KENCUR

Kencur1

Kaempferia galanga (Kencur) is a rhizome plant from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that has a distinctive aroma and is often used as a cooking spice, herbal remedy, and traditional medicine. This plant is known to have health benefits, such as relieving muscle aches and stiffness.2,5 In addition, Kencur is traditionally used to relieve sore throats and coughs.6

Morphology of Kencur

The kencur plant has a short, pseudostem that forms a rhizome. It has fibrous roots that form tubers ranging in shape from nearly round to oblong or irregular; the tubers are brown to reddish-brown in color, with a white to brownish-white interior.3,7

Kencur Active Compounds

Kencur contains the active compounds cineole and cinnamic acid, which help reduce pain and discomfort by acting on nerve tissues throughout the body and in the brain, and by interacting with opioid-like receptors in a manner similar to pain relievers. Additionally, Kencur contains an active compound called ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC), which can help control inflammatory responses by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.2

Health Benefits of Galangal

1. Analgesic/Pain reliever

Studies of Kencur extract and Kencur rice in humans have shown that 200 ml of a 10% Kencur extract administered orally has analgesic effects comparable to those of 500 mg of metamizole. Meanwhile, studies on Kencur rice have shown that Kencur rice has analgesic effects comparable to those of novalgin.3

Literature Study:

• Subjects: 35 patients with knee Osteoarthritis
• Research dose: Kencur extract 160 mg
• Results: Kencur extract has an effect nearly equivalent to that of meloxicam (an anti-inflammatory drug) in reducing symptoms of pain, stiffness, and impaired physical function. There were no significant differences in TNF-α and PGE2 levels (markers of inflammation) compared to meloxicam.5

Safety

Kencur is listed in the Formularium Obat Herbal Asli Indonesia [Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan RI No. 6 Tahun 2016] with an analgesic antipyretic indication.3Acute and subacute toxicity studies in rats indicate that ethanol rhizome extract does not cause death or organ damage at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg as a single dose.4

Keywords: Kencur; Kaempferia galanga; Muscle aches; Anti-inflammatory; Pain reliever; Cough

Footer References

• References
• Image: shutterstock.com
• Andriyono, Reandy.Kaempferia galangaL. as Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic.Health Journal. 2019; 10(495). doi: 10.26630/jk.v10i3.1458.
• Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 6 of 2016 concerning the Formulary of Original Indonesian Herbal Medicines. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia; 2016.
• Taslim NA, Djide MN, Rifai YU, Syahruddin AN, Rampo YR, Mustamin MU, Angriawan SI. Double-blind randomized clinical trial ofKaempferia galanga l extract as an anti-inflammation (prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) on osteoarthritis. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2019; 12(5): 63-6.
• Kanjanapothi D, Panthong A, Lertprasertsuke N, et al. Toxicity of crude rhizome extract of Kaempferia galanga L. (Proh Hom). J Ethnopharmacol. 2004; 90(2-3): 359-365. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.10.020.
• Indonesian Essay.Medicinal Herb Index in Indonesia. 2nd Ed. PT. Esai Indonesia; 1995.
• Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Farmakope Herbal Indonesia Edisi II. Kementerian Kesehatan RI; 2017