Galangal1
Languas galanga Rhizoma or Alpinia galanga (Galangal), also known as galangal, it is a herbal rhizome that we often use in our daily lives. Galangal originates from the grasslands of southern China and Southeast Asia. It has a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor.2 Galangal rhizomes have a wide range of uses in traditional medicine, such as for skin conditions, digestive disorders, colic, dysentery, spleen health, respiratory ailments, treating infections, and postpartum care.6
Morphology of Galangal
The galangal rhizome is large, hard, branched, fibrous, and consists of two layers. The outer layer is stiff and rough; the inner layer has coarse fibers and contains a dividing line; the rhizome breaks into fibrous pieces; the outer layer is reddish-brown, while the inner layer is yellowish-white or brownish-white.5
Galangal Active Compounds
Galangal contains a group of active compounds in volatile oil (approximately 1% consisting of alpha-pinene, cineole, and linalool), Sesquiterpene lactones (including galangol and galangin), diterpenes, and flavonoids.2
Health Benefits of Galangal
In traditional medicine, galangal is commonly used to treat muscle aches and pains due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its oil is carminative (anti-flatulence) and, in moderate doses, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Several studies on the therapeutic activity of galangal in human subjects have been conducted, including:
- Refreshing the body
- Subjects: 62 healthy people aged 18-55 years
- Dosage: 1 x 300 mg Aqueous extract of Garlic (30% glycosides, 3% polyenols, 3% flavonoids, and 1% tannins) per day
- Duration: 28 days
- Results: Significant increase in alertness levels (alertness), reaction time, energy, and reduction in fatigue & daytime sleepiness compared to placebo.3
- Joint Pain
- Subjects: 45 patientsRheumatoid Arthritis(joint inflammation) elderly
- Dosage: Apply a compress of boiled galangal for 20 minutes/day (350 grams of fresh galangal boiled in 2 liters of water)
- Duration: 1x compress application (1 day)
- Results: Galangal warm compresses are effective in reducing the intensity of arthritis pain scale in the elderly by up to 80%.4
Safety
Based on clinical studies, the use of galangal as a traditional medicine is relatively safe and does not cause significant side effects. Mild side effects such as headache and fever were reported, but hematological parameters and vital function tests for all subjects showed good results.3
Keywords: Galanga languages;Galangal; Anti-bloating; Refreshing; Joint Pain; Digestive Disorders; Colic; Dysentery
Footer References
- Source
- Image: Vecteezy.com
- Chevallier A.Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. DK Publishing; 2016. ISBN: 978-1-4654-4981-8.
- Ereiah MM, Kundapur M, Joshua L, Thomas JV. Alpinia galanga Extract Increases Alertness, Focus, and Energy While Lowering Fatigue and Daytime Sleepiness with Four Weeks Supplementation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, PlaceboControlled, Cross-Over Study in Human Subjects. Curr Res Cmpl All With. 2023; 7(4): 209.
- Hanum P, Harahap RF, Anggeria E, Silaban VF, Siregar DN, Tindaon RL. The Effect ofAlpinia GalangaWarm Compress in Reducing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Intensity in the Elderly: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. 2022;16(4): 356-368.
