ArticlePDF Available

Medicinal potentials of Alpinia galanga

December 2011
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(9):6578-6580

DOI:10.5897/JMPR11.525

Authors:

Maheer Akram

Glasgow Caledonian University

Akhtar Naveed

Islamia University of Bahawalpur

Muhammad Asif

Islamia University of Bahawalpur

Show all 8 authorsHide

Alpinia galangal has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains enzymes, polysaccharides and nutrients, which exhibit antibacterial effect and acts against streptococci, staphylococci and coliform bacteria. These properties are believed to be mediated by different phytochemicals found in the plant, acting singly or in concert. This paper critically reviews the present state of scientific knowledge on the medicinal potentials of A. galanga.

Content uploaded by Akhtar Naveed

Content may be subject to copyright.

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(29), pp. 6578-6580, 9 December, 2011

Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR

DOI: 10.5897/JMPR11.525

Short Communication

Medicinal potentials of Alpinia galanga

E. Mohiuudin

, M. Akram

*, Naveed Akhtar

, H. M. Asif

, Pervaiz Akhtar Shah

, Tariq Saeed

Arshad Mahmood

and Nadia Shamshad Malik

Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Faculty of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan.

University College of Pharmacy, The University of Punjab Lahore, Pakistan.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan.

School of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Accepted 6 October, 2011

Alpinia galangal has anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in rheumatism and rheumatoid

arthritis. It also contains enzymes, polysaccharides and nutrients, which exhibit antibacterial effect

and acts against streptococci, staphylococci and coliform bacteria. These properties are believed to be

mediated by different phytochemicals found in the plant, acting singly or in concert. This paper

critically reviews the present state of scientific knowledge on the medicinal potentials of A. galanga.

Key words: Alpinia galanga, medicinal uses, active constituents.

INTRODUCTION

Alpinia galangal belongs to Zingiberaceae family. It

occurs in Pakistan, Indonesia Europe-Mediterranean. Part

used are Rhizone and Fruit (Usmanghani et al., 2007;

Nutrasanus, 2004; Gujral et al., 1961; Usmanghani

and Alam, 1997). This plant is commonly known as

greater galangal (Satyavati et al., 1976). It is 6 to 7 ft.

high and bears perennial rhizomes which are deep

orange-brown in colour, aromatic, pungent and bitter.

The fruits are about 1/2” long, constricted in the middle

and contain 3 to 6 seeds (The Wealth of India, 1948).

The leaves a r e l an ce o la t e w hi le t h e f l ow e rs

are sma ll greenish white (Kirtikar and Basu, 1933).

Rhizomes are cut into pieces and the species ar e

known as gre at er galangal. The rhizome o f

‘l es ser g a l a n g a l ’, A lpinia officinarum, is smaller

and reddish brown in colour and has a stronger odour

and taste (Pichichero, 1992). The temperament of this

drug is dry and warm in the second order (Usmanghani

and Alam, 1997; Kabiruddin, 1937).

*Corresponding author. E-mail:

makram_0451@yahoo.com.

METHODOLOGY

Relevant articles were searched using the terms A.

galanga, active constituents, medicinal activity.

OBJECTIVE

To review the published literature on A. galangal.

Principal constituent

Volatile oil (0.5 to 1.0%), galangal, galangin,

kaempferide, dihydroxy flavonol, acetoxychavicol acetate

and acetoxyeugenol acetate and diarylheptanoids (III, IV

and V) (Karnick, 1994).

Chemistry

There are two chemical principles in galangal that have

been studied quite intensely over the past few years,

the flavonoid galangin and the phenylpropanoid

Figure 1. Galangin-Galangin (3, 5, 7-trihydroxyflavone) (V).

1’-acetoxychaovicol acetate. A review of these two

more researched constituents is as follows: Galangin-

Galangin (3, 5, 7- trihydroxyflavone) (V) (Figure 1) is a

flavonoid with multiple biological activities (Rastogi and

Mehrotra, 1993).

