Why Black Ginger Extract Is Good For You?

Black ginger extract has been used for over a thousand years and modern science has shown this interesting ingredient to be beneficial for many conditions. Read on to learn more about what black ginger is, how it is used in cooking, and how it can be used as a supplement.  

What is black ginger? 

Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng, black turmeric, Krachai dum - this ingredient goes by a variety of names that may not be new to you. Traditionally, ginger is a popular food ingredient and a supplement known for its ability to aid in digestive health. 

Black ginger has a powerful nutritional profile and health benefits.  

The botanical name for black ginger is Kaempferia parviflora, which is a native Thai plant and a member of the ginger family or ginger family.  

Kaempferia parviflora root has been used in Thai traditional medicine for over a thousand years. This amazing ingredient has been used for allergies, diarrhea, diabetes, allergies, impotence, etc. 

Black Ginger Extract Uses 

Although you may rarely see black ginger in your local coffee shop, the dried rhizome of this plant is traditionally crushed and put into tea bags. The fresh rhizome of black ginger has been used in brewing and is considered an aphrodisiac. 

Compared to traditional ginger, black ginger is darker in color. The two types of ginger look the same on the outside, but the inside of black ginger is a deep purple color. 

Black ginger extract is available in powder form, liquid form and capsule form. The powdered form is marketed as a food ingredient.  

The black ginger extract powder enlivens the flavor of many dishes from curry dishes to overnight oats to sweet bread. If the pungent taste of ginger doesn't appeal to you, you can take it in capsule or supplement form.

Promotes sexual health 

In ancient Thai history, men suffering from erectile dysfunction consumed black ginger as a folklore solution to the problem. Historically, it was also favored by women as it was allegedly used to increase sexual desire.

The science behind the use of black ginger in the bedroom is its inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase 5. Be sexy! In case you didn't know, Viagra is a PDE inhibitor that increases sexual performance in men. Therefore, black ginger works as a natural PDE inhibitor, allowing it to live up to its reputation for promoting male sexual health.KPE promotes the production of nitric oxide, which aids in penile erection by helping muscles relax.

In a 2018 pilot study, ethanolic extract of Kaempferia sana was given to 14 older men with erectile dysfunction for 30 days. In a self-reported questionnaire, 13 men reported results that proved statistically significant in terms of improved erectile function and increased sexual satisfaction. 

Improves physical performance  

If you're an athlete or fitness fanatic, black ginger extract may be particularly useful for improving your training ability. 

In a 2016 study on black ginger, Kaempferia extract (KPE) was administered orally to 15 male mice for one month. (These mice showed increased physical efficacy, muscular endurance and grip strength). The study explains that KPE contains polymethoxyflavonoids (PMF), which are important contributors to the activation of cellular metabolism called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK has been claimed to enhance fat metabolism, muscle endurance and physical function.  

In addition, in a 12-week randomized controlled study of young athletes, daily administration of KPE capsules resulted in significant improvements in right hand grip strength compared to a placebo control group.

Increased Energy Expenditure 

Imagine burning more calories after taking a dose of KPE. That's what happened in a 2015 study that concluded that KPE increased the activation of brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in energy expenditure. 

These results are similar to the results of a 2014 study on the effects of KPE on brown adipose tissue in mice. 

Studies like this one suggest a potential impact of black ginger on the prevention of weight gain. 

Anti-cancer  

Although more research is needed, black ginger extract may be a natural way to fight cancer. 

In a 2018 study, ovarian cancer cells were treated with KPE and cell proliferation and cell migration were found to be positively inhibited. kPE induced cell death. 

In a 2017 study, KPE was also found to significantly inhibit cell migration in cervical cancer cells. 

Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory  

Today, common acne affects many people worldwide. Bacteria are responsible for acne, including strains of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus . In one study, different concentrations of KPE were tested on these pro-inflammatory bacteria, and higher concentrations of KPE were associated with reduced viability of both bacterial strains. This was associated with a reduction in the bacteria and the inflammation they cause. 

Bottom Line

Black ginger extract may be a healthy alternative to some conventional drugs that may have side effects. It comes in a variety of forms. It can be added to sweet and savory dishes, or as a dietary supplement. Always consult your dietitian or doctor before trying any new supplements.

If you are allergic to traditional ginger, it is best to avoid black ginger as well.