Meneroka manfaat dan khasiat halia

Oleh KHAIRUNNISA SULAIMAN

HALIA sememangnya mempunyai nilai perubatan tersendiri. 

Tanaman halia bukan saja digunakan dalam masakan tetapi tumbuhan herba ini juga terkenal sebagai makanan kesihatan malah penyeri landskap. 

Penanaman halia mempunyai sejarah yang panjang dan dikatakan bermula di China sebelum tersebar ke Asia Tenggara, Afrika Barat dan kepulauan Caribbean. 

Halia mengandungi sehingga tiga peratus minyak pati yang memberikannya aroma. Rizom (akar) halia muda biasanya berjus dan mempunyai rasa pedas yang lembut. 

Halia jeruk boleh dimakan sebagai snek dan air halia yang ditambah dalam teh bersama-sama madu akan menambahkan keenakannya. 

Dari segi saintifiknya, semua jenis halia berada dalam Order Zingiberales dan Famili Zingiberaceae.

Pensyarah Kanan, Institut Sains Biologi Universiti Malaya (UM), Prof. Halijah Ibrahim berkata, famili ini dapat dibezakan kerana seluruh atau bahagian tertentu tumbuhan herba ini adalah aromatik. 

Menurutnya, halia tergolong dalam tumbuhan herba yang mempunyai rizom misalnya kunyit, halia dan lengkuas yang biasa digunakan dalam makanan. 

"Keluarga Zingiberaceae mempunyai saiz yang pelbagai dan boleh dibezakan dengan taburan padat di kawasan Asia Tenggara," katanya yang telah lebih 20 tahun menjalankan kajian mengenai halia. 

Pada masa ini, terdapat 350 spesies halia yang dikenal pasti di seluruh negara, manakala Thailand mempunyai lebih 300 spesies. 

Biasanya halis jenis Zingiberaceae terdapat di kawasan tropika dan subtropika dan juga terdapat lebih 52 genera dengan 1,300 hingga 1,500 spesies. 

"Di Malaysia saja terdapat 21 hingga 22 genera dengan lebih 350 spesies," hurai Halijah. 

Beliau berkata, disebabkan halia banyak digunakan dalam pelbagai budaya di seluruh dunia, halia mempunyai kepentingan dalam ekonomi. 

Terdapat halia yang boleh dimakan dan biasanya ditambah dalam masakan seperti rempah atau sebagai ulaman. 

"Kunyit atau Cucurma domestica, Zingir officianale (halia), Elettaria cardamimum (buah pelaga), Alpinia galanga (lengkuas), E elation (kantan), kaempteria galanga (cekur) biasa digunakan dalam masakan," katanya. 

Selain dalam masakan dan minuman, keluarga halia juga banyak digunakan dalam perubatan tradisional yang menggunakan campuran herba. 

Sehingga kini terdapat 30 hingga 40 spesies halia yang direkodkan digunakan dalam perubatan tradisional. 

"Tentu saja masyarakat kenal dengan Zingiber zerumbet (lempoyang), Z. ottensini (lempoyang hitam), Z. officinale var rubrum (halia bara), Ccurcuma aeruginosa (kunyit hitam/temu hitam), C. zanthorrhiza (temu lawak), C. mangga (temu pauh/mangga), C. zedoria (temu putih/kunyit putih). 

"Semua bahan ini banyak digunakan sebagai campuran dalam perubatan tradisional," katanya. 

Halia yang mempunyai bentuk bunga yang cantik dan beraroma juga boleh dijadikan tanaman hiasan dan landskap. 

Beberapa tanaman halia seperti Alpinia purpurata (halia merah), Z. spectabile (cut flower), Alpinia zurember (shell ginger), A. mutica, A. malaccensis, A. latiladis (landskap), Kaemferia spp. sesuai dijadikan tanaman hiasan kerana mudah dikendalikan. 

Tanaman halia yang mempunyai aroma merupakan sumber minyak pati bagi minyak wangi, perisa dan aroma terapi. 

Katanya, kajian perlu dijalankan dengan mendalam memandangkan halia boleh dijadikan sumber kanji manakala dalam dunia perubatan, keluarga halia didapati mempunyai aktiviti biologi yang baik sebagai anti kanser, anti mikrobial, anti oksidan dan anti radangan. 

"Di negara jiran Indonesia, keluarga halia seperti temu, kunyit dan halia banyak digunakan dalam jamu, kosmetik dan teh. 

"Di sini semakin banyak produk dihasilkan daripada halia seperti teh, kosmetik, aroma terapi, krim wajah, krim pemutih dan krim anti penuaan," katanya. 

Beliau yang menyertai Ekspedisi Lanjak Entimau di Sarawak, baru-baru ini untuk meneroka khazanah alam semula jadi berharap akan dapat menemui lebih banyak spesies bagi menambah lagi bilangan, mengemaskini data kepelbagaian halia. 

"Pelbagai aspek kajian mengenai spesies yang baru ditemui dan terdapat kajian yang akan menjadi asas kepada etnobotanikal terutama dalam kepentingan perubatan. 

"Ini akan menjurus kepada menemui dan memulihara spesies endemik yang masih tidak diketahui kegunaannya," katanya. 

Katanya lagi, pihaknya akan mengkaji spesies halia yang berpotensi bagi tumbuhan ornamental untuk dibiakbaka secara tisu kultur untuk dikomersialkan.

Sutra Essential @ sutraessential.blogspot.com

SUTRA ESSENTIAL at Ekspo Harta Intelek Malaysia 2009 in KLCC

Our SUTRA ESSENTIAL Booth at Melaka Pavilion during Ekspo Harta Intelek Malaysia 2009 at KLCC Convention Centre, 22 to 26 April 2009. 

Citronella oil - Serai Wangi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon. The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such ascitronellal, citronellol and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, perfumery, cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world.^[1]

Citronella oil is also a renowned plant-based insect repellent, and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948.^[2] The United States Environmental Protection Agency‎considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action.^[3] Research also shows that citronella oil has strong antifungal properties,^[4][5] and is effective in calming barking dogs.^[6]

Types

Citronella oil is classified in trade into two chemotypes:^[7]

• Ceylon type (obtained from Cymbopogon nardus Rendle) consists of geraniol (18-20%), limonene (9-11%), methyl isoeugenol (7-11%), citronellol (6-8%), and citronellal (5-15%).

• Java type (obtained from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) consists of citronellal (32-45%), geraniol (11-13%), geranyl acetate (3-8%), limonene (1-4%). The higher proportions ofgeraniol and citronellal in the Java type make it a better source for perfumery derivatives.^[8] [9] The name Cymbopogon winterianus is given to this selected variety to commemorate Mr. Winter—an important oil distiller of Ceylon, who first cultivated and distilled the Maha Pangeri type of citronella in Ceylon.

Both types probably originated from Mana Grass of Sri Lanka, which according to Finnemore (1962) occurs today in two wild forms--Cymbopogon nardus var. linnae (typicus) and C. nardusvar. confertiflorus. Neither wild form is known to be used for distillation to any appreciable extent.

Citronella oil from Cymbopogon species should not be confused with other similar lemony oils from Corymbia citriodora and Pelargonium citrosum.

World production

At present, the world production of citronella oil is approximately 4,000 tonnes. The main producers are China and Indonesia - producing 40% of the world's supply. The oil is also produced in Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Argentina, Ecuador, Jamaica, Madagascar, Mexico, and South Africa.

The market for natural citronella oil has been eroded by chemicals synthesised from turpentine derived from conifers. However, natural citronella oil and its derivatives are preferred by the perfume industry.^[10]

Use as an insect repellent

Citronella oil is popular as a 'natural' insect repellent. Its mosquito repellent qualities have been verified by research,^[11] including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito). ^[12][13] To be continually effective most citronella repellent formulas need to be reapplied to the skin every 30-60 minutes.^[14]

Research also indicates that citronella oil is an effective repellent for body louse and head louse. ^[15] [16]

Citronella may irritate skin and cause dermatitis in certain individuals. It should not be used on the skin of young children (under 3 years old).

