Abstract

ALPINIA SPECIOSA: A GOLD ORNAMENTAL PLANT – A REVIEW

V. Subhadra Devi* and Dr. M. Gopal Rao.

Abstract

For many centuries, several health disorders have been treated by using plant extracts from medicinal plants. In the last decade, the study of plant extract has attracted attention in curing various challenging diseases. Alpinia speciosa is widely used in the indigenous system of medicine. It is also known as Alpinia zerumbet. Different parts of the plant root, rhizome, seed and flower have medicinal values. The flower of the plant is specifically used as an ornamental plant. The therapeutic action of the plant is due to presence of major chemical constituent flavonoids. The herb is beneficial in treating digestive, spleen, liver and abdominal pains. Many pharmacological activities viz., antiulcer, myorelaxant, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, anti emetic, antioxidant, and cytoprotective and spasmolytic activity had been reported in different plant extracts. Based on many scientific researches this article is reviewed to reveal the therapeutic aspects of the herb for the beneficial for further research.

Keywords: Alpinia speciosa, traditional medicine, flavonoids, antioxidant, liver tonic.