Source: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
EVALUATION OF GINGER VARIETIES FOR PROMOTING ITS CULTIVATION AND CONSUMPTION FOR PREVENTING OBESITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1026089
Grant No.
2021-38821-34601
Cumulative Award Amt.
$599,808.00
Proposal No.
2020-11022
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2021
Project End Date
Mar 31, 2025
Grant Year
2021
Program Code
[EQ]- Research Project
Recipient Organization
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
PETERSBURG,VA 23803
Performing Department
Dept of Agricultural Research
Non Technical Summary
Ginger is a profitable crop for small farmers in Virginia. The growing season in Virginia is only eight months, and it is harvested early as 'Baby-Ginger" (4-8 months after sprouting). The VSU has initiated growing five different ginger varieties: White-Chinese, Indian, Blue-ring, Yellow, and Red-Pink. We think that the composition of different ginger varieties is different, and "baby" and "mature" gingers affect human health differently. Our goal is to study different types of ginger at various harvest times and test their effects on obesity prevention. (1) We will grow different ginger varieties, (2) study their composition and study which variety is best for reducing fat storage, and (3) provide this information to farmers and consumers. The proposed research will provide new research-based information to ginger growers in the country (Research & Extension), evaluate their potential for the prevention of obesity (Research & Education), and develop strategies for spreading evidence-based health information (Education & Extension). We will perform some of our work in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Eastern Shores. Our study will serve as a model to link farm and laboratory research to farmers, healthcare workers, and consumers.
Animal Health Component
25%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
25%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
7021459101020%
7011459103080%
Knowledge Area
702 - Requirements and Function of Nutrients and Other Food Components; 701 - Nutrient Composition of Food;

Subject Of Investigation
1459 - Rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, and root crops, general/other;

Field Of Science
1030 - Cellular biology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
The major goal of this project is to evaluate different varieties of gingers and investigate their health benefits on obesity. We will accomplish our goal by following objectives as described blow:Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Rafie)1.1: To cultivate different varieties of ginger.1.2: To conduct farmers's training/education outreach programs.1.3: To engage students at VSU in the production research of ginger.Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis).2.1: To determine the total phenolic content, phytochemical composition, and antioxidation activities of different varieties of ginger.2.2: To compare the anti-obesity properties of "baby" and "mature" ginger.2.3: To engage students at VSU/UMES in analytical, cellular, and molecular research in obesity.Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (T. Nartea).3.1: To promote increased consumer use of locally grown ginger through the development of easy to access, online recipe cards and nutritional information.3.2: To develop an evidence-based curriculum for conducting farmers and extension professionals training on the health benefits, culinary uses, value-added products, and marketing strategies of ginger.3.3: To engage undergraduate and graduate students at VSU to develop consumer marketing materials related to ginger culinary use and health benefits.
Project Methods
The propsal will be carried out using the following experimental approaches.Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program. (R. Rafie)1.1: To cultivate different varieties of ginger. In January, fresh, five different ginger varieties, including White ginger (Chinese ginger), Indian ginger, Blue-ring ginger, Yellow ginger, and Red-pink ginger (pieces of ginger rhizome) will be planted. To catch the early changes and optimal harvest time for "baby" ginger, we will start harvesting at six months after sprouting (early - late August). Plants will be harvested on a bi-weekly interval until January. Ginger samples will be sent to the laboratory for further phenolic and other chemical and nutritional analysis.1.2: To conduct farmer training/education outreach programs. Farmer training and education will be conducted through the Virginia Cooperative Extension.1.3: To engage students at VSU in the production research of ginger. We anticipate engaging one undergraduate student from the College of Agriculture for each year of the proposed studies. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for total phenolic content, antioxidation activity, phytochemical composition, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). 2.1: To determine the total phenolic content, phytochemical composition, and antioxidation activities of different varieties of ginger.2.1.1: Phenolic content and antioxidation activities: The ginger samples will be freeze-dried and then extracted in 80% Methanol. The total phenolic contents of each extracted sample will be determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. A comparative analysis of antioxidation activity in each sample will be determined using chemical assays including 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS•+) method for the oxygen scavenging capacity, and Ferric ion reducing antioxidation power (FRAP) assay.2.1.2: Determination of key phytochemicals profile. Determination of phytochemical profile in ginger will be performed in Dr. Volkis' laboratory at UMES through a sub-contract.2.2: To compare the anti-obesity properties of the "baby" and "mature" ginger2.2.1.1: AdipogenesisLipid droplet assay: The treated cells with or without ginger extracts during differentiation will be used to analyze lipids droplet formation using a commercially available kit (Dojindo Laboratories Washington, DC). Gene expression studies: The mouse adipogenesis RT² Profiler™ PCR Array will be customized to determine the expression patterns of the selected genes as per manufacturer's recommendations (Qiagen, CA). 2.2.1.2 Glucose metabolism:Induction of glucose uptake in adipose, muscle, and liver cells. The effect of ginger extracts for Insulin mimetic or Insulin sensitization on glucose uptake in adipose cells (differentiated 3T3L1 cells), skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 Myoblasts), and liver cells (AML12 or HepG2) will be determined using a fluorometric glucose uptake assay kit (Abcam, Cambridge, MA).Modulation of insulin secretion/resistance: Pancreatic beta-cell lines (BRIN-BD11 rat cells from Sigma Chemical Co.) will be pre-incubated with varying concentrations of ginger extracts and exposed to IL-1β (2 ng/mL) and IFN-γ (100 IU/mL) to damage beta-Islet cells. The insulin secretion will be determined in the cell-free culture supernatant using a Rat Insulin ELISA kit (R & D system).2.2.1.3: Lipogenesis: Triacylglycerol (TG) and Fatty acid (FA) analysis: The lipid from the treated cells will be extracted by using the Folch method. The extract will be used to determine total TG concentration using a commercial kit (Sigma Chemical Co, St Louis, MO). The extract will also be used to determine FA composition using a FAME-GC analysis, as described previously. The FA data will be used to determine relative activities for de novo fatty acid synthase, desaturase, and elongase activities, as we have previously assayed..Gene expression studies: The mouse genes for ACC, PEPCK, FAS will be used for the determination of the expression patterns of the selected genes as per manufacturer's recommendations (Qiagen, CA).2.3: To engage undergraduate/graduate students at VSU and UMES in analytical, cellular, and molecular research in obesity.We anticipate engaging one undergraduate student for each year (VSU) and one graduate student for the last two years (UMES) of the proposed studies.Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (T. Nartea).3.1: To promote increased consumer use of locally grown ginger through the development of easy to access, online recipe cards and nutritional information. We will develop downloadable online recipes with step-by-step directions (static picture or YouTube video formats) and nutritional information. The developed recipes will be focused on current culinary trends (plant-based, low or no sugar, major allergen-free, low calorie, high fiber, etc.) and food prep methods (15-minute meals, slow cooker, instant pot, air-fryer, sheet pan meal, and one-pot meal, blender, etc.) to be placed on www.vt.ext.edu, www.vsu.ext.edu, and https://impact.extension.org3.2: To develop an evidence-based curriculum for conducting farmer and Extension professionals training on the health benefits, culinary uses, value-added products, and marketing strategies of ginger. We will develop training curriculum (teacher guide, participant workbook, presentation slides and handouts, activities, and evaluation) for conducting three extension professional development (train the trainer) workshops and three farmer educational workshops on how to successfully market local ginger with health information and easy to prepare recipes.3.3: To engage undergraduate and graduate students at VSU in the development of consumer marketing materials related to ginger culinary use and health benefits.We anticipate engaging one undergraduate or graduate student for each year of the proposed studies. The student will be recruited from the Family and Consumer Sciences department or the College of Business at VSU.

Progress 04/01/23 to 03/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Consumers and Farmers: The following activities were performed to educate consumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 1. Ginger Workshop and Field day (10/26/2023) at Randolph's Farm, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806. About 100 particpants registered for the workshop and field day. The details of the workshop/filed include:Ginger: botany and horticulture (Dr. Sanjun Gu), Ginger marketing, economics and value-added products (Dr. Janine Woods),Ginger production in field, high tunnel and home garden settings (Dr. Sanjun Gu),Integrated management of ginger diseases, insects and other pests, Ginger rhizome seed production (Jerry and Darlene Taylor/Dr. Sanjun Gu),Ginger tissue culture potentials and research update (Dr. Kedong Da), Ginger health benefits and VSU ginger research (Dr. Rafat Siddiqui),Ginger research at University of Delaware,Field tour - field, high tunnel and greenhouse ginger research. 2. Farmer Market: Students and Faculty: The following activities were performed to educate students at Virginia State University.Five undergraduate (including 2 dietetics interns)and two graduate students performed field, and bench research on studying the health benefits of baby ginger. Scientists: We have published 3 scientific research papers and presented 6talksto target the scientific community. Li H., Rafie A. R., Hamama A., & Siddiqui R. A. (2023). Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acyl CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.Food & Nutrition Research,67.https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v67.912 Siddiqui R, Li H, Rafie R, Hamama A. Immature Ginger Reduces Lipogenesis by Down Regulating Acyl CoA Carboxylase and Phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase-1 Genes in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes. Current Developments in Nutrition, 2023, Vol. 7, 101620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101620 Reghupaty, S.C.; Kanwal, S.; Mendoza, R.G.; Davis, E.; Li, H.; Lai, Z.; Dozmorov, M.G.; Faison, M.O.; Siddiqui, R.A.; Sarkar, D. Dysregulation of Type I Interferon (IFN-I) Signaling: A Potential Contributor to Racial Disparity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers 2023, 15, 4283. https:// doi.org/10.3390/cancers1517428 Siddiqui, RA, Haiwen Li, Anwar Hamama, and Ahmed Reza Rafie Immature Ginger Reduces Lipogenesis by Down Regulating Acyl CoA Carboxylase and Phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase-1 Genes in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes. American Society of Nutrition-Annual Meeting July 21-25, 2023, Boston, MA, USA. Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Lee S, Faison M, and Sarkar D. Ginger Attenuate Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cells-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients Through Modulating Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway. Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (PACHE) Biennial Program Meeting, September 8, 2023, The NCI Shady Grove Campus, Rockville, Maryland. Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Li H, Lee S, Faison M, Sarkar, D. Modulation of Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway by Ginger Extract in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. 8th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM-CUM-TRAINING COURSE ON MOLECULAR MEDICINE AND DRUG RESEARCH (MMRD-8). November 27 - 30, 2023, Karachi, Pakistan Kanwal S, Davis E, Lee S, Li H, Faison M, Sarkar D, Siddiqui R. Effect of Ginger Extracts on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients. 16TH AACR CONFERENCE ON THE SCIENCE OF CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES IN RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES AND THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED September 29 - October 2, 2023, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Orlando, Florida Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Li H, Lee S, Faison S, Sarkar D. Ginger Extract Modulates Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients. 3rd Annual American Society of science Engineering and technology 9ASSET)-Conference, December 16-17, 2023, Boston, MA. Bokary Sylla, Victoria V. Volkis,Phytochemical Properties, Processing, and Applications of Juvenile Ginger (Zingiber Officinale).ACS Spring 2024 National meeting New Orleans,March 16-24 2024. Changes/Problems:The post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Sadia Kanwal, started late in August 2022. Her 2 year contract will endin July, 2024. She is needed to complete the pendingon-going experiments past the curent deadline of 03/31/2024.In addition, the unpublished data need to be published. We anticipate applying for a no-cost extension for another year with tentative a deadline of 3/31/2025. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Virginia State University- Undergraduate (Sarah Coffee, Dietetics ;Hollie Garrett, Dietetics,Denisia Garland, Agriculture;Isaiah Marshall, Biology;Jakada Christmas, Biology) and graduate ( Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros) students were involved in ginger cultivation, harvesting, and sample processing. In addition, a graduate student, Mr.Shem Msabila, from Delaware StateUniversity spent two weeks in Randolph's farm and Dr. Siddiqui's laboratory and learned ginger cultivation and polyphenols/antioxidation assays. University of Maryland-Eastern Shores- Agraduate chemistry student,Mr. Bokary Sylla, performed physiochemical analysis of first harvest. Currently, he is continuing the physiochemical screening and working on his mansucript. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Consumers and Farmers:The following activities were performed to educate consumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 03/22/2023 - Ag Fest day at VSU 07/20//2023 - PROSPER 10/11/2023 - Farmer Training 10/19/2023 - Farmers market at VSU 10/26/2023 - Ginger Workshop and Field day Scientist and Students:The data was published and/or presented as describd below: Publications 1.Food & Nutrition Research,67.https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v67.912 2. Current Developments in Nutrition, 2023, Vol. 7, 101620.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101620 3. Cancers 2023, 15, 4283. https:// doi.org/10.3390/cancers1517428 Presentations 1. American Society of Nutrition-Annual Meeting July 21-25, 2023, Boston, MA, USA. 2. Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (PACHE) Biennial Program Meeting, September 8, 2023, The NCI Shady Grove Campus, Rockville, Maryland. 3. 16TH AACR CONFERENCE ON THE SCIENCE OF CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES IN RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES AND THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED September 29 - October 2, 2023, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Orlando, Florida. 4.8th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM-CUM-TRAINING COURSE ON MOLECULAR MEDICINE AND DRUG RESEARCH (MMRD-8). November 27 - 30, 2023, Karachi, Pakistan. 5. 3rd Annual American Society of science Engineering and technology 9ASSET)-Conference, December 16-17, 2023, Boston, MA. 6. American Chemical SocietySpring 2024 National meeting New Orleans,March 16-24 2024. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1.Testing individual bioactive compouds from ginger for anti-obesity and anti-cancer properties to elucidate the underlying cellular and moleclar mechanism (Siddiqui). 2. Continuation of phytochemical analysis of second batch of ginger (Volkis). 3. Continuation of development of ginger value addedproducts and recipes (Nartea).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Siddiqui & R. Rafie) We have completed this objective. Virginia State University has develped cultivation practices for different varieties of ginger. The knowledge gained from this field-research was used to train and educate farmers,communitymembers, consumers, and students through our annual Ginger Workshop and Field Days for last 3 consecutives years (10/22/2022, 10/21/2023, 10/26/2023).The workshop provided opportunities to about 500 small farmers for different aspects of ginger cultivation.The event provided participants with information on how to successfully grow, harvest, pack, and market ginger.The farmers and community participants also learned research-based information about the health benefits of ginger. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). The tasks under this objective are 75% accomplished. 1. Research at VSU (Siddiqui): Our data supports the preliminary observation that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger). All five varieties show a similar pattern; however, the changes in yellow ginger were modest.Furthermore, the data indicated that baby ginger extract inhibitedlipid accumulation and triglyceride content in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells up to 20% in a dosedependent manner. Baby ginger exhibited significant inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme activity by 29.5% and ameliorated glucose uptake in HepG2 cell at similar level.We further examine the underlying mechanisms of immature ginger on adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in a 3T3-L1 cellular model. Ginger treatment significantly inhibited the differentiation-induced de novo lipogenesis and delta-9 desaturase activity. Furthermore, ginger treatment reduced adipogenesis genes, C/ebpβ and C/ebpð, expression by 47% or 64%, respectively, but significantly increased Pparγ expression by 60% and adiponectin by 75%. Ginger extracts had no effect on Fas genes but reduced lipogenesis genes, acyl CoA Carboxylase (Acc) expression by 2-fold and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase 1( Pepck1) expression by 50%. Our findings suggest immature ginger can potentially inhibit lipogenesis anda regular use of ginger can potentially lower incidences of obesity and diabetes. The finding of these studies are published in 3peer-reviewed journals and presented to 6scientific conferences. At present we have extended this project and investigating anti-cancer properties of ginger in hepatocellular carcinoma. 2. Resesrch at UMES (Volkis): We have charcaterizedthe first batch offive differentZingiber Officinale variantsthroughout different stages of maturity for the phytochemical composition, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, anthroaquinones, phenols, oxalates, essential oils and carbohydrates uinsg GCMS, and UV/Vis techniques. We have also compared composition in fresh-frozen vs. freeze-dried ginger, and examinedthe effect of heat degradation of antioxidants through thermal decomposition experiments. At present, experiments are underway to characteize these paprameters on the second harvest to determine seasonal variations. We anticipatean exension to complete these studies. We have also conducted our annual Project meeting with PIs, postdoc and students from VSU and UMES with presentations of results. Additionally, we have submitted two joint proposals as described below: R. Siddiqui,V. Volkis,A.Ristvey.The nutritional profile of ginger grown in Eastern USA for promoting its cultivation and consumption for preventing obesity.Pending: USDA-NIF-CBG grant ($599,916),05/01/2024-04/30/2027. V.V. Volkis,A. Ristvey, W. Weaver, M. Cecil,R. Siddiqui.Cellular studies and Educational Outreach for health benefits from Anthocyanins-rich Super-Fruits. Pending: USDA-NIF-CBG grant ($999,674),05/01/2024-04/30/2027. Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (R. Siddiqui, R. Rafie, & T. Nartea). The tasks under this objective are 75% accomplished. During 2023 period, VSU-Extension has reached out 1440 partipants, including farmers, consumers and student to promote healthy comsuption of ginger for preventimg obesity. The details of all activitie are given below: 1. Ag Fest Day: Make your own Ginger Sugar Scrubs (March 22, 2023) Our team participated in sharing information about fresh ginger health information at the VSU Ag Fest attended by over 400 VSU personnel and students.Dr. Nartea created the market display with fresh ginger plants and rhizomes from Dogwood Farms and provided hands on training to make ginger sugar scrubs.Dr. Siddiqui providedginger health information. 2.PROSPER: Make your own Ginger Sugar Scrubs (7/20/2023) Our team trained 150 youth participants how to package ginger sugar scrubs and make ginger water drinks to enjoy for relaxation. 3. Train Ginger Farmer and Assist with Farmers Market Packaging and Display (10/11/2023): Assisted one farmer as described below; Fresh Baby Ginger-$16 .00/lb Ginger Candies (.5oz)-$3/ea Ginger Gems (.5oz) -$3/ea Ginger Jerky (.1oz) -$3/ea Candies Ginger Sprinkle (.5oz) -$3/ea Ginger Sugar Jars (2.25oz) -$10/ea Ginger Sun Tea Kits-$10/ea Ginger turmeric teas-$2/ea Triple Ginger Cookies-$1/ea 4. VSU Farmers Market at VSU Campus (10/19/2023). VSU-extension had on-campus Farmers Market (12:00 - 2:00 PM) that was attended by 523 visitors. Among, other products, 3farmers sold fresh ginger and ginger-value added products. One ginger farmer sold $867 worth of ginger products. The attendess learned about ginger recipes andhealth benefits. Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxeeK06NwRY/ 5. Ginger Workshop and Field day (10/26/2023) The VSU-Cooperative Extension organized its annualGinger workshop/field dayat Randolph's farm, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806. About 70 particpants attended the workshop and field day. The details of the workshop/field day are given below: 8:45 a.m. Greetings and introduction (Dr. Sanjun Gu) 9:00 a.m. Ginger: botany and horticulture (Dr. Sanjun Gu) 9:30 a.m. Ginger marketing, economics and value-added products (Dr. Janine Woods) 10:15 a.m. Ginger production in field, high tunnel and home garden settings (Dr. Sanjun Gu) 11:00 a.m. Integrated management of ginger diseases, insects and other pests (Dr. Zelalem Mersha) 11:30 a.m. Ginger rhizome seed production (Jerry and Darlene Taylor/Dr. Sanjun Gu) 12:00 p.m. Ginger tissue culture potentials and research update (Dr. Kedong Da) 12:15 p.m. Needs assessment (applied research and demonstration) and Lunch 1:00 p.m. Ginger health benefits and VSU ginger research (Dr. Rafat Siddiqui) 1:30 p.m. Ginger research at University of Delaware (Shem Msabila) 2:00 p.m. Field tour - field, high tunnel and greenhouse ginger research The following printed recipes were distributed to the audience and emailed statewide to all Virginia Cooperative Extension staff and Virginia State University College of Agriculture personnel: Sweet & Savory Ginger Salad Dressing,Fresh Ginger Banana Muffins,Healing Honey Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea,Almost Instant Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup, Hot Ginger Milk, Sea Salt Caramel Ginger Brownies, Ginger Turmeric Veggie Juice, Red Zinger Smoothie, Ginger Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub, Ginger Turmeric Latte Mix, Ginger Turmeric Honey Seasoning. Samples of value added products were given to the participants. 6. Provided Technical Assistance on Webpage Updates for Ginger Farmer https://dogwoodgrovegh.wixsite.com/ginger

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Li H., Rafie A. R., Hamama A., & Siddiqui R. A. (2023). Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acyl CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Food & Nutrition Research, 67. https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v67.9126
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Siddiqui R, Li H, Rafie R, Hamama A. Immature Ginger Reduces Lipogenesis by Down Regulating Acyl CoA Carboxylase and Phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase-1 Genes in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.Current Developments in Nutrition, 2023, Vol. 7, 101620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101620
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Reghupaty, S.C.; Kanwal, S.; Mendoza, R.G.; Davis, E.; Li, H.; Lai, Z.; Dozmorov, M.G.; Faison, M.O.; Siddiqui, R.A.; Sarkar, D. Dysregulation of Type I Interferon (IFN-I) Signaling: A Potential Contributor to Racial Disparity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers 2023, 15, 4283. https:// doi.org/10.3390/cancers15174283
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Li H, Lee S, Faison S, Sarkar D. Ginger Extract Modulates Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients. 3rd Annual American Society of Science Engineering and Technology (ASSET)-Hybrid Conference, December 16-17, 2023. Boston, MA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bokary Sylla, Victoria V. Volkis, Phytochemical Properties, Processing, and Applications of Juvenile Ginger (Zingiber Officinale). ACS Spring 2024 National meeting New Orleans, March 16-24 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 2. Siddiqui, RA, Haiwen Li, Anwar Hamama, and Ahmed Reza Rafie Immature Ginger Reduces Lipogenesis by Down Regulating Acyl CoA Carboxylase and Phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase-1 Genes in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes. American Society of Nutrition-Annual Meeting July 21-25, 2023, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Lee S, Faison M, and Sarkar D. Ginger Attenuate Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cells-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients Through Modulating Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway. Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (PACHE) Biennial Program Meeting, September 8, 2023, The NCI Shady Grove Campus, Rockville, Maryland.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Kanwal S, Davis E, Lee S, Li H, Faison M, Sarkar D, Siddiqui R. Effect of Ginger Extracts on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines-Derived from Caucasian, Asian, and African American Patients. 16TH AACR CONFERENCE ON THE SCIENCE OF CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES IN RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES AND THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED September 29 - October 2, 2023, Disneys Grand Floridian Resort Orlando, Florida
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Siddiqui R, Kanwal S, Davis E, Li H, Lee S, Faison M, Sarkar, D. Modulation of Interferon -1 Signaling Pathway by Ginger Extract in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. 8th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM-CUM-TRAINING COURSE ON MOLECULAR MEDICINE AND DRUG RESEARCH (MMRD8). November 27  30, 2023, Karachi, Pakistan


