A comprehensive review on phytoconstituents, health benefits and post-harvest processing of Amomum subulatum Roxb.

Abstract

Amomum subulatum Roxb, is a major cash crop in the Himalayan region of India and is valued for its historical and traditional importance. This plant is well-known in the treatment of snake, scorpion bite, teeth problems, throat ailments, lung congestion, eye-lid inflammation, pulmonary tuberculosis, digestive disorders, and proved to be a potent medicinal plant, even in the modern pharmacological studies. A total of 27 bioactive compounds have been identified in the seeds, fruits and other parts of this plant, including flavonoids, chalconoids, phenolics, alkaloids and fatty acid esters. The presence of these potent compounds made the plant to show impressive pharmacological activities including cardioprotection, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The essential oil obtained from fruit, rind, seed and leaf of this plant is highly valued in food, pharmacological and perfume industries. The cultivation of A. subulatum is increasing rapidly worldwide due to its great demand, which is aided by the release of high yielding varieties in the leading production countries, such as India and Nepal. Additionally, improving pre- and post-harvest techniques, storage conditions and agroclimatic conditions, production could be increased to meet the global demand and sustainable development goal. The present review comprehensively covers the aspects mentioned above.