Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) Extracts: A Systematic Literature Review

Fajar Wahyu Pribadi; Muhammad Izzulfahmi Robbani; Chasna Salsabila; Carrissa Alifia; Kanaya Adhira Kanti; Vania Nafiisa Akbar; Sofia Dewi Andini; Naila Asy Syifa Firdaus; Alifah Putri Nur Arrasyi; Kharisma Adiwijaya

doi:10.20884/1.mhj.2025.5.1.14509

Fajar Wahyu Pribadi Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto
Muhammad Izzulfahmi Robbani S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Chasna Salsabila S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Carrissa Alifia S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Kanaya Adhira Kanti S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Vania Nafiisa Akbar S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Sofia Dewi Andini S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Naila Asy Syifa Firdaus S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Alifah Putri Nur Arrasyi S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Kharisma Adiwijaya S1 Kedokteran, Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20884/1.mhj.2025.5.1.14509

Abstract

Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine and as a food seasoning by the Indonesian community. It contains various secondary metabolites such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which are distributed from its rhizomes to its flowers. This literature review aims to provide a deeper understanding of the active compounds in kecombrang and their potential health benefits for humans. The study was conducted as a literature review using the PRISMA method, with data sources from four major databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Findings from several studies involving rats as test subjects indicate that the active compounds in kecombrang exhibit antioxidant effects that protect cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, kecombrang extract demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity by directly inhibiting the enzymes COX and lipoxygenase, thereby reducing the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.