Alpinia galanga

Overview

Alpinia galanga, commonly known as Greater Galangal, is a rhizomatous plant widely used in Ayurvedic, Unani, Traditional Chinese, and Southeast Asian medicine, as well as in culinary traditions. Medicinally, it has been associated with digestive support, anti-inflammatory effects, respiratory health, and metabolic balance.
The rhizome is the primary medicinal part used in both traditional preparations and modern pharmacological research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874116311341

Phytochemical Composition

The bioactivity of Alpinia galanga is attributed to a rich profile of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and essential oil constituents, including:

• 1′-Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA)

• Galangin

• Alpinin

• Eugenol

• Terpenoids and diarylheptanoids

ACA is considered one of the most significant bioactive compounds and has been extensively studied for its molecular effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5452224/

Antioxidant & Cellular Effects

Extracts of Alpinia galanga demonstrate antioxidant activity, including free-radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
These effects contribute to cellular protection under oxidative stress and are relevant to inflammatory and metabolic conditions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6213179/

Physiological & Systemic Research

Research on Alpinia galanga has focused on digestive, metabolic, and respiratory systems. Experimental studies suggest gastroprotective effects, modulation of digestive enzymes, and smooth-muscle activity relevant to gastrointestinal comfort.
Additional studies indicate potential cardiometabolic relevance through antioxidant and lipid-modulating mechanisms.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0

Anti-Inflammatory & Antimicrobial Activity

Alpinia galanga exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, including suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibition of NF-κB–related signaling pathways, particularly attributed to ACA.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains has also been documented, supporting its traditional use in infections and food preservation contexts.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00463/full

Safety & Toxicological Profile

Traditional culinary and medicinal use, along with toxicological studies, indicate that Alpinia galanga rhizome preparations are generally well tolerated.
No significant toxicity has been reported at customary dietary or medicinal exposure levels, though concentrated extracts warrant quality control and moderation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30206255/

Usage

Traditionally, the rhizome is used fresh or dried in decoctions, powders, and formulations to support digestion, respiratory comfort, and systemic balance.

References

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology

• Phytotherapy Research

• Frontiers in Pharmacology

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

Greater Galangal