A review on the ethnopharmacological importance and biochemical composition of medicinal plants within the Zingiberaceae family

Abstract

The Zingiberaceae family, known for its diverse range of plant species, plays a crucial role in traditional medicine, culinary arts, and aesthetics across both developing and developed countries. However, the limited documentation of its medicinal uses presents a significant challenge. This review summarises the traditional therapeutic uses and physicochemical makeup of ten Zingiberaceae species. The study emphasizes the presence of bioactive chemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolics, in these plants. These compounds offer significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial advantages. Extensive literature searches were conducted using major academic databases to ensure the inclusion of the most relevant and up-to-date studies in the field. The review primarily concentrates on the extensively utilized rhizomes, while also examining the less-explored components of the plants, including leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and fruits, which may possess significant value. Emphasis is placed on the antioxidant properties of the leaves and rhizomes, with a notable gap in research regarding the flowers and seeds. By examining their radical scavenging abilities, the review underscores the significance of these species in traditional medicine and their promising applications in modern healthcare and animal feeds. This exploration not only documents the traditional medicinal uses of these plants but also identifies gaps in current research, advocating for further investigation into the under-researched parts of the Zingiberaceae family. The findings suggest that expanding research on the antioxidant properties and traditional uses of flowers and seeds could reveal new potentials for these species in promoting human and animal health.