A scientific overview of the genus Etlingera Giseke (Aromatic Ginger): Botanical, traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects

• Published in: South African journal of botany 2024-04, Vol.167, p.130-144
• Main Authors: Koch, Devpratim, Sarkar, Aditya, Hajong, Bipankar, Singh, Sarangthem Dinamani, Gogoi, Gayatri, Sharma, Mrinmoy, Bhat, Nazir Ahmad, Barman, Pankaj, Roy, Kallol, Bharali, Pankaj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antioxidants; Aromatic herb; Bioactivity; biogeography; Borneo; bulbs; Cash crop; cash crops; chemical constituents of plants; conjunctivitis; cytotoxicity; drug development; ethnobotany; Ethnopharmacology; Etlingera; flavor; gastrointestinal system; genus; ginger; hyperbilirubinemia; Malaya; market value; odors; pharyngitis; phytochemicals; Phytomedicine; skin diseases; species; Thailand; therapeutics
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.01.063

Etlingera Giseke, a genus of approximately 150 aromatic ginger species, is predominantly distributed in the Indomalayan realms. The pharmacological properties and ethnomedicinal uses of the genus are well proven as many of its species are used for the treatment of dermatosis, conjunctivitis, malignancy, myalgia, pharyngitis, hyperbilirubinemia, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiotonic conditions. Ethnomedicinal studies revealed that about 32 species of Etlingera are traditionally used for different ailments, while their rich flavors and fragrances make them widely employed as spices and condiments worldwide. Considering the high aroma present in the rhizomes of Etlingera, this genus holds promise as a lucrative cash crop for the flavor and fragrance industries. To date, approximately 410 phytocompounds have been identified from the various plant parts where around 209 compounds are reported with various biological activities. Studies revealed that pharmacologically E. elatior is the most utilized species as its phytoconstituents show highest number of biological activities, including antibacterial, cytotoxic, antityrosinase, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Species E. elatior is ornamental and is dominated in Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaya, Sumatera, and Thailand. From the literature investigation, it has been reported that only E. elatior and E. hemisphaerica have an ornamental or market value (per bulb approx. 12–15$) while there is no documentation of market value for the remaining 148 species. Notably, 24 of these species exhibit significant pharmaceutical activities. The exploration of biogeography, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology holds the potential to uncover significant relevance. It may yield more comprehensive data that supports the appropriate utilization of a majority of species and enhances our understanding of the therapeutic efficacy within the genus. In conclusion, this genus holds promising pharmacological properties that need great attention, which could play a significant role in advancing the field of pharmaceutical development. Despite of its versatile applications, inadequate information and lack of attention keep most of Etlingera sp. in underutilized category. Recognizing immense potential of the genus, the present review mainly focuses on discussing the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and biogeography of the genus Etlingera as it expands our understanding of the gen