Black ginger extract has been used for more than a thousand years and modern science has shown this interesting ingredient to be beneficial for many conditions. Keep reading to learn more about what black ginger is, how it is used in cooking, and how it is used as a supplement.
What Is Black Ginger?
Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng, black turmeric, Krachai dum– this ingredient goes by multiple names that may be new to you. Traditional ginger is a popular food ingredient, and supplement known for its aid in digestive health.
Black ginger has powerful nutrition components and health benefits as well.
The botanical name of black ginger is Kaempferia parviflora, which is indigenous to Thailand and a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family (source).
Kaempferia parviflora rhizome has been used in more than a thousand years in Thai traditional medicine. This amazing ingredient has been used for allergies, diarrhea, diabetes, allergies, impotence, and more (source).
Black Ginger Extract Uses
Though it may be uncommon to see black ginger in your local coffee shop, the dried rhizome of the plant is traditionally crushed and put into tea bags. Black ginger’s fresh rhizome has been used in wine brewing and is known to be an aphrodisiac (source).
Compared to traditional ginger, black ginger is darker in color. The two gingers look the same on the outside, but black ginger boasts a deep purple color on the inside.
Black ginger extract is found in powdered form, a liquid form, and encapsulated. The powdered form is on the market as a food ingredient (source).
Black ginger extract powder livens up the flavor of many dishes from curry dishes to overnight oats to sweetbreads. If the pungent and spicy taste of ginger is unappealing to you, you can take it in an encapsulated or supplement form.
Black Ginger Supplement
Black ginger extract is more readily available as a dietary supplement versus a food ingredient. The preparation of the supplements includes pills made from powdered black ginger extract with honey, medicinal liquor plus honey, blended with other herbs, and in capsule and tablet forms (source).
Though traditional ginger supplements are more widely available, you can order black ginger extract on Amazon or directly from an online supplement store.
Black Ginger Health Benefits
Black ginger is rich in amino acids, selenium, and antioxidants like tannins, anthocyanins (source), and flavonoids (source). Here are five evidenced-based health benefits of black ginger extract.
- Promotes Sexual Health
- Increases Physical Performance
- Increases Energy Expenditure
- Anti Cancer
- Anti Microbial and Anti Inflammatory
Promotes Sexual Health
In Thai ancient history, men with erectile dysfunction ingested black ginger as a folklore remedy to the problem (source). Historically, it has also been favored by women because of its purported use in increasing libido (source).
The science behind black ginger’s use in the bedroom is its inhibitory effect on Phosphodiesterase5 (PDE5) (source). Sexy right? If you didn’t know, Viagra is a type of PDE inhibitor that makes it possible to increase sexual performance in men (source). Thus, black ginger functions as a natural PDE inhibitor allowing it to live up to its reputation for boosting men’s sexual health. KPE promotes the production of nitric oxide (source), which aids in penile erection by helping the muscles relax (source).
In a 2018 pilot study, Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract was given to 14 older adult men with erectile dysfunction for 30 days. In a self-reported questionnaire, 13 of the men reported results that proved statistically significant in erectile function improvements and increased sex satisfaction (source).
Increases Physical Performance
If you are an athlete or fitness fanatic, black ginger extract may be of particular interest to improve your ability to train.
In a 2016 study on black ginger, Kaempferia parviflora extract (KPE) was administered orally to 15 male mice for one month (source). Physical performance efficacy, muscle endurance, and grip strength increased in these mice (source). The study explained that KPE contains polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) that activate a significant contributor to cell metabolism called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (source). Some claim AMPK enhances fat metabolism, muscle endurance, and physical performance (source).
Additionally, in a 12-week randomized control study on young athletes, KPE capsules were given daily, showing significant improvements in right-hand grip strength compared to the placebo-controlled group (source).
Increases Energy Expenditure
Imagine burning more calories after taking a single dose of KPE. That’s what happened in a 2015 study that concluded KPE increases the activation of brown adipose tissue (source). Brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in energy expenditure (source).
These results are similar to the findings of a 2014 study on KPE’s effect on brown adipose tissue in mice (source).
Studies like these show black gingers’ potential impact on weight gain prevention.
Anti-Cancer
Black ginger extract may be a natural way to fight cancer, though more studies are needed.
Ovarian cancer cells were treated with KPE in a 2018 study finding that the proliferation of cells and cell migration was actively suppressed. KPE induced cell death (source).
In a 2017 study, KPE was also found to significantly suppress the cell migration of cervical cancer cells (source).
Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammatory
Acne vulgaris affects many people today all over the globe. Bacteria is the culprit behind acne, which includes strains like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. In a study, various concentrations of KPE were tested on these pro-inflammatory bacteria (source). The higher the concentration of KPE correlated with reduced viability of both bacterial strains (source). This was associated with reducing bacteria and the inflammation they caused.
Bottom Line
Black ginger extract may be a healthy alternative to some traditional medications that may have side effects. It is available in several forms. It can be added to sweet and savory dishes alike or taken as a dietary supplement. Please be sure to consult your dietitian or doctor before trying any new supplement.
If you are allergic to traditional ginger, it may be best to avoid black ginger as well.
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Thanks black ginger good information .
ReplyCAN I TAKE BACK GINGER FOR POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION IN MY FEET I HAVE HAD A STROKE
ReplyHi Bob. You should definitely ask your cardiologist and pharmacist.
ReplyCan I take black ginger if I have a pacemaker fitted
ReplyIt is best to ask your cardiologist.
ReplyI read somewhere that black ginger is good or/helpful for kidneys and blood flw. I have high blood pressure and kidneys play up sometimes. Will black ginger be beneficial to me? Have also read some people calling black tumeric to be black ginger … are they the same thing?
ReplyHi Alex, Anytime a person has kidney issues, it is definitely best to see your nephrologist and a Registered Dietitian before taking any supplements. They would have to know all of your medications and labs to give you safe recommendations. I am not familiar with black tumeric…maybe that will be a future blog post!
ReplyHi there
ReplyApparently it also can cure ulser and gas. Is it true us I am about to get this.
I purchased 500 mg capsules from EBay and also ordered the root and I’m currently growing it also purchased powdered version. Very pretty plant and capsules are ok size to swallow. I have Polycythemia Vera and has had no affect or benefit also no benefit for ED. Powder taste ok with fruit smoothies but again zero benefit, endurance is unchanged.
ReplyCan you take black ginger while having chemotherapy.
ReplyThis is definitely a question for your oncologist. Generally speaking it is best to avoid supplements with chemotherapy unless specifically ordered by your doctor. I wish you the best.
ReplyVery interested as I have high blood pressure and trouble getting hard downstairs
ReplyHi there. I was wondering if you knew of a safe place to order black ginger from. I’ve been looking everywhere for it with no luck. Can you please recomend me a reliable source?
ReplyMuch appreciated
Laszlo
Hi Laszlo! Thanks for your message. I’ve added some shopping links to this post.
ReplyWhere can the black ginger tea be purchased?
ReplyJG
Hi Joseph, I added some shopping links to this post. Thank you for your message!
ReplyHi I was wondering if there was any information on the safety of consuming black ginger while breastfeeding ?
ReplyHi Kelsey. I have not been able to find any definitive reference about this. Since we don’t have proof that it is safe, it is best to assume it is not. If you find a good reference on this, I’d definitely be interested in learning more. Thank you for this great question!
Reply