Evidence supporting the use of: Alpinia galangal
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpinia galangal, commonly known as galangal, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Southeast Asian folk medicine. In these traditions, galangal rhizomes are employed to address respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and throat irritation. The rationale for its use often centers around its warming, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to help soothe the respiratory tract and facilitate the expulsion of mucus. However, scientific studies specifically investigating the efficacy of Alpinia galangal for spastic cough are limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitussive properties in galangal extracts, likely due to bioactive compounds such as galangin and 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate. These properties could theoretically support its use for cough, but robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. As such, while the traditional use of galangal for cough is well-documented, scientific validation remains minimal and primarily preclinical. The overall evidence supporting Alpinia galangal for spastic cough is rated as low (2 out of 5), relying mainly on its traditional use and preliminary pharmacological studies rather than definitive clinical trials.

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