Skincare, hair health and medical synergies of Himalayan spiked ginger lily
11 Apr 2023 --- Researchers in India and Saudi Arabia have comprehensively reviewed the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species (spiked ginger lily). Plants in this genus are found in the Himalayan region of India. Approximately 100 varieties also grow in China, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Madagascar and other hot tropical areas.
Hedychium species are abundant with aromatic and medicinally active compounds. “The plant’s whole body, essential oil and solvent extracts from rhizomes are the main sources of biological activity,” share the authors.
“Compositions of essential oil obtained from dried rhizomes with good anti-inflammatory activity and extracts obtained from different parts (i.e., leaves, rhizomes, flowers of the plant) that contain numerous phytoconstituents (such as Hedychenone, Coronarin-D, Hedychilactone-D, Hedychinal and many more) that exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and other biological activity (such as anti-histaminic, hair growth, skincare, and cytotoxic (in breast cancer) effects, etc.) have also been reviewed several times.”
The researchers emphasize the synergies between the healing and cosmetic applications of Hedychium species. Ancient medication used the leaves, rhizomes and flowers for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic and anti-asthmatic qualities.
“Our study suggests that the extracts and essential oils of Hedychium spicatum, Hedychium coronarium, Hedychium ellipticum, Hedychium aurantiacum and Hedychium gardnerianum have anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, skin protective (via sunscreen) and anti-bacterial effects,” state the authors.
Skin health, fragrance and hair care applications
Via an exhaustive literature review, the researchers identified 93 phytoconstituents and their derivatives from the Hedychium species, including “diterpenes, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and the essential oil of flowers and rhizomes, which contain aromatic compounds.”
“Terpenes are used in perfumery and aromatherapy due to their pleasant odor and aromatic effect,” share the authors. One such terpene is the Furanoid Di-terpene, found in the rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum, which is traditionally used for treating pain, inflammation and stomach ailments.
Flavanols myricetin and quercetin – antioxidants – were found in the leaves of Hedychium coccineum and Hedychium coronarium. 
The researchers emphasize the synergies between the healing and cosmetic applications of Hedychium species.
Xanthones, including 3-(2-Hydroxyethoxy) xenthone, 1-Hydroxyxanthone, Oplopanone, and Salicylic acid (2-Hydroxybenzoic acid), were identified in Hedychium gardnerianum rosc. rhizome through extraction and purification processes. Xanthones can provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, among many.
Additionally, Saponins were found in the water and alcoholic extract of Hedychium spicatum. In cosmetics, saponins have a cleansing function.
When pentadecane and Ethyl para methoxy cinnamate were isolated from Hedychium spicatum rhizome hexane extract, it was found to be suitable hair-growth promoters on female Wistar rats.
On skincare, a composition of Hedychium extract was reported to treat environmental damage caused to the skin by regulating firmness, tone, wrinkles and skin texture.
Researchers also found Hedychium spicatum applications for skin darkening, sunscreens and dermatology creams.
Essential oil
The essential oil of Hedychium spicatum contains “alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, Limonene, 1:8 Cineole, Linalool found in major amounts and Camphore, Linalyl acetate, Terpineol, Borneol, Caryophyllene, r-Cadinene, humulene, Terpineolene and P-Cymene in low quantities.”
“The chemical composition of the essential oil of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes by gas chromatography shows that the essential oil contains Caryophyllene, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene alcohol,” share the authors.
“The essential oil of Hedychium plant parts contains aromatic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity due to mono and sesquiterpenes.”
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