Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds.
BACKGROUND
It is well known that fragrance impacts behaviors and autonomic functions, and is increasingly used as relaxant, carminative, as well as sedative in aromatherapy. Kaempferia galanga L. is one of the popular traditional aromatic medicinal plants used in tropics and subtropics of Asia including China, Japan and Indochina.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of present study was to investigate sedative effects of hexane extract of Kaempferia galanga L.and 2 active aromatic compounds (compound 1: ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate and compound 2: ethyl cinnamate ) included in the extyract by means of inhalation in mice.


METHODS
Sedative activity was assessed by inhalation of the hexane extract and two major aromatic compounds.


RESULTS
Inhalation of hexane extract at the doses of 1.5 and 10mg showed significant reduction of locomotor activity, indicating considerable sedative and relaxant effects. Compound 1 and 2 were proved to possess sedative effects at 0.0014mg and 0.0012mg respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the promising application of Kaempferia galanga L. and its constituents in aromatherapy.
Huang
Linfang
L
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094, China. hlf333333@yahoo.co.jp
Yagura
Toru
T
Chen
Shilin
S