Kaempferia parviflora (Black Ginger)
Kaempferia parviflora (Black Ginger): What is it?
Kaempferia parviflora or Black Ginger is one of most popular herbs in Thailand as it has traditionally been used in folk medicine and food for more than 100 years. Kaempferia parviflora is a perennial herb included in a family of Zingiberaceae. The plant has its origin in Thailand, locally referred as “Krachai Dum”. Among local people, Kaempferia parviflora has been recognized as health-promoting herbs since it is loaded with a wide range of medical and nutritional benefits which is commonly used to treat metabolic ailments and improve vitality. Rich in an aphrodisiac compound, the plant also has a reputation for its excellent tonic effect to relieve impotent symptoms.
Kaempferia parviflora: What it does?
Improve Sexual & Physical Capacity
Kaempferia parviflora is regarded as superior to those medication used to treat erectile and other drugs. Reputed for its aphrodisiac effect, rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora have been used as traditional medicine for various medicinal purposes including a tonic for rectifying male erectile dysfunction. In traditional medicine, rhizomes are brought to boil or soak with alcohol, used to drink as an elixir to improve sexual performance. This is due to 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, a main chemical compound belonging in flavonoid substances which is reported to possess potential sources of PDE5 inhibitors. By inhibiting PDE5, the enzymes that selectively degrade cGMP supplying the corpus cavernosum of the penis, the herb acts as medication used to treat erectile, enhancing sexual performance by increasing blood-flow to the testis and stimulating dopaminergic functions in the hypothalamus that linked to erection.
Kaempferia parviflora also increases production of testosterone, a hormone primarily responsible for the growth and development of male characteristics, especially reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate, and seminal vesicles. An increased level of testosterone has been clinically proven to improve strength, increase muscle mass, reduce body fat and increase libido. Consequently, its effect can also increase sperm density and boost vitality and sexual performance.
- Anti-inflammatory Effect
Another health benefits of Kaempferia parviflora is anti-inflammatory property which is traditionally used to treat inflammatory-related diseases, such as gout, allergy, apthous ulcer and peptic ulcer. K. parviflora has recently been used as a nutritional supplement because it is rich in anthocyanins, a bioactive compound that contains high antioxidative effects, contributing the anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improve Blood Circulation
Apart from having countless medical benefits, the plant is also healthy for blood circulation by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production, which, therefore, improves blood circulation and regulate blood pressure. Kaempferia parviflora is potentially beneficial in vascular endothelial health promotion such as prevention of arteriosclerosis.
- Relieve Anti-metabolic Syndrome
Kaempferia parviflora is also suggested to be an alternative preventive treatment for metabolic syndrome. It effectively reduces abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, offering a natural alternative that could prevent obesity. Kaempferia parviflora, therefore, is critical for the prevention of metabolic disorders, such as, hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, which are risk factors for coronary artery disease.
- Improve Brain Function
In the case of cognitive function, Kaempferia parviflora stimulates dopaminergic functions in the human brain. Parkinsons disease is caused by a loss of dopamine secreting neurons. Dopamine relays messages to the area of the brain that regulates coordinated body movements and with less dopamine people are less able to control these movements. As a result, Kaempferia parviflora can be used to improve the brain function.
Chemical Composition
- Kaempferia parviflora is reported to contain highest content of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone.
Clinical Information
In accordance to the result of human clinical trials, the recommended dosage of Kaempferia parviflora Extract is 50-150mg/day.
Official Research
In recent study, 5,7 dimethoxyflavone, the principal component of Kaempferia parviflora, is found to exhibit the most potent flavones in PDE5 inhibition.
Study also revealed that consistent oral intake of Kaempferia parviflora extract 150mg/day improved peripheral blood circulation and peripheral vasculature as well as relieved symptoms of edema. According to questionnaire survey, participants claimed that symptoms of edema, circulation, dry skin feeling and energy level noticeably improved.
In a study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Kaempferia parviflora on testicular function in streptozotocin induced diabetes rats, the findings showed that Kaempferia parviflora treatment showed significantly increased sperm density in rats after treated for 6 weeks. Many studied also indicated that the aphrodisiac properties of Kaempferia parviflora could improve of testosterone level and testicular function in rats.
In human studies on the aphrodisiac effect of ethanol extract of Kaempferia parviflora, the results showed that after treated for 2 months with Kaempferia parviflora extract (90mg/day), the participants were satisfied with the results, gaining more sex sensitivity and better ejaculation. Also, their penis sizes and erection were improved as well.
