Article · Volume 2, Issue 5 · pp. 285–288
Standardization of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe rhizomes
L. S. R. Arambewela1, L. D. A. M. Arawwawala1
- 1aIndustrial Technology Institute, Herbal Technology Section, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Background Rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Family: Zingiberaceae) possess several bioactivities and are used in the traditional medicinal systems of Sri Lanka. Methods the present investigation was carried out to standardize the rhizomes of A. calcarata by (a) screening for phytochemicals (b) determination of physico-chemical parameters and (c) development of a Densitogram. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and alkaloids in A. calcarata rhizomes. the percentages of moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, ethanol extractable matter and water extractable matter were of 5.5 – 6.8, 8.3 – 8.8, 0.036 – 0.040, 7.2 – 7.8, 22.6 – 24.8 and 18.6 - 20.5 respectively. Conclusion the results obtained from this study can be used to standardize rhizomes of A. calcarata grown in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Alpinia calcarata; phytochemicals; physico-chemical parameters
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