Sedative activity of hexane extract of Keampferia galanga L. and its active compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance: 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. Aim of the study: 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. Materials and 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 10 mg showed significant reduction of locomotor activity, indicating considerable sedative and relaxant effects. Compound 1 and 2 were proved to possess sedative effects at 0.0014 mg and 0.0012 mg respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest the promising application of Kaempferia galanga L and its constituents in aromatherapy. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.