Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Ethnobotany of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm F.) Roscoe and Alpinia galanga (L.). Wild. (Zingiberaceae): A Review

Abstract

From ancient times onwards, medicinal plants have always been used to treat various health issues. Zingiberaceae consists of a number of medicinally important plants and these are used in various pharmaceutical formulations. Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. and A. malaccensis (Burm f.) Roscoe belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Extensive studies are going on to explore the pharmacological and economic importance of these species. The studies revealed many pharmaceutical properties of the species A. galanga and A. malaccensis. Both species have been used as a traditional medicine from earlier times onwards. A. malaccensis is used to cure nausea, vomiting and certain wounds. A. galanga is used for the treatment of rheumatism and respiratory diseases. Both species were reported to exhibit antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The taxa have potentially active compounds that mainly belong to the group terpenoids. Today’s world is in search of plant-derived medicines and both species can be prudently utilized for the purpose. This review focuses on the studies carried on the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of A. galanga and A. malaccensis.