Hedychium spicatum: A comprehensive insight into its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and therapeutic attributes

The function of medicinal plants in the healthcare system is immense as they are the main source of contemporary medications. Among them Hedychium spicatum is a significant medicinal herb of the family Zingiberaceae (family) found mostly in the Himalayan regions. The rhizomes of this plant are the main source of commercial value. This is due to its amazing ability to treat various diseases and ailments. For centuries, Ayurvedic practitioners have turned to rhizomatous plants for relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhoea, nausea, liver problems, vomiting, inflammation, headache, stomachache, fever, and more. The major compounds of essential oils are camphene, 1,8-cineole, myrcene, sabinene, α-pinene, and α, β-phellandrene are the plant's primary phytochemical components, making it an important plant for healing. Among its many potential medical uses, it has been studied for its anti-microbial, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anti-helminthic, anti-diabetic, and pediculicidal properties. This article intends to provide information on the phytochemistry and medical applications of Hedychium spicatum, a plant with huge uses in traditional medicine and Ayurveda.