Bioactive Profiling of <i>Kaempferia galanga</i> Rhizome Extract: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study of its Antibacterial, Anticancer and Apoptotic Activity

Background: Given the emergence of resistance to conventional treatment of illnesses such as cancer and chronic infections, identifying other natural products cannot be overemphasised to help combat this problem. The rhizome of Kaempferia galanga, an aromatic plant predominantly found in South Asian regions, has diverse biological properties that contribute to its potential therapeutic activity. Aim: This study aimed to characterise biochemical constituents and evaluate biological applications using the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga extract. Methods: Aqueous and ethanol extract of rhizome subjected to phytochemical screening, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), In vitro antioxidant tests, in-vitro anti-inflammatory tests, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and antibacterial was checked with well-diffusion assay. MTT assay using different concentrations of ethanol extract on the HeLa cell line was done to study its anti-cancer effect and apoptosis study was done by flow cytometry. Results: Phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) of the rhizome extracts showed the presence of bioactive components. In-vitro tests indicated that the rhizome has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. GC-MS of ethanol extract shows the presence of many bioactive constituents with therapeutic benefits, including the well-described Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate. The antibacterial zones of inhibition ranged from 12mm to 17mm. In the MTT assay, there was an increase in the percentage of cell death with increasing concentration of extract and the IC50 value was found to be 25.04μg/mL. The percentage of total apoptotic cells was 24.63%. Conclusion: This study has found that K. galanga rhizome has many bioactive compounds that help to provide its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activity (In vitro study). Hence, further in-vivo studies may provide insight into whether the rhizome extracts of K. galanga can be used as an adjunct to available traditional treatment of chronic diseases. Major Findings: Kaempferia galanga rhizome extract has been shown to be an effective alternative antimicrobial and anticancer compound, with studies demonstrating its ability to enhance cell apoptosis and improve cell inhibition rates supporting its therapeutic use in traditional medicine system.