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Curr. Bot. 1(1):04-09, 2010
REVIEW ARTICLE
Development of quality standards of Alpinia galanga
(Linn.) Willd. Rhizome
Parwaiz Akhtar1, Mohd Ali2, M.P Sharma4, Humaira Farooqi3, Showkat R. Mir2, Mohammad Yusuf2 and Hamid
Nawaz Khan2
1 Drug Standardisation Research Unit (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine), Jamia Hamdard, (Hamdard
University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
2 Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry , Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard
University) Hamdard Nagar, New-Delhi- 110062, India
3 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi
110062; India
4 Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard, (Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062,
India
KEYWORDS ABSTRACT
A. galanga, Extractive values, Ash values Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd. belonging to family Zingiberaceae is a perennial herb
bearing rhizomes growing throughout the Eastern Himalayas and South West India.
CORRESPONDENCE It is herbal medicine of day to day life. In present investigation an attempt has been
made for the pharmacognostical standardization and evaluation of A. galanga
Hamid Nawaz Khan, Department of rhizome. The pharmacognostical evaluation comprises of detailed macroscopy,
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Research powdered microscopy, fluorescence analysis and physical constants such as ash and
Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard extractive values. The rhizome extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical
(Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New-Delhi- screening. The data obtained in present study will serve as valuable tool for
110062, India identification, authentication and detection of adulterants, standardization and
quality control of the drug. The developed technique will also be useful for the
E-mail: standardization of formulations containing A. galanga.
EDITOR
CB Volume 1, Year 2010, Pages 04-09
Introduction and 3 to 12 cm broad, oblong-lanceolate, acute, glabrous, green
Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd is a native of Java and above and paler beneath which slightly callous white margins,
Sumatra mainly found in the Eastern Himalayas and ligule short, rounded and ciliated; inflorescence panicle, terminal,
Southwestern region and popularly known as ‘Khulanjan’ in erect, composed of many spreading simple, dichotomous
Arabic and ‘Galanga’ in English [1]. branches, each supporting 2-3-6 pale-greenish or pinkish white,
‘Khulanjan’ is popularly known as a remedy for many faintly fragrant flowers; calyx long tubular, irregularly 3-toothed;
respiratory ailments. Antispasmodic action is also proved useful corolla tube 2-3 cm long, lobes oblong, obtuse, sub-equal lip 2.2
in conditions like asthma. The drug is used as stomachic, cm, claw green 6 x 2.5 mm blade white striated with red, shortly
aphrodisiac, tonic, diuretic, expectorant, carminative, and useful 2-lobed at the apex, two subulate glands are present at the base
in headache, lumbago, rheumatic pains, throat troubles, sour of the claw; stamen 2 cm long; fruits deep orange red capsule, 1.3
erructations, pain in chest, tubercular glands, diseases of kidney cm long constricted in the middle; seeds 3-6, often only one in
catarrhal affections to destroy bad smell in mouth and other part each cell [1].
of the body [1,2,3,4]. Pharmacognostical work on the rhizome of ‘Khulanjan’
A. galanga rhizome is a good quality of aphrodisiac drug has been done earlier but their studies are mainly based on
[5] as well as it also possess antiulcer activity [6], anthelmintic macro and microscopic characters of the drug. In the present
activity [7], positive anti-inflammatory activity [8] and essential investigation few more parameters such as powder analysis,
oils it showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive maceration, microchemical test, infloroscense analysis, ash
bacteria [9]. values and extractive values have been studied to make the study
Later an antimicrobial diterpene was isolated from A. more holistic [11,12,13].
galanga, which showed enhanced antifungal activity of quercetin
and against Candida albicans [10].
