Alpinia zerumbet: as a miorrelaxant and antinociceptive agent - A scope review protocol on effectiveness, clinical applicability and patents

This scoping review protocol, developed in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, outlines a detailed investigation into the myorelaxant and antinociceptive properties of Alpinia zerumbet. The study aims to comprehensively analyze existing scientific literature and patent registrations related to these therapeutic effects, while also evaluating the methodological quality and potential risk of bias in the available evidence. Medicinal plants have a long history of therapeutic use, with many modern pharmaceuticals deriving from natural compounds. In Brazil, the importance of these plants is highlighted by initiatives like the National Program for Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapics (PNPMF). Alpinia zerumbet, included in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS), is known in folk medicine for various effects, including its myorelaxant and antinociceptive properties. Given the global increase in the elderly population and their susceptibility to chronic conditions, Alpinia zerumbet's potential for muscle relaxation and pain relief positions it as a promising natural alternative for this demographic. The review will adhere to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-SCR reporting standards. Searches will be conducted across major scientific and patent databases without time or language restrictions. All types of primary and secondary studies, encompassing human, animal, and in vitro models, will be considered, focusing on any part of the plant or its derivatives. Data will be systematically extracted and organized, and the results will be presented descriptively in tables and graphs, accompanied by a narrative summary. Methodological quality and bias risk will be assessed to ensure the reliability and validity of the included studies.