Trends and multidisciplinary research of torch ginger [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.]: A systematic review
Herman Marius Zendrato1, Nanang Masruchin2
1Research Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Jogja-Wonosari KM 31.5, Gading, Playen, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, 55861, Indonesia.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm. (torch ginger) is a tropical plant traditionally used as a cut flower, culinary ingredient, and medicinal resource across Southeast Asia and other regions. However, integrated research on its multidisciplinary utilization remains limited.
Aim Of The Study:
This study aims to provide a comprehensive systematic review of scientific publications on torch ginger, including analyses of contributing countries, institutions, plant parts, chemical constituents, and research fields.
Materials And Methods:
Publications up to 2024 were retrieved from Scopus and screened using predefined exclusion criteria based on PRISMA principles. The data were analyzed to determine publication trends and bibliometric distributions. Phytochemical and pharmacological data were also extracted.
Results:
Research on torch ginger began in 1997 and now involves fifteen contributing countries, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil as major contributors. Studies span fourteen research fields, with pharmacology and phytochemistry as dominant areas. The literature reports eighty-five major bioactive compounds. Extractives from most plant parts contain n-hexadecanoic acid, and essential oils from all parts contain dodecanal and 1-dodecanol. Most research focuses on flowers because their bioactive compounds show wide pharmacological potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-allergic, anti-hyperuricemic, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic activities. However, extracts from stems, rhizomes, and fruits demonstrate pharmacological potentials that exceed those of flowers and leaves.
Conclusions:
Torch ginger demonstrates remarkable pharmacological potential. Its ease of cultivation and versatile applications support its suitability for large-scale development. As a multifunctional industrial crop, it holds strong promise for zero-waste bioeconomic utilization. Further research must investigate plant parts other than the flower.