Progress 04/01/22 to 03/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Consumers and Farmers: The following activities were performed to educate consumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 4/2022: Talk presented "Ginger production" at GW Carver Agriculture Center, Rapine, VA 22733. 10/2022: VSU Annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop And Field Day. 01/2023: Through a VDACS specialty grant project, the VSU Cooperative Extension Program worked with Dogwood Grove Greenhouse, LLC (Brodnax, VA) to grow and sell a limited quantity of fresh Virginia grown ginger rhizomes for planting. Students and Faculty: The following activities were performed to educate students at Virginia State University One Dietetic intern, two undergraduate and two graduate students performed filed, and bench research on studying the health benefits of baby ginger. Scientists: We have published two scientific research papers and presented several talks to target the scientific community. Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10:133-144. Li H, Rafie R, Hamama A, Siddiqui R. Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acy! CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L I adipocytes. Food & Nutrition Research 2023-in press Robinson A, Li H, Rafi AR, Siddiqui RA. Effect of Harvest Time on the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity in Different Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie AR, Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA Changes/Problems:Problems: We encountered problem for harvesting ginger this season. The freezing cold weather hit the region earlier than anticipated for about2 weeks in early January, and then warmed up again; however, the frozen conditions destroyed the ginger rhizomes in ground. We were forced to terminate harvesting after 17 weeks, not after 23 weeks as planned. Changes: The newly hired post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Sadia Kanwal, started in August 2022. In addition to exploring anti-obesity effects of ginger in cellular system, she is also establishing an animal of obesity to get in vivo data. Furthermore, she is also investigating anticancer effects of ginger in liver cancer cells. These studies will help us generate preliminary data for the future funding proposal. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate (Amiaya Robertson and Megan Chavis) and graduate (Karter Couser and Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros) students were involved in ginger cultivation, harvesting, and sample processing. Karter and Alex will be submitting their thesis in May, 2023. 2. UMES MS Chemistry student (Mr. Bokary Sylla) was assigned to do physiochemical analysis. He has completed the physiochemical screening and will be continuing doing totals and profiling of antioxidants over summer. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Consumers and Farmers: The following activities were performed to educate consumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 4/2022: Talk presented "Ginger production" at GW Carver Agriculture Center, Rapine, VA 22733. 10/2022: VSU Annual Ginger And Turmeric Workshop And Field Day. 01/2023: Through a VDACS specialty grant project, the VSU Cooperative Extension Program worked with Dogwood Grove Greenhouse, LLC (Brodnax, VA) to grow and sell a limited quantity of fresh Virginia grown ginger rhizomes for planting. Scientists: We have published two scientific research papers and presented several talksto target the scientific community. Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10:133-144. Li H, Rafie R, Hamama A, Siddiqui R. Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acy! CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L I adipocytes. Food & Nutrition Research 2023-in press Robinson A, Li H, Rafi AR, Siddiqui RA. Effect of Harvest Time on the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity in Different Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie AR, Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Siddiqui & R. Rafie) Cultivation of five different varieties of Ginger (Yellow, White, Red, Blue-ring, and Indian) was repeated for monitoring seasonal variations in 2023. The samples will be delivered to Dr. Victoria Volkis laboratory at University of Maryland-Eastern Shores (UMES) for phytochemical analysis. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). Studies will be continued to investigate molecular mechanism of ginger's anti-obesity effects. We will determine how ginger modulate gene expression for adipogenesis and lipogenesis processes. Based on data from our collaborator's laboratory, we will determine which ginger variety provides best phytochemicals for its biological activity. We will also test pure compounds alone or in combination to identify the active principal component(s) in ginger for its anti-obesity effects. Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (R. Siddiqui, R. Rafie, & T. Nartea). Virginia Cooperative Extension will hosted its annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day at Virginia State University's Randolph Farm in October 2023 to educate/train participants on how to successfully grow, harvest, pack, and market ginger and turmeric. The participants will also learn research-based information about the health benefits of ginger. Dr. Nartea will provide demonstration for the culinary use of ginger and share recipes cards for ginger daily consumption for optimal health benefits.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Siddiqui & R. Rafie) The second cultivation of five different varieties of Ginger (Yellow, White, Red, Blue-ring, and Indian) was started early January 2022 in the Green House as described above. This year sprouting started late and harvesting of ginger samples was begun in September (9/20/2021-week 1) on a biweekly basis. We planned to continue harvesting until March 21, 2023; however, we terminated the harvesting on January 10, 2023 (week 17), because of extreme cold weather that destroyed most of ginger plants. As performed with the first harvest, ginger samples were divided into two groups. First group was frozen at -80oC immediately and the second group was freeze-dried and then stored at -80oC. The samples from second harvest will be shipped to Dr. Volkis' s Laboratory in April 2023. Undergraduate (Amiaya Robertson and Megan Chavis) and graduate (Karter Couser and Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros) students were involved in ginger cultivation, harvesting, and sample processing. