| Botany
A rhizomatous perennial, leafy herb forming
large clumps, growing to 3-4 m tall. Leaves are lanceolate, glabrous.
Inflorescence is a terminal spike, often pendulous, showy, up to 90
cm long. Flowers are small, white, 1-2 , arising from the red bracts
of the spike, to 2.5 cm long. Fruit is a capsule.
Distribution
Ornamentally cultivated.
Recently introduced to the Philippines.
Parts used
Bark, fruit, leaves and
seeds.
Uses
Folkloric
No reported folkloric medicinal
use in the Philippines.
In the West Indies, used
for stomach complaints.
Studies
• Flavonoids:
Study yielded flavonoids kaemferol-3-0-glucoronide and rutin. The butanolic
extract contained the highest flavonoid percentage.
• Volatile Oils: The major components
of leaf oil of A. purpurata were 1,8-cineole, ß-pinene and (E)-methyl
cinnamate; the oil from the flowers was dominated by ß-pinene
and a-pinene.
• Vasodilator Activity: Study showed A purpurata had a better vasodilator effect than control, results in agreement with the quantification of phenolic compounds in the extracts. It presents a possible natural source for bioactive compounds useful for the treatment of hypertension.
Caution !
• Ginger supplements
should be avoided by those with known allergy to ginger or other Zingiberaceae
family members, including Alpinia purpurata.
• It has been suggested pregnant women should avoid ginger in
the excessive amounts (more than 1 gram dry weight per day). The German
Commission E recommends avoidance during pregnancy due to its possible
inhibitionn of testosterone binding in the fetus. It should not be used
for nausea of pregnancy and should be avoided by pregnant women with
a history of bleeding disorders and miscarriages. (see: Luya)
• Ginger decreases platelet adhesiveness and should be used with
cautionn by people on anticoagulant theray.
Availability
Seasonal fruiting
and ubiquitoous market produce.
Supplements in the cybermarket. |