A. galanga contains volatile oil, consisting of cineol and Material and Methods
resin composed of galangol and the tasteless yellow crystalline Chemicals and reagents
bodies called kaempferide and galangni, starch etc. All the chemicals and reagents used were of analytical
The plant attains 1.8 to 2.5 m height and bears tuberous, grade, purchased from Sigma chemical co. (St Louis, MQ, USA)
aromatic deep orange-brown rhizomes. Leaves 23 to 45 cm long and Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). Khulanjan (A. galanga)
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Parwaiz Akhtar et al. Curr. Bot. 1(1): 04-09, 2010
rhizomes were also collected from Hamdard University campus
(New Delhi) which was identified by Taxonomist (Professor M.P.
Sharma), Department of Botany, Hamdard University New
Delhi. The voucher specimen was deposited in Department of
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Jamia Hamdard.
Morphological studies
The morphological studies were carried out for shape,
size, colour, odour, taste and fracture of the A. galanga rhizome.
Microscopic studies and powder analysis
The transverse section of rhizome was prepared by
standard method. Slides of powdered rhizome material were also
prepared and studied. Microphotography on different
magnifications was carried out with motic microscopic unit.
Polarized light was used for the study of crystals, starch granules
and lignified cell.
Physicochemical standardization
The various physico-chemical values of rhizome such as
ash values, extractive values were determined according to the Inflorescence
Pharmacopoeial method which are given in Table 3,4.
Fluorescence analysis Microscopical evaluation
The fluorescence nature of powder drug was analyzed The slides of T.S of rhizome of plant was prepared and
and the observations with different chemicals were also carried subjected to microscopical examination. The histology was
out and recorded which are given in Table 1,2. examined and the observations were recorded. Sectional view of
the rhizome shows the distinct thick walled endodermis that
divides the whole rhizome into cortical region and inner ground
Results and Discussion
tissue. The epidermis consists of single layered oval to round,
Macroscopical evaluation
thin walled parenchymatous cells with very thick outer walls and
The rhizomes are woody, branched, 2-2.5 cm in diameter
ranging from 54-86 x 22-45 μ. The cortex usually comprises of
with distinct nodes and internodes; the skin is deep orange or
several layers of oval to rectangular, 121-148 μ in length and 89-
reddish-brown and internally pale buff colour. The nodal regions
113 μ in width, thin walled parenchymatous cells and most of
are marked with wavy annulations of leaf bases, which possess a
these cells contain oleo-resin and starch. There are numerous
lighter colour than the remainder of the surface. Internodes are
closely scattered vascular bundles, which are completely
4-13 mm in length and unevenly ridged and furrowed. Broken
sheathed in the cortex, forming a most diagnostic feature. The
parts are fibrous with aromatic and agreeable odour and having
vascular bundle is enclosed within a sheath of 3-4 layers of fibres
spicy and pungent taste.
and is of collateral type. Endodermis forms a continuous ring and
the cells are rectangular to polygonal and their outer wall is quite
lignified. The vascular bundles just beneath the endodermis are
comparatively more close to each other forming almost a ring and
these are little different from other bundles due to the presence of
lesser amount of phloem elements and lesser thick fibre sheath.
Ground tissue comprises of rectangular to oval, thin walled
parenchymatous cells; a few contain oleo-resinous matter and
starch grains, which are oval to elliptical and 8-54 μ in diameter.
Powder analysis
Powder of the crude drug is yellowish brown, coarsed,
free flowing .The taste is spicy and pungent and odour is higher
aromatic but agreeable. Small amount of powdered material
(sieved through 40 mesh) is placed on microscopic slide; mixed
Whole Plant
with few drop of 40 % w/v aqueous chloral hydrate and heated
gently under Bunsen-burner. After adding few drops of 1%
alcoholic phloroglucinol, it is warmed by mixing one drop of
concentrated hydrochloric acid. The slides are mounted in
glycerine and observed under microscope which revealed the
presence of fragments of epidermis, parenchyma, oleo-resinous
cells; the fibres are elongated, lignified with tapering ends; the
vessels which are thick walled, elongated and with spiral
thickenings; starch grains are mostly oval and abundant.