Medicinal uses

A. galangal is useful against lumbago, rheumatic pains,

sore throat, pain in the chest, diabetes, tubercular

glands, diseases of the kidney, bronchitis and catarrhal

affections (Wighard and Gottfried, 1988). It is mainly

utilized in the treatment for digestion and a quick reliever

of pain, especially angina, heart attack and gall bladder

attacks and effects as a reliever of heart pain (Grieve,

1971). Its effects on dyspepsia and as a digestive aid are

elaborated. In addition to a stimulant and carminative,

especially useful in flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting and

stomach sickness (Ciolino and Yeh, 1999). Several

recent studies with this flavonoid suggest that it may have

a potent anti-cancer effect, specifically through inhibition

of the detoxification enzyme CYP1A1 and modulation of

the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Quadri et al., 2000). The

implication with this type of research is that this flavonoid

exerts a protective effect against the carcinogenic

potential of overcooked, char-grilled foods. Galangin has

also been shown to be a potent preserver of the

endogenous free radical scavenger glutathione, thereby

playing another anti-carcinogenic role (Cipak et al.,

2003). Recent research has also uncovered several

mechanisms by which this particular flavonoid exerts a

positive effect in the prevention of heart disease.

Galangin has a proven anti-oxidative effect on endothelial

tissues and acts to help preserve other protective

antioxidants such as vitamins E and C and other

flavonoids, in this function it also serves to prevent lipid

peroxidation (Kaneko and Baba, 1999).

Galangin also exerts a strong inhibitory effect on the

Mohiuudin et al. 6579

cyclo-oxygenase family of enzymes; this provides a

strong cardioprotective effect by inhibiting the

aggregation of platelets, as well as providing a consistent

systemic anti-inflammatory effect (Evans, 2002). These

are only a few of the known applications for this

incredible flavonoid. The phytochemical lists this

constituent are utilized as anti-inflammatory, anti-

mutagenic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cancer preventive and

as an aromatase inhibitor. This inhibitory activity is an

aromatase inhibitor specifically to prevent the conversion

of testosterone to estrogen in both men and women

(Pichichero, 1992).

Pharmacological activity

The clinical study was conducted on Lozin (Herbal coded

tablet) that contains different medicinal herbs including A.

galanga, for treatment of tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Study

was conducted in Shifa ul Mulk Memorial Hospital,

Hamdard University, Karachi. The selected drug was

administered to attain a successful response to tonsillitis

and pharyngitis. Clinical study of A. galanga shows that it

exhibits the anti-bacterial effects. It was concluded that

Lozin is remarkably effective for the treatment of tonsillitis

and pharyngitis (Ejaz, 2011).

Conclusion

A. galanga is usually used as carminative, stomachic,

stimulant, expectorant, aphrodisiac, diuretic and anti-

spasmodic. It concludes that future research must aim at

characterizing the active principle(s) responsible for each

effect and determining if they act singly or synergistically

with other principles present in the plant.

REFERENCES

Ciolino HP, Yeh GC (1999). The flavonoid galangin is an inhibitor of

Cyp1A1 activity and an agonist/antagonist of the Aryl hydrocarbon

receptor. Br. J. Cancer, 79: 1340-1346.

Cipak L, Berczeliova E, Paulikova H (2003). Effects of flavonoids on

glutathione and glutathione related enzymes in cisplatin treated

L1210 leukemia cells. Neoplasma, 50: 443-446.

Ejaz M, Nazar H, Usmanghani k (2011). Comparative clinical study of

herbal medicine “Lozin” and cephradine in acute pharyngitis. Asin J.

Trad. Med., 1: 26-38.

Evans WC (2002). Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. 15th Edn., WB

Saunders London, P. 47.

Grieve M ( 1971). A Modern Herbal (1931). Reprinted by Dover

Publications, NY, P. 340.

Gujral ML, Sareen K, Phukan DP, Amma MKP (1961). Anti-arthritic

activity of glycyrrhizin in adrenalectomised rats. Indian J. Med. Sci.,

15: 625.

Kabiruddin HM (1937). Kitab al-Adviya Makhzan al- Mufradat, Daftar Al-

Masih, Delhi, India.

Kaneko T, Baba N (1999). Protective effects of flavonoids on

endothelial cells against linoleic acid hydro-peroxide induced

toxicity. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 63: 323-328.

Karnick CR (1994). Pharmacopoeial Standards of Herbal Plants, vol. I,

6580 J. Med. Plants Res.

Sri Satguru Publications, New Delhi, India.

Kirtikar KR, Basu DB (1933). Indian Medicinal Plants, vol. IV, 2nd Edn.,

Lalit Mohan Basu, Allahabad, India.

Nutrasanus A (2004). Licorice root extract benefits and information.

Beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Fam. Pract.

Recert, 14(12 Suppl): 19-26.

Quadri SA, Qadri AN, Hahn ME, Mann KK, Sherr DH (2000). The

bioflavonoid galangin blocks aryl hydorcarbon receptor activation

and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced pre B-cell apoptosis.

Mol. Pharmacol., 58: 515-525.

Rastogi RP, Mehrotra BN (1993). Compendium of Indian Medicinal

Plants, vol. II, (1970-1979), Central Drug Research Institute,

Lucknow and Publications and Information Directorate, New Delhi,

India.

Satyavati GV, Raina MK, Sharma M (1976). Medicinal Plants of

India, vol. I Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.

The Wealth of India, (1948). A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and

Industrial Products, vol. I, A-B, Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research, New Delhi, India.

Usmanghani KAS, Alam T (1997). Indusyunic Medicine, Department of

Pharmacognosy, University of Karachi, P. 601.

Usmanghani K, Hannan A, Shafique F, Aslam M (2007). Cultivation of

Medicinal Plant, MINFAL Research Project Hamdard University,

Karachi, Pakistan, P. 309.

Phytochemical Properties of Skin Care Cream Containing Essential Oil of Galangal

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2018

The Genus Alpinia: A Review of Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2016

Genus Alpinia consists of over 250 species, which are widely distributed in south and southeast Asia. Many plants of genus Alpinia have been used for thousands of years to treat digestive system diseases and as anti-inflammatory drugs. Phytochemical research on this genus has led to the isolation of different kinds of diarylheptanoids, terpenes triterpenoids, phenylbutanoids, lignans, and flavonoids. Experimental evidences revealed that both the crude extracts and pure constituents isolated from the genus Alpinia exhibit a wide range of bioactivities such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cardiovascular, and digestive system protective effects. Here, we summarize the phytochemistry and pharmacology investigation of the genus Alpinia, which can provide reference for further research and drug development.

The Existence of Zingiberaceae Plants Under Forest Garden Stands in the Wan Abdul Rachman Grand Forest Park, Indonesia

Article

Jan 2025

Indriyanto Indriyanto

Zingiberaceae plants have varying tolerance to shade from the canopy of forest garden stands. It is important to know about the existence of Zingiberaceae plants under forest gardens stands because these plants have important functions, both ecological functions in the ecosystem and economic functions for humans. This research aims to determine the species of Zingiberaceae plant, population density, distribution area, and level of dominance of each plant species. The data was collected through vegetation surveys using nested rectangular plots with a sampling intensity of 2.5%. The data collected includes the species of Zingiberaceae plants, the number of individuals for each species, and the species of trees as components of forest garden stands. Data were analyzed by calculating density (D), frequency (F), and importance value index (IVI). The results showed that the composition of forest garden stands consisted of 25 tree species, dominated by 7 species, namely langsat, durian, rubber, candlenut, nutmeg, stink bean, and jointfir. Under the forest garden stands, 16 species of Zingiberaceae plants consisting of 6 genera were found. The species of Zingiberaceae plants found include javanese turmeric, galangal, fragrant ginger, ginger, lempuyang emprit, tepus, shampoo ginger, zedoary, forest galangal, crepe ginger, temu giring, purpel ginger, cardamom, torch ginger, wresah, and turmeric. There are 2 dominant species of Zingiberaceae plants, namely lempuyang emprit and galangal. Lempuyang emprit has IVI of 27.90%, density of 1,583.3 individuals/ha, and frequency of 0.63. Galangal has IVI of 24.17%, density of 1,416.7 individuals/ha, and frequency of 0.53.

Phytochemical Characterization of Alpinia galangal Plant of Pakistan

Research

Jan 2023

Potential of traditional medicinal plants in the Dayak Tamambaloh Tribe, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

Supiandi MI, Julung H, Susanti Y, Zubaidah S, Mahanal S. 2023. Potential of traditional medicinal plants in the Dayak Tamambaloh Tribe, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3384-3393. The Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan (Indonesia) consists of 151 sub-ethnics, one of which is the Dayak Tamambaloh located in Temau Village, Embaloh Hulu Subdistrict, Kapuas Hulu District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This tribe uses the forest for various purposes, including plants as traditional medicines, which is a form of local wisdom in the community. However, the local wisdom can be threatened with extinction when it is not preserved properly. Factors contributing to the extinction of local wisdom include the influence of foreign cultures, forest degradation due to shifting cultivation, the existence of oil palm plantations, and forest fires. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the use of plants as traditional medicine with a qualitative descriptive approach. The method used was a survey; data were obtained from the key informants. They are knowledgeable about the uses of plants for traditional medicine. Data on medicinal plants were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, documentation, and were then analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The results showed that the plants used to treat diseases by the Dayak Tamambaloh tribe were 58 and consisted of 29 families. The most widely used families were Zingiberaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, and Musaceae, with 10, 4, 4, 4, and 3 species, respectively.

Antibacterial and antiproliferation activity of green synthesized nanoparticles from rhizome extract of Alpinia galangal (L.) Wild

Article

Aug 2021
INORG CHEM COMMUN

Iron-based nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extracts of Alpinia galangal rhizoid by the green combustion method. A. galanga is an important medicinal plant and it has more medicinal value. In this study, we aim to characterize the synthesized iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) and different mole percent of copper doped nanoparticles (NPs) by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and their biological activity. From the XRD, it was found that the size of the NPs was 20 - 60 nm and it is evident from TEM image. The UV-visible absorption peaked at 278, 435 and 550 nm were observed due to the ligand to metal charge transfer transitions double excitation of an Fe³⁺ pair. IR bands at ∼ 535 and ∼450 cm⁻¹ were observed from FTIR spectra and is due to Fe–O vibrations. SEM results reveal the irregular spherical shape of the α-Fe2O3 and copper doped α-Fe2O3 NPs. There is no much variation in size and shape of the nanoparticles in between undoped and doped iron oxide. The antibacterial activity of synthesized undoped and copper doped α-Fe2O3 NPs was performed by a disc-diffusion and microtiter method against human pathogenic gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Maximum inhibition was observed against Serratia marcescens followed by Bacillus cereus in all samples. α-Fe2O3 NPs also exhibit anticancer activity against three human cancer cell lines like ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV3), metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDAMB-231), and colon cancer cell line (COLO-205). Significant antiproliferative activity was observed against ovarian cancer in MTT assay, induced cell cycle arrest, and cell death was noticed in SKOV3. The results revealed that undoped and copper doped α-Fe2O3 NPs have a wide range of antibacterial applications and also showed anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cell lines. This green synthesis approach is low-cost and eco-friendly and it can be applied in various fields. This indicates that the α-Fe2O3 NPs have the potential to serve as a green nano-oxide for pharmaceutical industries.

