Galangale rhizoma

Galangae rhizoma, also known as galangal rhizome, is a drug made from the crushed rhizome of galangal. According to the specifications of Commission E, the drug is used to treat dyspeptic complaints, mild loss of appetite and mild biliary colic, among other things.

Quality is listed in the Ph Helv. (see under Pharmacopoeia) and DAC.

ESCOP: not processed

HMPC: not processed

Commission E Monograph: Dyspeptic complaints

Empirical medicine: Stomachic and tonic for loss of appetite and indigestion. Aromatic, stomachic, analgesic, antiemetic, tonic, stimulant and aphrodisiac without proof of efficacy.

Galangae rhizoma contains 0.5 to 1 % essential oil, pungent substances consisting of various diarylheptanoids (alpinol, galangol) and gingerol (phenylalkanol) as well as flavonoids.

Galangae rhizoma has spasmolytic, antibacterial and antiphlogistic effects. The antiphlogistic effect is achieved by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Galangae rhizoma is used for dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, mild biliary colic and painful upper abdominal syndrome (Roemheld complex).

Folk: Chinese traditional medicine: as an aromatic, stomachic, analgesic and antiemetic, also for rheumatism, bronchial catarrh and respiratory problems, especially in children. It is also used as a tonic, stimulant and aphrodisiac. Its effectiveness for these indications has not yet been proven.

The daily dose is 2 to 4 g of the drug or tincture.

There are no known adverse effects.

There are no known contraindications.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

Galangae rhizoma has a high value in popular medicine for numerous, insufficiently validated indications, both as a monodrug and in fixed combinations.

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