Anticancer Properties of Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal) – A mini review.

Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family of herbaceous plants. It typically has long green leaves and reddish white flowers and bears dark brown underground rhizomes. A native of Southeast Asia, the plant has traditionally been used as a remedy for a wide variety of maladies including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rheumatism, hiccups, digestive problems and even cancer. The anti-cancer potential of Alpinia officinarumhas been generating keen interest from the scientific community. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the plant contains potent anti-proliferative agents that may serve as a basis for anti-cancer drugs in the near future. Basic scientific research work on the plant during the past fifteen years has increased our understanding of the biochemical composition of the plant as well as the antitumor properties of its crude and purified extracts.Several anticancer studies on A. officinarum have focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the preventive, protective, tumour suppressive and apoptotic activities against various types of cancers. This mini review highlights the relevant research evidence that supports the potential of A. officinarum as a potent anticancer agent andlooks at future prospects for development in the drive for possible application of this plant or its active agents for effective cancer treatment.