assay kit, while CD18 integrin expression and phagocytic engulfment were measured using flow cytometry. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by applying lucigenin- and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assays.
RESULTS: Zerumbone was found to be the most abundant compound in the extract (242.73 mg/g) and the oil (58.44%). Among the samples tested, the oil revealed the highest inhibition on cell migration with an IC50 value of 3.24 μg/mL. The extract, oil and zerumbone showed moderate inhibition of CD18 integrin expression in a dose-dependent trend. Z. zerumbet extract showed the highest inhibitory effect on phagocytic engulfment with percentage of phagocytizing cells of 55.43% for PMN. Zerumbone exhibited strong inhibitory activity on oxidative burst of zymosan- and PMA-stimulated neutrophils. Zerumbone remarkably inhibited extracellular ROS production in PMNs with an IC50 value of 17.36 μM which was comparable to that of aspirin.
CONCLUSION: The strong inhibition on the phagocytosis of neutrophils by Z. zerumbet extract and its essential oil might be due the presence of its chemical components particularly zerumbone which was capable of impeding phagocytosis at different stages.