Authors : Devika B.; Keerthika G.; Shalini R.; D. Sumalatha

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5a2k9pmy

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2p9wj8tz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb261

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Abstract : Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae), commonly referred to as lesser galangal, is a prominent herb in traditional medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective attributes. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant efficacy, and acute toxicity of the ethanolic rhizome extract of A. officinarum utilizing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos as a predictive vertebrate model. Phytochemical screening identified a rich diversity of bioactive constituents, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and alkaloids. The antioxidant potential of the extract was substantiated through sulfur free radical reactivity, ferric ion reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. In the toxicological assessment, developmental endpoints such as mortality, hatching rate, cardiac rhythm, and morphological anomalies (e.g., pericardial edema and spinal curvature) were rigorously monitored. The results indicated that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) significantly exceeded effective antioxidant concentrations, establishing a wide therapeutic safety margin. Furthermore, embryos exposed to sublethal concentrations exhibited negligible developmental aberrations, confirming the extract’s low embryotoxicity and high biocompatibility. Collectively, these findings highlight the potent antioxidant capacity and safety profile of A. officinarum, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

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