Alpinia zerumbet
Alpinia zerumbet, commonly known as bitter ginger or shell ginger, is a perennial herb celebrated in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, this aromatic plant offers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its versatile rhizomes and leaves are utilized to treat various ailments, making it a valuable botanical resource.
- Scientific name: Alpinia zerumbet
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Alpinia zerumbet, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed within the genus Alpinia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zingiberales | WCVP |
| Family | Zingiberaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alpinia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several oceanic regions and continental areas. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, it can be found growing in both the Azores and the Canary Islands. Its presence extends into the Middle Atlantic Ocean, specifically on the islands of Ascension and Saint Helena. Additionally, the species is documented in the mainland regions of China, particularly within China South-Central. These varied locations highlight its ability to inhabit both isolated island ecosystems and larger landmasses.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Middle Atlantic Ocean | Ascension | WCVP |
| Middle Atlantic Ocean | St.Helena | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Ogasawara-shoto | WCVP |
Chemicals
Alpinia zerumbet has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, 1,8-Cineole, 5,6-dehydrokawain, HEA, chlorophyll a.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 1,8-Cineole | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,6-dehydrokawain | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HEA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorophyll a | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorophyll b | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Alpinia zerumbet has 12 reported activities identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, Diuretic, Antidepressant, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiobesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcerogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Alpinia zerumbet has 21 reported medicinal uses identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, antihypertensive.
- Total uses
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 36
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular diseases | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| inflammation | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antihypertensive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apoptosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Atherosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chagas disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diabetic Retinopathy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |