大高良姜 / 红豆蔻 — Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.

Pinyin: Dàgāoliángjiāng / Hóngdòukòu · Malay: Lengkuas / Lengkuas Padang · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

Energetics

Warm (温 / 热)

Flavor

Pungent, Acrid, Aromatic (辛、微苦、芳香)

Meridians

Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺)

Traditional Edict

Warms middle burner, dispels stomach cold, transforms food stagnation, and stops vomiting. Cornerstone of Nanyang Jamu, rendang cooking, and postpartum healing baths.

Cautions & Contraindications

Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat (dry mouth, red tongue) and active gastrointestinal bleeding.

Clinical Applications

Gastric cold-dyspepsia, H. pylori-associated peptic ulcers, fungal tinea infections, male oligospermia/spermatogenesis enhancement, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Quality Markers

1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA) >= 1.00% & 1,8-Cineole (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. 1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA) blocks NF-kB nuclear translocation, suppresses iNOS and COX-2, and induces apoptosis in aberrant cells. 2. ACA elevates testicular antioxidant enzymes and testosterone, boosting sperm motility. 3. 1,8-Cineole and eugenol exert broad-spectrum antifungal membrane disruption.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried rhizome decocted 15-20 minutes: 5-10 g daily. Standardized ACA extract: 150-300 mg daily. Topical maceration for fungal skin washes.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Nanyang Spleen-Warming Dyspepsia Formula with Zingiber officinale (Sheng Jiang) and Amomum villosum (Sha Ren). 2. Rheumatic Anti-Cold Compress with Kaempferia galanga (Cekur) and Sesame Oil.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only