Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf.: A Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

Boesenbergia rotunda (the family Zingiberaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant from Southeast Asia and China. Its parts, especially the roots, were used as an alternative in cuisine, and flavoring. Many attempts tend to explore its phytochemistry and pharmacological values. The ultimate goal of this review is to critically offer the pharmacological values and mechanisms of action of B. rotunda crude extracts and their isolated compounds. Phytochemical investigation and pharmacokinetics were also discussed.On the basis of the most effective keyword "Boesenbergia rotunda", the relevant data have been gathered from international electronic sources, including Sci-Finder, Google Scholar, PubMed, and reputation publishers. B. rotunda species was reported to contain two main chemical classes of phenolics and terpenoids. Its constituents have great biological values and spread out to drug development, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobacterial, antioxidative, ani-viral, anti-insect, antidiabetic, anti-allergic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, rhenoprotective, gastroprotective, skin protective, vasorelaxant, and aphrodisiac activities. Various pharmacological actions were successfully proven by the underlying mechanisms. (–)-Panduratin A seems to be the most active compound with an oral bioavailability of 7-9%. B. rotunda plant extracts are safe in use with LD50 > 4.0 g/kg. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the metabolism of B. rotunda constituents may be related to the oxidation and glucuronidation of its phenolic compounds. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are expected, as well as clinical applications are urgently needed.