kaempferia parviflora

Black ginger, is a perennial herb of the ginger family Zingiberaceae, native to Thailand and Southeast Asia[2][3][5][6][7]. The rhizome, which is dark purple to black inside, has a long history in Thai traditional medicine as a tonic and remedy for a variety of conditions. Its pharmacological activity is mainly attributed to **polymethoxy flavonoids** and other phenolic compounds. Reported mechanisms of action include activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PI3K/Akt pathways, leading to improved glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, muscle protein synthesis, and enhanced energy metabolism[1][2][5]. Traditionally, black ginger has been used to treat colic, ulcers, allergies, gout, fatigue, sexual dysfunction (as an aphrodisiac), and as a general body tonic[5][6][7]. In modern studies, it has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiobesity, anticancer, vasorelaxant, antimicrobial, and skin-protective properties[1][5][7]. Human studies suggest benefits for physical fitness (such as grip strength), sexual health, energy, and possibly cognitive protection, although definitive pharmaceutical uses require more evidence[2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

black gingerThai ginsengkrachai dumblack turmericblack galangalKrachaidamKrachaidam HoiKDKaempferia parviflora