Kaempferia parviflora
Wall. ex Baker
Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) davduf, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) davduf, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaKaempferia parviflora, the Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng or krachai dum, is an herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae, native to Thailand. Kaempferia parviflora has been the subject of increased scientific interest in recent years. In a systematic review in 2016, 683 records and 7 studies were analyzed, with a reference that krachai dum significantly increased hand grip strength and enhanced the response to sexual erotic stimuli. An earlier study found that acute dosing did not have an effect on sprint and endurance exercise in humans, but indicated that chronic effects or actions in other populations cannot be excluded. A study from 2007 found that the ethanolic extract but not the volatile oil of Kaempferia parviflora had antiallergic properties.
Description
A ginger family herb. It does not have a stem. It has a small rhizome that is deep purple inside. It grows 20 cm tall. There can be one or several leaves. They are 8-16 cm long and oval and unequal on the sides. There are a few flowers without stalks in a tuft in the centre. They are white with a purple blotch in the middle.
Edible Uses
The rhizome is eaten.
Medicinal Uses
Used in medicine.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand*,
Synonyms
Also Known As
Cepaimba, Gamon-ni, Kalahalood, Krachai dam
References (1)
- Thitiprasert, W., et al, 2007, Country report on the State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Thailand (1997-2004). FAO p 95
