07/29/2020 / By Evangelyn Rodriguez
Plants in the genus Etlingera belong to the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family and are native to the Indo-Pacific region. They have long been used as traditional medicines by indigenous communities and are also known for their culinary applications.
Studies suggest that Etlingera plants are rich in biologically active volatile components that contribute to their medicinal properties. Despite increasing scientific interest, data regarding their phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications are scarce.
In a recent review published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, researchers at Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh compiled the results of studies on the active components and biological activities of essential oils derived from Etlingera plants. Their goal was to introduce these medicinal plants as alternative sources of antimicrobial agents that can be used to combat the emerging problem of microbial drug resistance.
Since ancient times, Etlingera plants have been used as spices, vegetables and traditional herbal remedies. Here are some examples of the most commonly used Etlingera species and their medicinal uses:
The aromatic plants of genus Etlingera are known to produce large amounts of essential oils. Traditional systems of medicine in Southeast Asia recommend these plants and their natural products as treatments for a variety of health problems. Scientists also consider Etlingera plants promising sources of natural antibiotics. (Related: Proven home remedies: 10 Natural antibiotics you can find in your kitchen and home garden.)
Here are some of the major bioactive compounds found in Etlingera leaf essential oils (compounds with confirmed antimicrobial activities are in bold):
Essential oils derived from Etlingera plant stems mainly contain:
Essential oils derived from the flowers of Etlingera plants contain:
Essential oils from the rhizomes of Etlingera plants contain:
Essential oils from the peduncle of Etlingera plants contain:
Meanwhile, essential oils derived from whole Etlingera plants contain:
Because of their abundance in active chemical components, the researchers believe that exploring the biological activities of essential oils from different Etlingera species will lead to the identification of new compounds, which can be used in modern medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products as powerful antimicrobial agents.
To learn more about other plant compounds with antibacterial or anti-fungal activities, visit Phytonutrients.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, Antimicrobial, essential oils, Etlingera plants, microbial infections, natural antibiotics, natural cures, natural medicine, phytonutrients, plant medicine, remedies, research
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