Alpinia officinarum
Alpinia officinarum, commonly known as lesser galangal, is a plant in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to China, growing in the southeastern part of the country. The plant is cultivated for its rhizome, which is used as a spice and in traditional medicine.
Description[edit | edit source]
Alpinia officinarum is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are lanceolate and the flowers are white with streaks of red, growing in a terminal spike. The fruit is a small red berry.
The rhizome of the plant is aromatic and has a pungent, spicy taste. It is brown on the outside and orange or red on the inside.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Alpinia officinarum is cultivated in several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam. The plant prefers a tropical climate and well-drained soil. It is propagated by dividing the rhizome.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The rhizome of Alpinia officinarum is used as a spice in several Asian cuisines. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the rhizome is used to treat stomach ailments, inflammation, and certain types of pain. It is also used as a digestive aid.
Research[edit | edit source]
Research on Alpinia officinarum has focused on its potential medicinal properties. Studies have found that the plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand how the plant can be used in medicine.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Zingiberaceae Stub | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
