Review looks at antimicrobial properties of plants of the genus Etlingera

Researchers at Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh discussed the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils derived from plants of the genus Etlingera. Their review was published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.

• Essential oils from medicinal plants have been extensively used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
• The aromatic plants of genus Etlingera, which belong to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, are known to produce large amounts of essential oils.
• Traditional systems of medicine in Southeast Asia recommend these medicinal plants and their natural products as treatments for a variety of health problems.
• According to studies, the essential oils of Etlingera plants have demonstrated promising antimicrobial activities.
• Due to the emerging problem of antibiotic resistance, many infectious diseases have become difficult to treat.
• The researchers believe that Etlingera plants are good sources of essential oils that can be used as natural antibiotics.

The researchers believe that exploring the biological activities of essential oils from different Etlingera species will lead to the identification of new compounds which can be used in modern medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, primarily as antimicrobial agents.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

A. FMSU-D, Mohammad AB. GENUS ETLINGERA – A REVIEW ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. April 2019;13(7):135–156. DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2019.6740