Anti-cholinesterase potential of diverse botanical families from Malaysia: Evaluation of crude extracts and fractions from liquid-liquid extraction and acid-base fractionation

Article

Aug 2019
J ETHNOPHARMACOL

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Enhancement of cholinergic functions in the brain via acetylcholinesterase inhibition is one of the main therapeutic strategies to improve symptoms associated with Alzheimer's or related cognitive deficits. There is a pathophysiological correlation between Alzheimer's and Diabetes Mellitus, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress that may cause cognitive decline. Aim of the study: The present study was intended to evaluate anti-cholinesterase potential of 177 Malaysian plant extracts from 148 species known to have related ethnomedicinal uses such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, epilepsy, headache, memory enhancement and anti-aging. Materials and methods: Anti-cholinesterase screening against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes was performed on the basis of in-vitro colorimetric 96-well microplate-based assay method. Potent active plant extracts were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction and acid-base fractionation for further analysis. Results: Fifty-seven plant extracts exhibited potent anti-cholinesterase activities (50-100% inhibition) at 200 μg/ml. Majority of the active plants originated from Fabaceae family. Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L. stem extract manifested the lowest IC50 of 3.78 μg/ml for AChE and 5.94 μg/ml for BChE. A few native species including Tetracera indica (Christm. & Panz.) Merr., Cyrtostachys renda Blume and Ixora javanica (Blume) DC. showed cholinesterase inhibition despite limited local medical applications. Further anti-AChE evaluation (50 μg/ml) of 18 potent plant extracts harbored active polar components in butanol and water fractions, except Senna pendula (Willd.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby (leaves and stems), Acacia auriculiformis Benth. (leaves), Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson ex F.A.Zorn) Fosberg (leaves), and Macaranga tanarius (L.) Mull.Arg. (leaves) that showed inhibitory activity in less polar fractions. The acidic extraction of these four plant species improved their inhibition level against AChE. Conclusion: This study rendered a preliminary overview of anti-cholinesterase activity from diverse Malaysian botanical families in which provided the medical relevance toward these native plant species, especially ones with limited ethnobotanical record or practice.

The Flavonoid Galangin Is an Inhibitor of Cyp1a1 Activity and an Agonist/Antagonist of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

Article

Full-text available

Apr 1999

The effect of the dietary flavonoid galangin on the metabolism of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), the activity of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and the expression of CYP1A1 in MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells was investigated. Galangin inhibited the catabolic breakdown of DMBA, as measured by thin-layer chromatography, in a dose-dependent manner. Galangin also inhibited the formation of DMBA-DNA adducts, and prevented DMBA-induced inhibition of cell growth. Galangin caused a potent, dose-dependent inhibition of CYP1A1 activity, as measured by ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, in intact cells and in microsomes isolated from DMBA-treated cells. Analysis of the inhibition kinetics by double-reciprocal plot demonstrated that galangin inhibited CYP1A1 activity in a noncompetitive manner. Galangin caused an increase in the level of CYP1A1 mRNA, indicating that it may be an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, but it inhibited the induction of CYP1A1 mRNA by DMBA or by 2,3,5,7-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Galangin also inhibited the DMBA- or TCDD-induced transcription of a reporter vector containing the CYP1A1 promoter. Thus, galangin is a potent inhibitor of DMBA metabolism and an agonist/antagonist of the AhR, and may prove to be an effective chemopreventive agent.

A modern herbal

Article

Jan 1984

M. Grieve

Illustrated Indian Medicinal plants III

Article

Jan 2000

Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants

Article

Jan 1990

Comparative clinical study of herbal medicine "Lozin" and cephradine in acute pharyngitis

Article

Despite the wide use of Unani Medicine treatment there is a relative paucity of data able to demonstrate convincingly the safety and efficacy of these complementary and alternative practices. Therefore, a systematic analysis of alternative treatments for tonsillitis and pharyngitis will be carried out and a rigorous clinical investigation of Unani Medicine compared with allopathic medicine. We conducted a direct case control, monocentric, prospective, randomized authentic allopathic controlled, two-arm parallel group clinical trial in Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital for Eastern Medicine at Madinat-ul-Hikmah, Hamdard University. The area has 27-75-villages close to an urban centre. Patients (n=113) were randomly assigned to receive 500mg Lozin thrice daily or cephradine 250 mg every six hours or 500 mg every twelve hours. The study period was 5-7 days with a window for the follow-up visit of 2-15 days because of the variable duration of sore throat symptoms. Both medications caused a significant improvement in all the signs and symptoms noted at baseline after a 10-day treatment period. Infection was initially detected in 92 % vs 90 % of patients. After treatment, it was present in only 3 patients at the end of therapy visit representing a decline of 96.7 % vs 94.4 %. There was also a significant decrease in systemic symptoms like cough, difficulty in swallowing and fever (95.32 % vs 91.8 % reduction). Clinically, 96.6 % vs 94.2 % (test versus control) of patients were cured, 2.4 % improved and there was a treatment failure of 1% vs 3% in the patients who needed rescue medication. It is concluded that the efficacy of herbal treatment is similar to that of allopathic medicine for the treatment of acute pharyngitis. There were no untoward side effects associated with the use of this treatment and it was well accepted by all the patients. Of course, this supports the added safety of the herbal medicine.

Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy

Article

Nov 2008

WC Evans

Cultivation of medicinal plants

Article

Jan 2006

Nanking Coll. of Pharmacology (China

Protective Effect of Flavonoids on Endothelial Cells against Linoleic Acid Hydroperoxide-induced Toxicity

Article

Mar 1999

The protective effect of flavonoids against linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LOOH)-induced cytotoxicity was examined by using cultured endothelial cells. When the cells were incubated with both LOOH and flavonoids, most flavonols protected the cells from injury by LOOH. Flavones bearing an ortho-dihydroxy structure also showed a protective effect against the cytotoxicity of LOOH. However, flavanones had no effect. The structure-activity relationship revealed the presence of either the ortho-di-hydroxy structure in the B ring of the flavonoids or 3-hydroxyl and 4-oxo groups in the C ring to be important for the protective activities. The interaction between flavonoids and a-tocopherol was also examined in this system. Flavonoids that were protective against LOOH-induced cytotoxicity had at least an additive effect on the action of alpha-tocopherol against LOOH-induced damage.

The bioflavonoid galangin blocks aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced pre-B cell apoptosis

Article

Oct 2000

Bioflavonoids are plant compounds touted for their potential to treat or prevent several diseases including cancers induced by common environmental chemicals. Much of the biologic activity of one such class of pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/transcription factor (AhR). For example, the AhR regulates PAH immunotoxicity that manifests as pre-B cell apoptosis in models of B cell development. Because bioflavonoids block PAH-induced cell transformation and are structurally similar to AhR ligands, it was postulated that some of them would suppress PAH-induced, AhR-dependent immunotoxicity, possibly through a direct AhR blockade. This hypothesis was tested using a model of B cell development in which pre-B cells are cultured with and are dependent on bone marrow stromal or hepatic parenchymal cell monolayers. Of seven bioflavonoids screened, galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) blocked PAH-induced but not C(2)-ceramide- or H(2)O(2)-induced pre-B cell apoptosis. Because galangin blocked AhR-dependent reporter gene expression, AhR complex-DNA binding, and AhR nuclear translocation, inhibition of a relatively early step in AhR signaling was implicated. This hypothesis was supported by the ability of galangin to bind the AhR and stabilize AhR-90-kDa heat shock protein complexes in the presence of AhR agonists. These studies demonstrate the utility of pre-B cell culture systems in identifying compounds capable of blocking PAH immunotoxicity, define at least one mechanism of galangin activity (i.e., repression of AhR activation), and motivate the use of this and similar dietary bioflavonoids as relatively nontoxic inhibitors of AhR agonist activity and as pharmacologic agents with which to dissect AhR signaling pathways.

Anti-arthritic activity of glycyrrhizin in adrenalectomised rats

Article