Black ginger (kaempferia parviflora)
Synopsis of black ginger
Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora), also known as Thai ginseng or Krachaidam, is a rhizomatous herb in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, native to Thailand and Southeast Asia. Unlike regular ginger, its interior is a striking deep purple to black, and it has been used for centuries in Thai traditional medicine as a tonic for energy, vitality, and male reproductive health. In recent years, black ginger has gained international attention for its ergogenic, cognitive-enhancing, and anti-aging properties.
Black ginger is rich in methoxyflavones, especially 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, which contribute to its pharmacological effects:
- Improves physical performance and endurance by enhancing mitochondrial energy production
- Supports circulation and nitric oxide production, aiding blood flow and erectile function
- Reduces fatigue and enhances recovery from physical exertion
- Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic function, beneficial in metabolic syndrome and diabetes
- Enhances cognitive function and mood via dopaminergic modulation
- Offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects
It is often taken as a powdered capsule, extract, tea, or functional beverage, especially in sports nutrition, anti-aging, and men’s health products.
Historical Use:
In traditional Thai medicine, black ginger has been used for centuries as a general revitalizing tonic, particularly for men’s stamina, libido, and longevity. It was believed to increase internal heat and circulation, treat digestive and muscular ailments, and enhance vitality during aging. It has been used both as a food ingredient and herbal remedy, sometimes combined with honey or alcohol for enhanced effect.
Unlike other ginger species, black ginger has not been as widely referenced in Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine, though its properties align with herbs that boost yang energy, invigorate blood, and combat fatigue.
Today, black ginger is studied for its role in sports performance, sexual health, metabolic regulation, and healthy aging, making it a modern botanical adaptogen with deep traditional roots. It is especially popular in Southeast Asia and increasingly used worldwide in nutraceuticals and functional health formulas.
Black ginger is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Weight Loss (Scientific)
black ginger is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Traditional)
Testosterone (Scientific)
