Integrating Traditional and Modern Knowledge: A Review on Khulanjan (Alpinia galanga) in Unani Medicine

Aims and objective: Khulanjan (Alpinia galanga) is a rhizomatous Zingiberaceae herb long used in Unani medicine. Classical texts ascribe to Khulanjan a warm, dry temperament (Unani mizāj) and describe it as a carminative digestive stimulant and tonic (e.g. Mufarreh, Muqawwi-e-Meda, Muqawwi-e-Qalb), with expectorant and cardiac tonic actions. The objectives of this review are to examine and correlate these traditional Unani uses of khulanjan with modern pharmacological findings; to bridge classical knowledge and contemporary science; and to identify potential therapeutic applications of its bioactive constituents. These traditional uses for indigestion, flatulence, respiratory complaints and weakness reflect its characterization as an aromatic, stimulant herb. Modern phytochemical analyses identify key bioactive constituents in Khulanjan rhizome, including the flavonoid galangin and volatile oils rich in 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, methyl cinnamate, borneol and related terpenes. Such compounds confer demonstrable bioactivities: experimental studies report strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects of A. galanga extracts. For example, high phenolic/flavonoid content in the rhizome correlates with potent radical‐scavenging and antibacterial activity in vitro. Thus, contemporary research largely validates classical claims: Khulanjan’s traditional designation as a digestive/carminative tonic and healer of ‘phlegm’ and inflammation finds support in its phytochemistry and observed pharmacology. This synthesis of Unani doctrine and modern evidence underscores that the age-old uses of Khulanjan have a rational basis, illustrating how classical herbal wisdom aligns with scientific pharmacological validation. Keywords: Alpinia galanga; Khulanjan; Unani medicine; Mizaj; phytochemicals; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial.