The Presence of Monoterpenes in Rhynchanthus longiflorus Hook.f. Confirms the Value of Its Use in Akha Folk Medicine
Keywords:
Akha, Rhynchanthus longiflorus Hook.f., MonoterpeneAbstract
Background: Rhynchanthus longiflorus Hook.f. is an endangered species and is part of the ginger family. A decoction of its rhizomes is mentioned in Akha folk medicine for the treatment of convulsions.
Objective: With no prior studies performed, it was reasonable to analyze the chemical components of the rhizomes responsible for the odor, taste and perhaps medicinal claims for the plant.
Methods: Rhizomes of Rhynchanthus longiflorus Hook.f. were bought from local markets in Chiang Rai, Thailand. They were subjected to hydrodistillation to obtain the essential oil. Analysis of the oil was done by GC-MS.
Results: Fifteen monoterpenes were identified from the essential oil. The most abundant compounds were 1, 8-Cineol (70.705 %), beta-Pinene (7.008%), alpha-Pinene (4.763%) and Sabinene (3.484%) which comprised 85.96 % of the oil. These monoterpenes have been reported to reduce mortality and attenuate seizures in animal models
Conclusion: The essential oil from Rhynchanthus longiflorus Hook.f. rhizomes contains monoterpene compounds whose anticonvulsant effects could be the basis for the use of this plant in Akha folk medicine.
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