Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity study of ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga in rodents

Alpinia galanga is an important ingredient in various herbal formulations has reached extensive acceptability as therapeutic agents for several diseases. The investigation of authentic analytical methods, which can reliably profile the phytochemical composition and studies on toxicity profile, including hematological and biochemical parameters is an important initial step for the establishment of standardization to screen further in search of consistent biological activity.

To screen ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga for its phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity profile.

Acute toxicity studies done in rodent by OECD guideline 423 and phytochemical analysis by standard laboratory grade reagents.

The present study revealed the presence of complex phytochemical constituents including phenols and flavanoids. The acute toxicity results has classified the test material to fall under the hazard category 2000mg/kg<LD50<5000mg/kg according to globally harmonized classification system.

The present study concludes the safety of ethnobotanical use of Alpinia galanga from acute toxicity results and the presence of various phytochemical constituents in Alpinia galanga may be responsible for its various pharmacological actions documented in traditional medicine.