Kencur Dried Rhizome Liquid Extract
Also known as: Kencur, aromatic ginger, galangal, Kaempferia galanga L.
Overview
Kencur dried rhizome liquid extract is derived from the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. This botanical extract is traditionally utilized in Southeast Asian medicine, primarily for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue properties. The extract is typically prepared by extracting dried rhizomes using ethanol and is incorporated into various formulations, including topical plasters and oral syrups. While research on kencur extract is emerging and shows promising preliminary results, it is currently limited, consisting mainly of preclinical animal studies and in vitro experiments. There is a notable absence of large-scale human clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses specifically focusing on kencur dried rhizome liquid extract, indicating that its efficacy and safety in humans are not yet well-established.
Benefits
Research on Kencur dried rhizome liquid extract suggests several potential benefits, though the evidence is primarily from preclinical studies and requires human confirmation. - **Anti-inflammatory:** Multiple animal studies have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, ethanol extracts at doses ranging from 45 to 250 mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and mice, with effects sometimes comparable to diclofenac sodium. This suggests a strong potential for reducing inflammation, though these findings are from acute animal models and may not directly translate to chronic human inflammatory conditions. - **Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potential:** In vitro studies have shown dose-dependent inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, indicating a potential role in managing blood glucose levels by reducing post-meal sugar spikes. Additionally, the extract exhibits free radical scavenging activity, suggesting antioxidant properties. While promising, these are in vitro findings and require in vivo and human clinical trials to confirm their relevance and efficacy. - **Anti-fatigue:** One animal study reported that kencur extract increased endurance swimming time in rats, suggesting a possible anti-fatigue effect. This finding is preliminary and needs further investigation to understand its mechanism and applicability to human fatigue.
How it works
The anti-inflammatory activity of Kencur dried rhizome liquid extract is primarily attributed to its rich content of flavonoids, such as kaempferol, and other phenolic compounds. These compounds are believed to inhibit inflammatory mediators and reduce edema formation by modulating various biochemical pathways involved in the inflammatory response. The extract's antioxidant effects stem from its polyphenolic compounds, which act as free radical scavengers, neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species. Its potential anti-diabetic properties are thought to arise from the inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, specifically alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which would lead to reduced absorption of glucose and thus lower postprandial blood sugar spikes. The exact mechanisms of absorption and bioavailability in humans are not yet well-characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data for Kencur dried rhizome liquid extract are currently unavailable. Animal studies conducted to date have not reported overt toxicity at the tested doses, suggesting a relatively low acute toxicity profile in these models. However, this does not guarantee safety in humans, especially with long-term use or in specific populations. There are no documented adverse effects or drug interactions reported in the reviewed scientific literature. Due to the significant lack of human clinical safety data, caution is strongly advised when considering the use of this extract. Individuals should be aware that potential side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications may exist but are currently unknown. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Kencur extract, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Kencur dried rhizome liquid extract due to the absence of human clinical trials. Dosage recommendations are currently based on animal studies, which used doses ranging from 45 to 250 mg/kg body weight for anti-inflammatory effects. It is important to note that animal dosages do not directly translate to human dosages and should not be used as a basis for self-medication. The extract is typically prepared as an ethanol extract and has been incorporated into various formulations, including topical plasters and oral syrups in traditional use. Without human clinical data, specific timing considerations, different dosages for various purposes, or definitive upper limits and safety thresholds cannot be provided. Any use of this extract should be approached with extreme caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is kencur extract safe for humans?
Human safety data for kencur extract are currently lacking. While animal studies suggest low toxicity, clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety profile in humans before it can be widely recommended.
How quickly does it work?
Animal studies investigating anti-inflammatory effects showed results within hours after administration. However, the onset of action in humans is not known and may vary.
Can it replace conventional anti-inflammatory drugs?
Current evidence is insufficient to suggest kencur extract as a replacement for conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. It may have adjunctive potential, but more research is needed to determine its role in treatment.
Research Sources
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a102/54a15a9b2a80c064da3c16d223d888806d4c.pdf – This study, an RCT in mice, found that a 250 mg/kg ethanol extract of kencur significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema. The findings suggest anti-inflammatory potential but are limited by the small sample size and animal model.
- https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/effectiveness-of-anti-inflammatory-plaster-from-kencur-kaempferia-galanga-l-rhizome-ethanol-extract/ – This animal study on male Wistar rats demonstrated that an anti-inflammatory plaster containing kencur extract significantly reduced inflammation compared to a control. The research supports the traditional use of kencur for inflammation, though it lacks human data.
- https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icch-19/125933908 – This RCT in female rats showed that ethanol extract doses of 45-180 mg/kg of kencur significantly inhibited edema, with effects comparable to diclofenac. The study provides further evidence for kencur's anti-inflammatory properties in an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9926592/ – This in vitro study investigated kencur's potential, revealing dose-dependent inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, along with antioxidant activity. While promising for anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects, these findings are preliminary and require in vivo confirmation.
- https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol12/jppres24.1969_12.6.1170.pdf – This animal RCT on male Wistar rats indicated that kencur extract increased swimming time, suggesting an anti-fatigue effect. The study provides preliminary evidence for this benefit, but further research is needed to confirm and understand the mechanism.