Alpinia galanga: Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity

Abstract

Alpinia galanga is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Algerian medicine for treating respiratory, digestive, and gynocological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate its ethnopharmacological applications, phytochemical composition of aqueous, ethanolic, and infusion preparations of A. galanga rhizomes, and their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects through the Allium cepa bioassay. The ethnopharmacological survey, conducted across 16 Algerian regions with 200 participants, confirmed the frequent uses of A. galanga primarily in decoction and infusion forms, with respiratory conditions being the most cited indications. Phytochemical evaluation revealed that the hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins compared to the aqueous extract, demonstrating the superior solvent efficiency of ethanol. Interestingly, the infusion also showed a considerable presence of these bioactive compounds, especially at higher concentrations, highlighting its relevance as a traditional and effective method of extraction