Trends and multidisciplinary research of torch ginger [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.]: A systematic review.
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Scientific literature on Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) research |
| I — Intervention | Systematic review and bibliometric analysis of publications |
| C — Comparator | Not applicable (descriptive systematic review) |
| O — Outcomes | Publication trends, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, research field distribution |
Bottom Line
This systematic review maps the research landscape of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior), identifying 85 bioactive compounds and diverse pharmacological activities across 15 countries. While the bibliometric analysis provides valuable research trends, the review lacks critical quality assessment of included studies and detailed methodology. The identified compounds show promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but the evidence quality remains unclear. For Australian clinicians, this represents early-stage ethnopharmacological research rather than clinically actionable evidence. The authors correctly conclude that further rigorous research is needed, particularly investigating plant parts beyond flowers. This work serves as a useful research roadmap but cannot inform clinical practice recommendations without proper quality assessment and standardised efficacy studies.
Key Findings
Effect Size: Not applicable (descriptive review)
Primary Outcome: Identification of 85 major bioactive compounds across 15 countries and 14 research fields
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Research began 1997, Indonesia/Malaysia/Brazil major contributors, flowers most studied plant part
Clinical Application
Limited direct clinical application - primarily research mapping exercise Relevant for TGA natural product regulations and complementary medicine research, though torch ginger not commonly used in Australian traditional medicine Researchers in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and natural product development
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm. (torch ginger) is a tropical plant traditionally used as a cut flower, culinary ingredient, and medicinal resource across Southeast Asia and other regions. However, integrated research on its multidisciplinary utilization remains limited. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to provide a comprehensive systematic review of scientific publications on torch ginger, including analyses of contributing countries, institutions, plant parts, chemical constituents, and research fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publications up to 2024 were retrieved from Scopus and screened using predefined exclusion criteria based on PRISMA principles. The data were analyzed to determine publication trends and bibliometric distributions. Phytochemical and pharmacological data were also extracted. RESULTS: Research on torch ginger began in 1997 and now involves fifteen contributing countries, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil as major contributors. Studies span fourteen research fields, with pharmacology and phytochemistry as dominant areas. The literature reports eighty-five major bioactive compounds. Extractives from most plant parts contain n-hexadecanoic acid, and essential oils from all parts contain dodecanal and 1-dodecanol. Most research focuses on flowers because their bioactive compounds show wide pharmacological potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-allergic, anti-hyperuricemic, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic activities. However, extracts from stems, rhizomes, and fruits demonstrate pharmacological potentials that exceed those of flowers and leaves. CONCLUSIONS: Torch ginger demonstrates remarkable pharmacological potential. Its ease of cultivation and versatile applications support its suitability for large-scale development. As a multifunctional industrial crop, it holds strong promise for zero-waste bioeconomic utilization. Further research must investigate plant parts other than the flower.
References
- 1.Zendrato, H. M., & Masruchin, N. (2026). Trends and multidisciplinary research of torch ginger [Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.]: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 121160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2026.121160
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