Extraction, characterization and evaluation of Kaempferia galanga L. (Zingiberaceae) rhizome extracts against acute and chronic inflammation in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance The rhizomes of an acaulescent perennial herb, Kaempferia galanga Linn (Family: Zingiberaceae), used as traditional ayurvedic herb to get relief from indigestion, swelling, pain, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. Aim of the study To prepare and characterize various extracts of Kaempferia galanga (K. galanga) for their comparative evaluation for the identification of the most efficacious extract and its possible pharmacological implication in acute and chronic inflammatory paradigm. Materials and methods Dried and powdered rhizome of K. galanga was subjected to alcoholic extraction as well as successive extractions with various solvents. After phytochemical characterization, all the extracts were standardized for the presence of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate. The extracts, and the isolated compound, were tested against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats. The most promising extract was tested against adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation in rats. Further, local myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were investigated to establish the possible mechanism of action. Results Among the extracts, petroleum ether extract (SKG-1) and crude alcoholic extract (KG) had the maximum quantity of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate. SKG-1 (300 mg/kg) was found effective against acute inflammation in rats. Further, SKG-1 (100 mg/kg) reversed the inflammation and elevated MPO levels found in the chronic model. Conclusions The results suggest that among all the extracts of K. galanga, SKG-1 effectively suppresses the progression of acute and chronic inflammation in rats by inhibition of neutrophil infiltration.