AUTHOR=Lei Xia , Wang Jiapeng , Zuo Kun , Xia Tianli , Zhang Jinfeng , Xu Xiangyue , Liu Qing , Li Xiaoliang 

TITLE=Alpinia officinarum Hance: a comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetic and pharmacology

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1414635

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1414635

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>The dried root and rhizome of <italic>Alpinia officinarum</italic> Hance (<italic>A. officinarum</italic>) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to alleviate pain, promote digestion, warm the stomach, and disperse cold. This review aims to comprehensively and in-depth summarize the most recent research on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of <italic>A. officinarum</italic>. By searching various databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for literature on “<italic>A. officinarum</italic> Hance,” as well as relevant textbooks and digital documents, an overall and critical review of the subject was conducted. The traditional uses of <italic>A. officinarum</italic> were summarized, and 337 compounds from <italic>A. officinarum</italic> were summarized, including flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, volatile oils, and other compounds. Studies have found that the crude extract of <italic>A. officinarum</italic> and its compounds has a wide range of biological activities, such as improving gastrointestinal function, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-tumor activity, antibacterial properties, memory enhancement, and analgesic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have provided strong evidence and explanations for the traditional medicinal uses of <italic>A. officinarum</italic>, which brings a broad prospect for its medicinal use. However, more research is needed to explore the structure-activity relationship and potential mechanisms of action of its bioactive chemicals. Furthermore, it is essential to conduct more clinical trials in order to accelerate research and development of the drug.</p>