Hedychium spicatum: a systematic review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and future prospectus

Hedychium spicatum Buch. Ham. ex D.Don. (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb, used in medicines, food, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Traditionally, it is widely used in treating inflammation, pain, asthma, foul breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, hiccough and blood diseases. This study systematically reviewed traditional and folk uses, pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds and market potential of H. spicatum. Research gaps and potential of future research have also been discussed.

Available literature indicates that research on this species is largely focused on phytochemical and pharmacological studies; however, propagation and modern interventions for high productivity have been contravened. These studies demonstrated that the rhizome of the species exhibited many valuable and medicinally important compounds, such as labdane terpenes, hedychinone and polyphenols. Many of the traditional uses of the species have been validated through the findings of pharmacological studies and biological properties of the extracts and pure compounds. Phytochemical constituents and related pharmacological activities have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for the various ethnomedicinal uses of the species in the treatment, control and management of diseases and for new drug discovery.

Literature reveals that the species is lacking in exact scientific basis of the beneficial properties. Although, some other distinct biological properties identified in this species also opened new door way for its new applications. Therefore, the mentioned phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and flavonoids compounds; and related pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the species have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for its potential in pharmaceutical, food and aromatic industries.