Traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Roscoea purpurea Sm.

Background: Roscoea purpurea Sm. (Zingiberaceae) is an important Himalayan plant used as tonic and for the treatment of various diseases. Methods: The scientific information about traditional uses, bioactive compounds, biological activities were collected from published research articles, books, online scholarly databases such Scopus, SciFinder PubMed. Results: R. a valuable medicinal in system Ayurveda also locally diabetes, urinary troubles, etc. Various compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids diterpenoids are reported mainly rhizomes. extracts obtained rhizomes showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic oxidative DNA damage protecting activities. Conclusion: study highlighted purpurea. Published articles suggest that rich with pharmacological importance. Rhizomes can be potential source development functional foods nutritional products. As most bioactivity analyses based on in-vitro assays, future studies should focus more vivo clinical studies. Keywords: Roscoea, kakoli, rasgari,