Plants in the Zingiberaceae family, including the genus Hedychium, have been extensively studied for
their phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Numerous bioactive compounds have been
isolated from these plants, demonstrating significant pharmacological effects. Hedychium species are
commonly used in folk medicine across various countries. Hedychium genus is recognized for its
significant medicinal properties, which are utilized in various folk remedies worldwide. These plants
are employed to address a range of health issues such as allergies, cancer, diabetes, inflammation,
rheumatism, and skin ailments. Additionally, they serve as analgesics, antimicrobials, anti-helminthics,
antioxidants, and insect repellents. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy
and mechanisms of these plants, focusing on their essential oils, extracts, and pure secondary
metabolites. Among these species, Hedychium coronarium and Hedychium spicatum are the most
extensively researched. This review highlights the potential of Hedychium plants as a source of natural
medicinal products, its phyto-constituents and pharmacological properties. Due to unauthorized
harvesting and uncontrolled use of its rhizome extract in producing different kinds of drugs, the original
population of this species has vanished. It's necessary to reintroduce this plant into its native
environment for its conservation.
Keywords: Zingiberaceae, volatile oil, myrcene, limonene, p-cymene, pharmacological
properties
Publication date: 01/09/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/September/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9421.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.9.9421
