Ibrahim Babangida Abubakar1, Ibrahim Malami2, Yakubu Yahaya3, Sahabi Manga Sule4. 1. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, PMB 1144 Aliero, Nigeria. Electronic address: ibraheem.iba@ksusta.edu.ng. 2. Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, PMB 2346 Sokoto, Nigeria. Electronic address: ibrahim.malami@udusok.edu.ng. 3. Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, PMB 1144 Aliero, Nigeria. Electronic address: yahayayakubu.yy@ksusta.edu.ng. 4. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, PMB 1144 Aliero, Nigeria. Electronic address: ss.manga@ksusta.edu.ng.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alpinia officinarum Hance is a perennial plant that has been traditionally used for many decades to treat several ailments including inflammation, pain, stomach-ache, cold, amongst others. Pharmacological studies over the years have demonstrated remarkable bioactivities that could be further explored for development of new therapeutic agents against various ailments. AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper critically reviewed the ethno-medicinal uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of A. officinarum. METHODS: Keywords including A. officinarum and its synonyms were searched using electronic databases including ISI web of knowledge, Science direct, Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar and relevant database for Masters and Doctoral theses. RESULTS: A. officinarum is prepared in Asia, Turkey, Morocco and Iran as a decoction, infusion or juice as a single preparation or in combination with other herbs, food or drinks for the treatment of general health problems including cold, inflammation, digestive disorders, etc. Pharmacological studies revealed the potent in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of various parts of A. officinarum that include anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, homeostasis, lipid regulation, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, etc. Over 90 phytochemical constituents have been identified and isolated from A. officinarum comprising vastly of phenolic compounds especially diarylheptanoids isolated from the rhizome and considered the most active bioactive components. CONCLUSION: In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the potency of A. officinarum. However, further studies are required to establish the mechanisms mediating its bioactivities in relation to the medicinal uses as well as investigating any potential toxicity for future clinical studies.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alpinia officinarum Hance is a perennial plant that has been traditionally used for many decades to treat several ailments including inflammation, pain, stomach-ache, cold, amongst others. Pharmacological studies over the years have demonstrated remarkable bioactivities that could be further explored for development of new therapeutic agents against various ailments. AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper critically reviewed the ethno-medicinal uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of A. officinarum. METHODS: Keywords including A. officinarum and its synonyms were searched using electronic databases including ISI web of knowledge, Science direct, Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar and relevant database for Masters and Doctoral theses. RESULTS:A. officinarum is prepared in Asia, Turkey, Morocco and Iran as a decoction, infusion or juice as a single preparation or in combination with other herbs, food or drinks for the treatment of general health problems including cold, inflammation, digestive disorders, etc. Pharmacological studies revealed the potent in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of various parts of A. officinarum that include anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, homeostasis, lipid regulation, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, etc. Over 90 phytochemical constituents have been identified and isolated from A. officinarum comprising vastly of phenolic compounds especially diarylheptanoids isolated from the rhizome and considered the most active bioactive components. CONCLUSION: In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the potency of A. officinarum. However, further studies are required to establish the mechanisms mediating its bioactivities in relation to the medicinal uses as well as investigating any potential toxicity for future clinical studies.