Abstract

Morphological, histo-anatomical and biochemical studies in Alpinia spp.

Author(s): T.Ponmozhi, K.Kalaiselvi

The genusAlpinia (zingiberaceae) comprises about 230 species. Alpinia, a traditional herbal plant, has been used as an aromatic stomachic, analgesic, and antiemetic in Asia. It contains many types of flavonoids, such as galangin and 3-omethylgalangin. The varieties of galangal vary in their hotness and flavor. Three varieties of galangal were investigated for their morphological, anatomical and biochemical characters. Different varieties of galanga exhibited significant degree of variation for the morphological traits observed. A significant variation in the constituents was observed among the plants studied. The quantity of the biochemical constituents varied with different variety of galanga. The accumulation of starch in the rhizome was confirmed by staining the cross sectioned rhizomes with iodine.