Black Ginger

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Kaempferia Parviflora (Thai Ginseng) is a root plant that is touted to be an aphrodisiac and glucose support agent, with its effects on testosterone and aphrodisia relatively unresearched; it may be (slightly) erectogenic by various mechanisms.

    Summary

    Kaempferia Parviflora (Thai Ginseng) is a herb that has some historical and medicinal usage for treating metabolic ailments and improving vitality in Thailand and limited to surrounding regions. It is also reported to be an aphrodisiac compound and physical enhancer.

    Currently, the research on Thai Ginseng is at a moderate level and starting to get human trials. It appears to be 'healthy' and a good source of a class of bioflavonoid compounds with methoxy groups added to them, known as methoxyflavones.

    That being said, the research on its aphrodisiac effects in mice indicate that low doses are weak to moderate in potency and higher doses fail to exert any aphrodisiac effect. It does not appear to increase testosterone in otherwise normal rats (although it may in castrated rats), and although it appears to have a variety of mechanisms to be pro-erectile, these have not been tested for potency in a living system. The mechanism of pro-erectility is fairly unique and interesting, but the one study to investigate whether or not it could inhibit PDE5 (one of the mechanisms of Viagra) failed to establish whether it was selective. Selective PDE5 inhibitors are good pro-erectiles without many side-effects, but the non-selectivity (currently not established) may lead to gastrointestinal side effects.

    At least one study has noted that it can increase functionality and cardiovascular performance in otherwise healthy persons over 60, but an acute study in youth failed to find any performance enhancing effects at 1.35g (recommended dose, or at least near it).

    Currently, Thai Ginseng seems to be weakly promising on proerectility with the other claims not really being better than other possible supplement choices.

    What are other names for Black Ginger

    Note that Black Ginger is also known as:
    • Krachai Dum
    • Black Turmeric
    • Black Galingale
    • Thai Ginseng
    • Kaempferia Parviflora
    Black Ginger should not be confused with:
    • Kaempferol (an isolated flavonoid)
    • Turmeric (looks similar
    • different active compounds)

    Dosage information

    According to traditional usage of Kaempferia Parviflora,[1] 0.5-1 teaspoon of ground power is made into a tea and drank about 1-2 hours before physical performance. This is similar to the recommended daily dose from the Thai traditional medicine institute of 1.2g daily, and the one human study on the matter (failing to note benefit acutely) used 1.35g.

    General health protective effects have been noted at lower doses, although not enough evidence exists to suggest an optimal dose.

    Research Breakdown

    References

    1. ^Wasuntarawat C, Pengnet S, Walaikavinan N, Kamkaew N, Bualoang T, Toskulkao C, McConell GNo effect of acute ingestion of Thai ginseng (Kaempferia parviflora) on sprint and endurance exercise performance in humansJ Sports Sci.(2010 Sep)