Exploring the Nutraceutical Properties of Alpinia nigra

Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) B.L. Burtt, is a perennial herb of the family Zingiberaceae which is widely utilized by indigenous communities across Northeast India, Bangladesh and Myanmar for its ethnobotanical, nutritional and medicinal values. Present study documents the traditional food, therapeutic practices, and ecological significance. Its tender shoots, rhizomes and fruits serve as wild edibles, condiments and traditional remedies for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions, while trade in local markets provides supplementary income to rural households, particularly women and small-scale collectors. The species thrives in moist, shaded habitats such as forest margins, wetlands and homestead gardens, contributing to biodiversity, soil stabilization, pollinator support and other ecosystem services. Despite extensive documentation, research gaps remain in quantitative population studies, pharmacological validation, ecological function assessment and sustainable commercialization. Addressing these gaps is essential for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and potential development of A. nigra as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource.