Abstract

A REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ALPINIA GALANGA (A LIFE SAVING DRUG)

Prabhu Dayal Rajan*, Ayasha Saiffi, Sokindra Kumar and Pradeep Kumar Sharma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: From the ancient Vedic era, green plants are being used for their medicinal properties to treat several diseases. Green plants represent a big source of bioactive compounds. Alpinia galanga (Linn.) of Zingiberaceae family is one amongst those medicinally important plants. It is found all over the world and commonly known as 'Kulanjan'. Different parts of this plant are traditionally claimed to be used for the treatment of ailments including anti-fungal, anti-tumor, Anti-helmintic, anti-diuretic, anti-ulcerative, disease of heart, rheumatic pains, chest pain, dyspepsia, fever, diabetes, burning of liver and kidney disease. Several active compounds such as 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate, 1’S-1’-acetoxyeuginol acetate, 1, 8-cineol, α- fenchyl acetate, β-farnesene, β-bisabolene, α-bergamotene, β-pinene, β-Sitosteroldiglucoside (AG-7), β-sitsteryl Arabinoside (AG-8), 1’-acetoxychavicol acetate (galangal acetate), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde has been extracted from the plant. Conclusion: The present review aimed to compile up to date and comprehensive information of Alpinia galanga with special emphasis on its phytochemistry and various scientifically documented pharmacological activities hence Alpinia galanga is consider as a life saving drug.

Keywords: kulanjan,Alpinia galanga, Zingiberaceae, pharmacology,Dyspepsia 1, 8-cineol.