REVIEWING THE ANTI RHEUMATOID ACTIVITY OF Alpinia Calcarata

Abstract

Inflammatory arthritis is prevalent among the elderly, affecting approximately one fifth of the global population. Traditional medicinal systems such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine have historically mentioned herbal remedies for arthritis, yet scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic benefits has been lacking. However, advancements in modern chromatographic techniques over the past few decades have significantly improved the standardization of herbal drugs. Experimental studies have demonstrated that rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata possess anti-rheumatic activity, along with antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic properties. Phytochemical screening has identified the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides, and alkaloids in both the extract and essential oil of this plant. The essential oil and extracts from Alpinia calcarata have exhibited a broad spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities.