kaempferia galanga

*Kaempferia galanga*, commonly known as aromatic ginger or kencur, is a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family native to Southeast Asia and Southern China. It is extensively utilized in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, pain, and digestive disorders. The plant's pharmacological profile is largely attributed to its essential oil and specific chemical constituents, most notably ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) and ethyl cinnamate. EPMC has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and suppressing the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Additionally, the extract exhibits vasorelaxant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. While widely available as a dietary supplement and culinary ingredient, it is not currently approved as a pharmaceutical drug by major regulatory agencies like the FDA.

Other names

aromatic gingerresurrection lilykencursand gingercutcherryshan naicekur