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). The freeze dried samples were extracted in ethanol, and the ethanol extracts were used to determine the total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, pH, brix, total tannins, and GCMS profile of essential oils of different varieties of ginger. Our data supports the preliminary observation that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. All five varieties show a similar pattern; however, the changes in yellow ginger were modest. Ginger extract (White ginger) was used to determine its anti-obesity effects. We determined the phenolic content and anti-oxidation properties of ginger at different harvesting time and tested its effects on lipid droplet formation and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger) compared to mature ginger; however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. Furthermore, the data indicate that baby ginger extract inhibits lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells up to 20% in a dose-dependent manner. Baby ginger exhibited significant inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme activity by 29.5% and ameliorated glucose uptake in HepG2 cell at similar level. Our results suggest that a regular use of ginger can potentially lower incidences of obesity and diabetes. (Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui1 R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10:133-144; Impact factor 3.55). We further examine the underlying mechanisms of immature ginger on adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in a 3T3-L1 cellular model. Effects on adipogenesis was evaluated by determining lipid droplet and triglyceride accumulation, whereas lipogenesis was determined by measuring triglyceride contents and fatty acid profile. The expression of key regulatory genes involved in adipogenesis, and lipogenesis was also determined. Our data indicate that the intracellular lipid accumulation decreased significantly by 15% or 25% on treatment with 25 or 50 μg/ml of ginger extract. Consistent with this data, significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 30% or 50% were observed on 25 or 50 µg/ml treatment with ginger extracts. In addition, ginger treatment significantly inhibited the differentiation-induced de novo lipogenesis and delta-9 desaturase activity. Furthermore, ginger treatment reduced adipogenesis genes, C/ebpβ and C/ebpð, expression by 47% or 64%, respectively, but significantly increased Pparγ expression by 60% and adiponectin by 75%. Ginger extracts had no effect on Fas genes but reduced lipogenesis genes, acyl CoA Carboxylase (Acc) expression by 2-fold and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase 1( Pepck1) expression by 50%. Our findings suggest immature ginger can potentially inhibit lipogenesis pathways by limiting the channeling of glucose carbon in fatty acid synthesis by inhibiting the expression of ACC and glycerol production via inhibiting the expression of PEPCK, which consequently inhibits triglyceride formation. (Haiwen Li, Ahmed Reza Rafie, Anwar Hamama and Rafat A. Siddiqui. Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acy! CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L I adipocytes. Food & Nutrition Research 2023-in Press; Impact factor 3.89). These studies provided valuable insights into the potential beneficial effects of ginger in controlling obesity and diabetes. Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (R. Siddiqui, R. Rafie, & T. Nartea). Virginia Cooperative Extension hosted its annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day at Virginia State University's Randolph Farm on Thursday, October 21, 2022. About 150 participants, including farmers, consumers, and researchers participated in this event. (https://www.ext.vsu.edu/events/2022/10/21/ginger-turmeric-day) The event provided participants with information on how to successfully grow, harvest, pack, and market ginger and turmeric. The participants learned research-based information about the health benefits of ginger. Presenters included: Farmers: Brian Nelson of Hardywood Brewery in Richmond, VA Jim Provost of I Love Produce in West Grove, PA Jerry and Darlene Taylor of Dogwood grove Greenhouse, LLC, Brodnax, VA Scientist: Dr. Reza Rafie, Professor, Horticulture Extension specialist at VSU Dr. Rafat Siddiqui, Professor and Researcher of food science and food chemistry at VSU Dr. Zelalem Mersha, Associate professor, Plant and soil science specialist at VSU Dr. Theresa Nartea, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist and Marketing & Agribusiness at VSU 4. Dr. Nartea provided recipesfor culinary, heath, and beauty use of ginger and prepared samples of few ginger recipes for participants taste. The following printed recipes were distributed to the audience and emailed statewide to all Virginia Cooperative Extension staff and Virginia State University College of Agriculture personnel: Sweet & Savory Ginger Salad Dressing Fresh Ginger Banana Muffins Healing Honey Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Almost Instant Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup Hot Ginger Milk Sea Salt Caramel Ginger Brownies Ginger Turmeric Veggie Juice Red Zinger Smoothie Ginger Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub Ginger Turmeric Latte Mix Ginger Turmeric Honey Seasoning 5. The VSU Cooperative Extension Program worked with Dogwood Grove Greenhouse, LLC (Brodnax, VA) to grow and sell a limited quantity of fresh Virginia grown ginger rhizomes for planting. These ginger rhizomes was available for pick up or shipping starting early January 2023. The website is: https://dogwoodgrovegh.wixsite.com/ginger and https://www.localharvest.org/dogwood-grove-greenhouse-llc-M82636 6. At present, Dr. Victoria Volkis isdeveloping the flavor for her patented aronia power aid drink with young ginger. Her lab is also lookingat thermal decomposition of ginger extracts at conditions similar to pasteurization and cooking.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10:133144.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2023 Citation: Li H, Rafie R, Hamama A, Siddiqui R. Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acy! CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L I adipocytes. Food & Nutrition Research 2023-in press
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Robinson A, Li H, Rafi AR, Siddiqui RA. Effect of Harvest Time on the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity in Different Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie AR, Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. ARD Symposium (Talk), April 2-5, 2022, Atlanta, GA


Progress 04/01/21 to 03/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Consumers, farmers, students, and scientists have an interest in developing ginger crops and studying its heath benefits to prevent chronic diseases. Consumers and Farmers: The following activities were performed to educate/targetconsumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 1/29/2020: Talk presented "Variation in Polyphenolic Content and Anti-oxidation Activity Between Baby and Mature Ginger: Effects On Lipid Droplet Formation in 3T3 Adipocytes." At VCE-Winter Symposium, January 28 -30, 2020, Blacksburg, VA 4/15/2020: https://wwwcp.umes.edu/sans/for-the-media/news-releases/nearly-half-a-million-dollar-grant-aims-to-increase-diversity-in-fanh-sciences/ 4/16/2020: Facebook Video was posted on "growing ginger and using it in your daily life." https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=247582489626703 5/15/2020: Article published "New Research shows baby ginger is where the health benefits are." in Connection Magazine, Virginia Cooperative extension, Vole 4(1), 2020. 11/21/2020: YouTube posting: Annual Ginger/TurmericField day(Virtual). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vta9iytwheg. 3/12/2021: UMES Extension offered free growing ginger webinar 10/6/2021: Article published "Ginger & Turmeric Field Day at Randolph Farm" in Morning AgClip. 10/21/2021: VSU annual Ginger/Turmeric Field day at the Randolph's farm, VSU, Petersburg, VA 23806. 4/7/2022: Talk presented "Ginger production" at GW Carver Agriculture Center, Rapine, VA 22733. Students and Faculty: The following activities were perform to educate students at Virginia State University 2/11/2022: The dietetics interns targeted to deliver formal classroom instructions and laboratory demonstration for the health benefits of ginger. 3/11/2022: Talk (Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale ) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes" was presented to STEAM-H Seminar to students/ faculty at VSU. 3/29/2022: Talk presented "Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes" Online Seminar Series Program: MEA (MOTIVATE AND EDUCATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT) to Students in the College of Agriculture, Virginia State University. One dietetic intern, two undergraduate, and two graduate students performed farmand bench research on studying the health benefits of baby ginger.. Scientists: We have published one scientific research papers and presented several talksto target the scientific community. Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10: 133-144. Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie R. Variation in Polyphenolic Content and anti-oxidation Activity Between Baby and Mature Ginger: Effects On Lipid Droplet Formation in 3T3 Adipocytes. VCE-Winter Symposium, January 28 -30, 2020, Blacksburg, VA Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie R. Attenuation of Adipogenesis and ipogenesis by Baby Ginger in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 4, Issue Supplement_2, June 2020, Page 1688. 3. Rafie R, and Siddiqui R. Ginger, a High-Value Crop for Small Farmers, Its Health Benefits and Immune Modulating Activities. American Society of Horticulture Science, 8/5-10/2021 Denver, USA Siddiqui RA. Immune modulating activities of ginger and COVID-19 infection. American Society of Science, Engineering and Technology (ASSET) Virtual Conference. 8/29/2021, Boston, MA Rafat A. Siddiqui, Haiwen Li, and Ahmed Reza Rafie.Immune Modulating Activities of Ginger and COVID-19 Infection. 15TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY (ISNPC-15) February 21 - 24, 2022, Karachi, Pakistan Changes/Problems:Problems: We are in the process of hiring a post-doctoral fellow. The process is taking a longer time for recruiting a qualified experienced scientist. We are anticipating the post-doctoral fellow to join us in July-August, 2022. We encountered problem for cultivation of red ginger. The yield was low; we collected an early, a mid-season, and a late sample only. We will repeat the cultivation of red ginger after some modifications to improve the yield. Changes: During our presentation at the American Society of Horticulture, some scientists from Indonesia expressed interest for collaboration as Indonesia has more than 50 different varieties of ginger. We are planning to expand this study to includeother ginger varieties. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. Undergraduate (Amiaya Robertson and Megan Chavis) and graduate (Karter Couser and Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros) students were involved in ginger cultivation, harvesting, and sample processing. 2.UMES MS Chemistry student (Mr. Bokary Sylla) was assigned to do physiochemical analysis. He has completed the physiochemical screening and will be doing totals and profiling of antioxidants over the summer. 2. Dr. Rafie and Dr. Siddiqui preseneted a session on ginger cultivation and its health benefits at the annual meeting ofAmerican Society of Horticulture Science, 8/5-10/2021 Denver, USA. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Consumers and Farmers: The following activities were performed to educate consumers and farmers on ginger cultivations and its health benefits: 1/29/2020: Talk presented "Variation in Polyphenolic Content and anti-oxidation Activity Between Baby and Mature Ginger: Effects On Lipid Droplet Formation in 3T3 Adipocytes." At VCE-Winter Symposium, January 28 -30, 2020, Blacksburg, VA 4/15/2020: https://wwwcp.umes.edu/sans/for-the-media/news-releases/nearly-half-a-million-dollar-grant-aims-to-increase-diversity-in-fanh-sciences/ 4/16/2020: Facebook Video was posted on "growing ginger and using it in your daily life." https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=247582489626703 5/15/2020: Article published "New Research shows baby ginger is where the health benefits are." in Connection Magazine, Virginia Cooperative extension, Vole 4(1), 2020. 11/21/2020: YouTube posting: Annual Ginger/Turmeric (Virtual) Field day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vta9iytwheg. 3/12/2021: UMES Extension offered free growing ginger webinar 10/6/2021: Article published "Ginger & Turmeric Field Day at Randolph Farm" in Morning AgClip. 10/21/2021: VSU annual Ginger/Turmeric Field day at the Randolph's farm, VSU, Petersburg, VA 23806. 4/7/2022: Talk presented "Ginger production" at GW Carver Agriculture Center, Rapine, VA 22733. Students and Faculty: The following activities were perform to educate students at Virginia State University 2/11/2022: The dietetics interns targeted to deliver formal classroom instructions and laboratory demonstration for the health benefits of ginger. 3/11/2022: Talk (Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale ) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes" was presented to STEAM-H Seminar to students/ faculty at VSU. 3/29/2022: Talk presented "Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes" Online Seminar Series Program: MEA (MOTIVATE AND EDUCATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT) to Students in the College of Agriculture, Virginia State University. One dietetics intern, two undergraduate and two graduate students performed field, and bench research on studying the health benefits of baby ginger. Scientists: We have published one scientific research paper and presented several talksto target the scientific community. Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie R. Variation in Polyphenolic Content and Anti-oxidation Activity Between Baby and Mature Ginger: Effects On Lipid Droplet Formation in 3T3 Adipocytes. VCE-Winter Symposium, January 28 -30, 2020, Blacksburg, VA Siddiqui RA, Li H, Rafie R. Attenuation of Adipogenesis and Iipogenesis by Baby Ginger in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 4, Issue Supplement_2, June 2020, Page 1688. 3. Rafie R, and Siddiqui R. Ginger, a High-Value Crop for Small Farmers, Its Health Benefits and Immune Modulating Activities. American Society of Horticulture Science, 8/5-10/2021 Denver, USA Siddiqui RA. Immune modulating activities of ginger and COVID-19 infection. American Society of Science, Engineering and Technology (ASSET) Virtual Conference. 8/29/2021, Boston, MA Immune Modulating Activities of Ginger and COVID-19 Infection Rafat A. Siddiqui, Haiwen Li, and Ahmed Reza Rafie. 15TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY (ISNPC-15) February 21 - 24, 2022, Karachi, Pakistan What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Siddiqui & R. Rafie) Cultivation of five different varieties of ginger (yellow, white, red, blue-ring, and Indian) will be repeated for monitoring seasonal variations. We will harvest ginger samples starting in August on a biweekly basis and will continue until February. Fresh and freeze dried ginger samples will be stored at -80oC for analysis. The samples will be delivered to Dr. Victoria Volkis laboratory at University of Maryland-Eastern Shores (UMES) for phytochemical analysis. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). Studies will continue to investigate molecular mechanism of ginger's anti-obesity effects. We will determine how ginger modulates gene expression for adipogenesis and lipogenesis processes. Based on data from our collaborator's laboratory, we will determine which ginger variety provides best phytochemicals for its biological activity. We will also test pure compounds alone or in combination to identify the active principal component(s) in ginger for its anti-obesity effects. Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (R. Siddiqui, R. Rafie, & T. Nartea). Virginia Cooperative Extension will host its annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day at Virginia State University's Randolph Farm in October 2022 to educate/train participants on how to successfully grow, harvest, pack, and market ginger and turmeric. The participants will also learn research-based information about the health benefits of ginger. Dr. Nartea will provide a demonstration for the culinary use of ginger and share recipes cards for ginger daily consumption for optimal health benefits. Dr.Volkis' lab at UMES will develop a line of their patented Hawk Power drink with baby ginger as one of the active components, collect surveys from consumers, and complete a full phytochemical and nutrition label analysis Dr. Volkis' lab will try ginger extract as a component for antifouling protection and as a pest repellent - encapsulated in slow release polymers.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: To develop cultivation practice for different varieties of ginger and to establish farmer training/education outreach program (R. Siddiqui & R. Rafie) Cultivation of five different varieties of Ginger (Yellow, White, Red, Blue-ring, and Indian) was started in early January in the greenhouse. The sprouting time of each species was recorded and the plants were transplanted in the high tunnels in March. Harvesting of ginger samples wasstarted in August (8/17/2021-week 1) on a biweekly basis and continued until February (2/1/2022-week-25). After cleaning, ginger samples were divided into two groups. The first group was frozen at -80oC immediately and the second group was freeze-dried and then stored at -80oC. The samples were delivered to Dr. Victoria Volkis' laboratory at University of Maryland-Eastern Shores (UMES) on 4/20/2022 for phytochemical analysis. Objective 2: To characterize different varieties of ginger for phenolic content, antioxidation activity, and anti-obesity properties (R. Siddiqui & V. Volkis). The freeze dried samples were extracted in ethanol, and the ethanol extracts were used to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidation activities of different varieties of ginger. Our data supports the preliminary observation that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. All five varieties show a similar pattern, but the changes in yellow ginger were modest. Ginger extract (White ginger) was used to determine its anti-obesity effects. Our data indicated that ginger reduced oil droplet accumulation by 25%-40% in a dose-dependent manner, which consequently resulted in 50% inhibition of triglycerides accumulation in the adipocytes. Ginger treatment of 3T3 cells adipocytes inhibited expression of adipogenesis genes CEBP-b and PPAR-g and lipogenesis genes ACC and PEPCK. Baby ginger extract inhibited fat accumulation and triglyceride contents in oleic acid treated HepG2 cells (liver), stimulated glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, and inhibited α-amylase activity in vitro. These studies provided valuable insights into the potential beneficial effects of ginger in controlling obesity and diabetes. Objective 3: To develop and disseminate evidence-based health information about ginger (R. Siddiqui, R. Rafie, & T. Nartea). Virginia Cooperative Extension hostedGinger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day at Virginia State University's Randolph Farm on Thursday, October 21, 2021. About 120 participants, including farmers, consumers, and researchers participated in this event. The event provided participants with information on how to successfully grow, harvest, pack, and market ginger and turmeric. The participants learned research-based information about the health benefits of ginger. Presenters included Brian Nelson of Hardywood Brewery in Richmond, VA; Jim Provost of I Love Produce in West Grove, PA; Dr. Reza Rafie, the horticulture Extension specialist at VSU, Dr. Rafat Siddiqui, Professor and Researcher of food science and food chemistry at VSU, and Dr. Zelalem Mersha, plant and soil science specialist at VSU.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Li H, Rafie R, Xu Z, Siddiqui R. (2022). Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Food Science and Nutrition, 10: 133-144.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rafie R, and Siddiqui R. Ginger, a High-Value Crop for Small Farmers, Its Health Benefits and Immune Modulating Activities. American Society of Horticulture Science, 8/5-10/2021 Denver, USA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Siddiqui RA. Immune modulating activities of ginger and COVID-19 infection. American Society of Science, Engineering and Technology (ASSET) Virtual Conference. 8/29/2021, Boston, MA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rafat A. Siddiqui, Haiwen Li, and Ahmed Reza Rafie.Immune Modulating Activities of Ginger and COVID-19 Infection 15TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY (ISNPC-15) February 21 - 24, 2022, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: https://m.facebook.com/events/vsu-randolph-farm-pavilion-4415-river-road-petersburg-va/vsu-annual-ginger-and-turmeric-workshop-and-field-day/560616005207839/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: https://www.morningagclips.com/ginger-turmeric-field-day-at-randolph-farm/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: A. Robinson*, H. Li, A. R. Rafie. Effect of Harvest Time on the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity in Different Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). ARD Symposium-4/2/2022- 4/5/2022, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: R. A. Siddiqui, H. Li, R. Rafie. Baby Ginger (Zingiber officinale) High in Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidation Activity Attenuates Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3L1 Adipocytes. ARD Symposium-4/2/2022- 4/5/2022, Atlanta, GA.