Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
泰国黑生姜 / 黑生姜 / 小花山柰 — Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker
Pinyin: Tàiguó Hēishēngjiāng / Hēishēngjiāng · Malay: Krachai Dam / Kunyit Hitam Siam / Halia Hitam · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)
Energetics
Warm (温)
Flavor
Pungent, slightly bitter, aromatic (辛、微苦、芳香)
Meridians
Kidney (肾), Spleen (脾), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Fortifies Kidney Yang, supplements vital essence and stamina, activates microvascular circulation, and dispels fatigue. Reuired warrior tonic ("Thai Ginseng") of Muay Thai fighters for centuries.
Cautions & Contraindications
- High safety in clinical athletic trials. Use caution when co-administered with synthetic PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) to prevent additive hypotension. Contraindicated in severe Yin deficiency dry heat.
Clinical Applications
- Erectile dysfunction (selective PDE5 enzyme inhibition), athletic endurance, metabolic obesity (brown adipose thermogenesis), sarcopenia, and vascular flexibility.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone and trimethoxyflavone selectively inhibit PDE5 (elevating cGMP and promoting arterial penile engorgement) and enhance nitric oxide release. 2. Activates AMPK and SIRT1, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. 3. Stimulates UCP1 expression in brown adipose tissue.
Preparation & Dosage
Sliced dried dark purple rhizomes decocted 15-20 minutes: 3-9 g daily. Standardized Black Ginger Extract (SIRTMAX / Krachai Dam extract >= 5% PMFs): 100-250 mg daily.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Imperial Nanyang Mitochondrial Vigor Synergy with Polyalthia cinnamomea (Black Tongkat Ali) and Epimedium. 2. Metabolic AMPK Lipolytic Formula with Garcinia atroviridis (Asam Gelugur).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only