Maceration
Maceration of rhizome is carried out as per the method
described. The macerated tissues are stained in 1% saffranin in
alcohol and mounted in glycerine to examine non-protoplasmic
cellular contents, e.g., cells, fragments of epidermis, oleo-resinous
Rhizome
cells, parenchyma, cortical cells, vessels and fibres.
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Parwaiz Akhtar et al. Curr. Bot. 1(1): 04-09, 2010
Plate-1
Fig. 1- Microphotograph of T.S of Khulanjan rhizome
Fig. 3- T.S through cortex showing vascular bundle
Fig. 2- Diagrammatic T.S of the Khulanjan rhizome
Fig. 4- T.S through endodermal portion with a vascular bundle
Plate-2
Fig. 5- Maceration: Surface view of –
(a) Fibre
(b) Vessel
(c) Oleo-resinous cells
(d) Starch grains
(e) Cortical cells.
Abbreviation
COR = Cortex; END = Endodermis; EP = Epidermis; OR = Oleo-resinous cell; PH = Phloem; SG = Starch grain; V = Vessel; XYF = Xylem
fibre.
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Parwaiz Akhtar et al. Curr. Bot. 1(1): 04-09, 2010
Table-1 Reactions with Powdered Rhizome of A. galanga with Different Chemical Reagents
S. NO. Chemical Reagents Observation
1. Conc. sulphuric acid Reddish black
2. Conc. hydrochloric acid Dark brown
3. Conc. nitric acid Orange brown
4. Pot. hydroxide solution (aqueous) (5%) No Change
5. Sodium hydroxide solution (aqueous)(5%) No Change
6. Ferric chloride (aqueous) No Change
7. Iodine solution Bluish black
8. Picric acid No change
9. Acetic acid glacial No change
10. Powder as such Yellow brown
Table-2 Fluorescence Analysis of Powdered Rhizome of A. galanga
Observation Under UV Light
Colour In
S.No. Reagents Modifying Colour Radiance
Day Light
Colour Quality Degree
1. Mounted in nitrocellulose Brown Brown Light Dull
2. 1N NaOH in methanol Straw yellow Pale green Light Bright
Treated with 1N NaOH in
3. methanol and mounted in Light yellow Pale green Dark Bright
nitrocellulose
4. 1N Hydrochloric acid Brown Brown Dark Dull
Treated with 1N HCl and
5. Dark brown Brown Dark Bright
mounted in nitrocellulose
Yellowish
6. 1N NaOH in water Yellow Light Bright
brown
Treated with 1N NaOH in water
7. Yellow Brown Light Dull
and mounted in nitrocellulose
8. Diluted nitric acid (1:1) Orange yellow Brown Light Bright
Pinkish
9. Diluted sulphuric acid (1:1) Dark brown Light Dull
brown
Yellowish
10. Powder as such Brown Light Dull
brown
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Parwaiz Akhtar et al. Curr. Bot. 1(1): 04-09, 2010
Table-3 Ash Values of Rhizome of A. galanga
S.No. Determinants Values in Percentage
1. Total ash 6.17
2. Acid insoluble ash 3.78
3. Water soluble ash 2.26
Table-4 Extractive Values of Rhizome of A. galanga
S.No. Extractive Solvents Values in Percentage *
1. Petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80°) 3.19
2. Benzene 2.08
3. Chloroform 0.26
4. Acetone 0.52
5. Ethanol 2.24
6. Distilled water 12.31
* Values are average of three determinations
Table-5 Preliminary Phytochemical Screening for Detection of Phytoconstituents from Ethanolic Extract of Rhizome of A. galanga
S.No Phytoconstituents Ethanolic Extract
1. Acidic compounds +
2. Alkaloids -
3. Carbohydrates +
4. Flavonoids -
5. Glycoside +
6. Phenolic compounds and tannins -
7. Proteins and free amino acids +
8. Resins +
9. Saponins -
10. Sterols and Triterpenoids +
+ : Positive - : Absent
Discussion and internally rhizome is pale buff in colour. The nodal region of
‘Khulanjan’, commonly known as the greater galangal or galanga the rhizomes is marked with waxy annulations of the leaf bases.
