Authentication of Alpinia galanga extracts using DNA barcoding, HPTLC and HPLC analysis

Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd, commonly known as greater galangal, is a perennial rhizomatous plant of the Zingiberaceae family valued in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its therapeutic properties. Rising demand in the nutraceutical sector requires reliable authentication methods. This study integrates DNA barcoding, HPTLC, and HPLC to authenticate A. galanga rhizomes and extracts. DNA was successfully extracted from all samples, and the rbcL and trnL-trnF regions amplified effectively, proving highly reliable for species-level identification. Complementary chemical analyses supported molecular findings. HPTLC fingerprinting showed consistent banding patterns across botanical reference material, rhizome, and extract samples, with a prominent RF 0.90 band serving as a major marker compound. HPLC profiling confirmed the presence of galangin in all samples, with retention time matching the reference standard. Together, molecular and chemical profiling provide a robust approach to authenticate A. galanga and ensure quality standards while reducing risks of adulteration in plant-based products.