Recent Findings on Alpinia Galanga (L.) Wild for the Treatment of Arthritis Part-1

Abstract

Arthritic inflammation of joints affects people of all age groups. The treatment is a challenge as arthritis is a complex disease and evolves over years. Patients often have to take medicines for the rest of their life. Commonly prescribed medicines like analgesics, glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects. The new disease-modifying medicines are costly. People in the healthcare system are assessing the dynamics of complementary and alternative medicines. One such remedy is Alpinia galanga (AG) of Zingiberaceae family. It is characterized by the presence of rhizome, wide leaves and terminal inflorescence. The references for its medicinal uses are found in traditional medicines. It is cultivated in tropical regions of south east Asia. Its rhizome is highly aromatic and most frequently used as a food and medicine. The various extracts of AG are prepared by the researchers and studied for its phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities. Clinical, in vitro, in vivo and in silico experimentation techniques are used to validate the claims for various therapeutic activities. This article focuses on reviewing the literature to ascertain the anti-arthritic potential of AG. The article has been divided in 2 parts and includes analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, other therapeutic effects as well as safety and toxicity of AG.