major, is used in the indigenous system of medicine in the Epidermis is thickened in the outer wall. Endodermis forms a
treatment of catarrhal affections [3]. Two species of Alpinia continuous chain and the outer walls of the endodermal cells are
(Zingiberaceae), A. galanga and A. officinarum are reported to be lignified. Vascular bundles of the ground tissues are numerous
the source plant of galangal. However they have been referred to and closely scattered. Those bundles just under the endodermis
as greater galangal or galanga major (A. galanga) and galangal are more close to each other and form almost a ring just under
minor or lesser galangal (A. officinarum) in most of the endodermis. Phloem elements are less and fibre sheath is thinner
publications on medicinal plants. A. galanga rhizome is also used in these bundles as compared to cortical bundles. Oleo-resinous
as the source plant of another Ayurvedic drug ‘Rasna’ through cells and starch grains are present in the cortical region as well
the South India [14]. A large quantity of the drug is sold in the as inner ground tissue.
Indian crude drug markets under the name ‘Bach’, source plant Observations regarding macro and microscopic features are in
of which is Acorus calamus Linn. conformity with earlier findings [11,12,13]. The microscopical
The rhizomes are fibrous with aromatic agreeable odour and features of A officinarum, which is used as substitute of A
have pungent taste. The skin is deep orange or reddish brown galanga, are almost similar to the of A. galanga; they differ only
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Parwaiz Akhtar et al. Curr. Bot. 1(1): 04-09, 2010
in the measurement of dimensions of the cells However, A. Nadkarni, A.K (1976). Indian Materia Medica Vol.I, Popular
galanga (Greater galangal) can be recognized from the lesser Prakashan Pvt. Ltd. 71.
galangal (A. officinarum) by its larger size, feebler odour and Puri, H.S. (1971). Vegetable aphrodisiac of India, Quart, J. Crude
tasted and by its deep orange brown skin which is prominently Drug Res. 11 (2): 1742-1748.
contrasting with the pale buff colour of the internal structure. Ogiso, A and Kabayashi, S (1974). Antiulcer agents from Alpinia
Powder analysis of drug revealed the presence of fragments of seeds, Japan Kokai, 74: 36.
epidermis, parenchyma, oleo-resinous cells; the fibres are Kaleysa, Raj, R and Raj, R.K (1975). Screening of indigenous
elongated lignified with tapering ends; the vessels with spiral plants for anthelmintic action against human Ascari's
thickenings and starch grains are oval and abundant. lumbricoides Part -II, Indian Journal of Physiology and
Fluorescence analysis and microchemical colour indicative tests Pharmacology, 19 (1): 47-49.
were also carried out. Results are shown in Table-2. Total ash, Sharma, G.P and Sharma P.V; (1977). Experimental studies of
acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were 6.17%, 3.78% and anti-inflammatory activity of some rasna drugs, J.Res.
2.26% respectively. The preliminary phytochemical tests evinced Indian Med. Yuga & Homeo, 12 (2): 18.
that acidic compounds, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins and Janssen, A.M and Scheffer, J.J.C (1985). Acetoxychavicol acetate,
free amino acids, resins, sterols and triterpenoids were present. an antifungal component of Alpinia galanga, Planta Medica
In the present investigation, some more additional aspects such 6: 507-511.
as microchemical tests, fluorescence analysis, ash values, Haraguchi, H; Kuwata, Y; Inada, K; Shingn K; Mujahara, K;
preliminary phytochemical screening have been studied and Nagao, M and Yogi; A (1996). Antifungal activity from
reported for the first time. These parameters will provide Alpinia galanga on the competition for incorporation of
additional support in identifying and distinguishing A. galanga unsaturated fatty acids in cell growth. Planta Medica, 62 (4):
rhizome from its adulterants and substitutes. 308-313.
Datta, S.C. and Mukherjee, B(1950). Galanga (Glanga Major and
Minor) Pharmacognosy of Indian Root and Rhizome Drugs,
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