Secondary metabolite credentials and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of Alpinia calcarata

IntroductionAlpinia calcarata represent one of the most commonly used plant in traditional systems of Indian medicines.ObjectiveTo study the phytochemical and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of rhizome of A. calcarata.MethodsPhytochemical evaluation of the rhizome of A. calcarata was carried out with successive solvent extraction. The in vitro free radical scavenging activities were also studied in ethanolic extract using standard protocols.ResultsIt was found that most of the secondary metabolites like flavonoid, steroid, terpenoid etc were found in ethanolic extract of A. calcarata when compared with other solvent extraction. It also shows better inhibition potential in various in vitro scavenging models when compared to the standard.ConclusionHence the present study reveals that the rhizome of A. calcarata might be used as herbal drug.