The potential uses of Galangal (<i>Alpinia</i> sp.) essential oils as the sources of biologically active compounds

Abstract

&lt;p&gt;The uses of essential oils in food and traditional medicine have attracted researchers worldwide for applications in the food, agriculture, cosmetics, and health industries. Among the sources of essential oils, the Alpinia genus produces galangal essential oils with great potential for use in many applications. This genus has been used for a long time in traditional medicine in some countries along with for food flavouring and spices. These essential oils from many plant organs of this genus contain several bioactive compounds with the typical phytochemical is 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol. Scientifically, the bioactivity of galangal essential oils has been proven. Some efforts have been conducted efficiently to extract the galangal essential oil, including using novel technologies-This article aims to review the Alpinia species bearing essential oils and their traditional uses, phytochemicals of galangal essential oils and their bioactivity, the methods of extraction, phytochemical profiles, stabilization, uses, and potential applications of these essential oils. This review also compares the bioactivity of galangal essential oils and their traditional uses and potential applications. The results of this review show that Alpinia species has a long history to use as traditional medicines in many countries. There is a closely correlation between traditional uses of galangal with the scientifically proven of health benefits. The studies on galangal essential oil bioactivity have deeply explored the capability as antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-antiparasitic activities and cardiovascular impairment. The uses of galangal essential oils are correlated with their bioactivity. Galangal essential phytochemicals is characterized by the presence of 1,8-cineole. The 1,8-cineole is found in the parts of this plant organ with its concentration varies depending on the galangal species. Some studies indicates that the novel technologies produce higher yield than conventional method for essential oil extraction. The application of galangal essential oil has the constraint of high hydrophobicity, resulting in a poor solubility in the aqueous phase. Various techniques of emulsification are used to improve the its water miscibility. Galangal essential oils are potential to use in many sectors such as agriculture, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. The appropriate extraction method is still a challenge mainly to improve the yield along with preserving the bioactive compounds. Another challenge is exploring other &lt;italic&gt;Alpinia&lt;/italic&gt; species, proof their health benefits, and exploring their potential uses in many sectors.&lt;/p&gt;