The US Environmental Protection Agency states that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60 year period. [citation needed] Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. If used according to label instructions in the US, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.^[17] The US Food & Drug Administration consider citronella oil as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Canadian regulatory concerns with citronella as an insect repellent are primarily based on data-gaps in toxicology, not on incidents.^[18] [19] In Europe, Ceylon type citronella oil is placed on the category 3 list, with some safety concern regarding methyl eugenol.^[20]

Reference

1. ^ Lawless, J., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, 1995, ISBN 1-85230-661-0
2. ^ "U.S. EPA Citronella Factsheet". Retrieved on July 20 2007.
3. ^ * EPA citronella reregistration fact sheet
4. ^ Kazuhiko NAKAHARA*, Najeeb S. ALZOREKY1 , Tadashi YOSHIHASHI, Huong T. T. NGUYEN2 and Gassinee TRAKOONTIVAKORN, "Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)", Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS),(Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8686, Japan), JARQ - October 2003 - (Vol. 37 No. 4 )
5. ^ PATTNAIK S., SUBRAMANYAM V. R., KOLE C., 2006, "Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro", Microbios, Vol. 86, No. 349, pp237-246 [1]
6. ^ Segelken, Roger (1996). "Study: 'Nuisance-barking' dogs respond best to citronella spray collars". Cornell Chronicle. Retrieved on 2009-04-22.
7. ^ Chang, Yu Shyun, 2007, 8 Map species from Malaysia for ICS, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Workshop on NFP, 28-29 May 2007, Nanchang, PR China[2]
8. ^ Lawless, J., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, 1995, ISBN 1-85230-661-0
9. ^ Online referenced article, Torres, R.C., Tio, BDJ, Citronella oil industry: challenges and breakthroughs [3]
10. ^ FOODNET, The Association for Strengthening Agricultural research in Eastern and Central Africa [4]
11. ^ Jeong-Kyu KIM, Chang-Soo KANG, Jong-Kwon LEE, Young-Ran KIM, Hye-Yun HAN, Hwa Kyung YUN, Evaluation of Repellency Effect of Two Natural Aroma Mosquito Repellent Compounds, Citronella and Citronellal, Entomological Research 35 (2), 117–120, 2005
12. ^ Ibrahim Jantan, and Zaridah Mohd. Zaki, Development of environment-friendly insect repellents from the leaf oils of selected Malaysian plants, ASEAN Review of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (ARBEC), May 1998.
13. ^ Trongtokit Y, Rongsriyan Y, Komalamisra N, Apiwathnasom L, Comparative repellency of 38 essential oils against mosquito bites, Phytother Res. 2005 Apr;19(4):303-9 [5]
14. ^ "Test: Mosquito Repellents, The Verdict" Choice, The Australian Consumers Association
15. ^ Muncuoglu K.Y., Galun R., Bach U., Miller J., Magdassi S., Repellency of essential oils and their components to the human body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus, Entomologia experimentalis et applicata (Entomol. exp. appl.) ISSN 0013-8703 CODEN ETEAAT, vol. 78, no3, pp. 309-314 (14 ref.), 1996. [6]
16. ^ Mumcuoglu,-K-Y; Magdassi,-S; Miller,-J; Ben-Ishai,-F; Zentner,-G; Helbin,-V; Friger,-M; Kahana,-F; Ingber,-A; Repellency of citronella for head lice: double-blind randomized trial of efficacy and safety, Isr-Med-Assoc-J. 2004 Dec; 6(12): 756-9 [7]
17. ^ "U.S. EPA Citronella Factsheet". Retrieved on July 20 2007.
18. ^ (PDF) Re-evaluation of Citronella Oil and Related Active Compounds for Use as Personal Insect Repellents. Pest Management Regulatory Agency (Canada). 2004-09-17. ISBN 0-662-38012-6.
19. ^ "So Then: Who’s Afraid of Citronella Oil? Update!" Cropwatch Newsletter Vol 2,Issue 1, No. 1
20. ^ Chang, Yu Shyun, 2007, 8 Map species from Malaysia for ICS, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Workshop on NFP, 28-29 May 2007, Nanchang, PR China[8]

A Two Day Hands-on Course on..AROMATHERAPY FOR WELLNESS AND PRODUCTIVITY, CEPP UTM

A Two Day Hands-on Course on..

AROMATHERAPY FOR WELLNESS AND PRODUCTIVITY

 

Introduction.

Malaysia has the potential to be a prominent essential oil producer due to the abundant availability of herbs and spices. Local herb and spices provide a wide range of essential oils. Aromatherapy is an art of employing volatile plant oils, externally and internally, for preventive health care, healing and relaxation. Aromatherapy is now available in beauty saloon, fitness clubs and hairdresser. Essential oils are used therapeutically in modern hospitals as well as complementary health centers. Hence, essential oils and aromatherapy products have the potential sales and remain attractive enough for companies to conduct

experiment and sales.

 

Course content;

• Essential oils from plants to final product
• Plant physiology distillation and other methods
• History of aromatherapy - ancient and modern
• How to use essential oils for health and productivity
• Essential oils – storage, carriers & methods of use, safety data
• How to perform a consultation for aromatherapy
• Demonstration of facial aromatherapy
• Aromachemistry – the chemistry of essential oils
• Aromatherapy - uses and applications including massage, bath, inhalation and compress
• Coverage of 12 essential oils their characteristics, - therapeutic uses and how to apply them
• Essential oils blending
• Popular recipes of essential blends
• Hands-on essential oils blending and product formulation - candle, soap, perfume and massage oil
• Participants work in pairs – facial aromatherapy

At the end of the course, participants will be able to

• Apply the essential oils in aromatherapy product.
• Highlight the potential uses of essential oil as aromatherapy materials in a wide variety of products such as fragrance, cosmetics, toiletries, detergents and pharmaceuticals.
• Updated with the current trends and developments in essential oil and aromatherapy industry.
• Practice aromatherapy on a self-employed basis working from a clinic or at home.
• Gain employment as aromatherapy for example at a clinic or health spa.
• Work as a volunteer providing aromatherapy to patients in residential care, hospice and hospitals.

Who should attend;

Entrepreneurs, Scientists and Engineers working in the following industry:

• HERBAL .
• NUTRACEUTICAL
• COSMETICS .
• PHARMACEUTICAL
• and OTHER RELATED INDUSTRIES

Tutors;

Ms. Nor Zalina Othman

Nor Zalina Othman graduated from University of Plymouth with a Bachelor in

Biological Science, majoring in Biotechnology and holds a Diploma in Microbiology from Universiti Teknologi Mara. She specializes in the development of microbiology technique for biotechnology application especially in microbiology aspects in industrial product and fermentation technology. Being one of the experienced Research Officers for CEPP UTM, she is also a qualified aromatherapist accreditted by International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC), London with a Diploma in Aromatherapy and a Diploma in Holistic Massage.

Ms. Rosnani Hasham@Hisam

Rosnani Hasham has 5 years experience as a full time Research Officer at CEPP UTM and specializes in phytochemical product formulations. Being responsible as Head of the Flavour and Fragrance Business Unit, she possesses wide experience in the research of essential oils and usage. She has successfully developed Aromatherapy Sleep Inducer for the insomnia clients. Currently, she serves as course tutor for the short courses related to aromatherapy at CEPP. She graduated from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with a degree in Chemical Engineering (Bioprocess). She also holds a Diploma in Holistic Massage and a Diploma in Aromatherapy from International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC),London.

 

For more information please contact :-

 

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PILOT PLANT

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

81310 UTM Skudai, Johor

Tel : +607- 5531559 Fax : +607 - 5569706

Attn : Miss Adibah Email : adibah@cepp.utm.my

CEPP Rumah Semarak, UTM INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS

54100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : +603 - 2615 4358 Fax : +603 - 26937921

Attn : Mrs. Yatie Email : nikyati@cepp.utm.my