P Poojita and Abhijeeta Nandha

There are well over 1,600 species in the Zingiberaceae family, many of which have medicinal, culinary, and pharmacological importance. Some of these, including Curcuma longa (turmeric), Curcuma zedoaria (white turmeric), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Kaempferia galanga (aromatic ginger), and Alpinia galanga (greater galangal), have long been used in traditional medicine and contemporary pharmaceutical studies. These plants are rich in varied bioactive compounds, such as curcuminoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and essential oils, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities. This review discusses the taxonomy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity of the representative Zingiberaceae species, with an emphasis on their therapeutic potential. The role of HPLC-based analytical methods in bioactive compound profiling and quality control and standardization of herbal products is also discussed. Even after rigorous research, more in vivo and clinical trials are needed to authenticate these pharmacological attributes and enhance bioavailability by nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Cultivation methods and conservation strategies with sustainable means and nutraceutical uses also need more investigation. This review brings about a thorough insight into the medicinal potential of Zingiberaceae species and their future scenario in pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

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