Phytopharmacological and multi-elemental profiling of potential zingiberaceae species

Abstract

Zingiberaceae family are used in medicine to treat a variety of human maladies, lessen inflammation, relieve motion sickness, and enhance digestion. In the current study seven Zingiberaceae species, including Zingiber zerumbet, Kaempferia rotunda, Kaempferia galanga, Curcuma zedeoaria, Zingiber rubens, Costus speciosus and Hedychium flavescens were assessed for phytochemical and multi-element composition. All seven species showed a considerable variation proving to be superior in many ways when compared to the nutritional worth of near commercial species, such as ginger and turmeric. The outcome emphasizes the phytochemical and elemental value of lesser-known but equally significant plants with strong therapeutic potential, and also indicates the need to encourage cultivation and protect genetic resources.