All parts of the Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)—the bark, rhizome, fruit, leaves and seeds—are used medicinally. Preparations of the fruit are used to treat sores, the rhizomes for headaches, the inflorescence used for coughs, and a decoction of the leaves is used for digestive issues. Yet, there are many other traditional uses. From this plant are also made perfumes, dyes, fiber papers and other products.
Originally Malaysian natives, these plants are now grown throughout the world in tropical climates for the beauty of their flowers and as cut flowers. Red Ginger is also naturalized in many areas and considered an invasive weed in certain parts of the world.
The Red Ginger produces a plume of bracts that look like the flower, year-round, but really the true flower is a small white flower on top. Similar to ginger, it has a growth habit with spreading rhizomes sending up stalks bearing lush green leaves and topped by a flower.
Through scientific investigation, Red Ginger has been confirmed to have vasodilator effects, correlating with the content of phenolic compounds in extracts. Extracts of the rhizome showed wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and the leaves were found to have antimycobacterial, as well as anti-inflammatory activity, potentially also useful for tuberculosis.
Other reported activities through scientific investigation include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, apoptotic, larvicidal, and hypotensive partially mediated through nitric oxide, as well as a novel CXC Chemokine Receptor-4 Inhibitor.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.