Kaempferia
Kaempferia, commonly known as medicinal ginger, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. These low-growing herbs are celebrated for their aromatic rhizomes and striking foliage. Rich in bioactive compounds, they offer significant therapeutic potential, particularly in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, digestive issues, and various ailments through their potent antioxidant properties.
- Scientific name: Kaempferia
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Zingiberales, it is specifically situated in the family Zingiberaceae. Its taxonomic identity is defined by its classification within the genus Kaempferia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zingiberales | WCVP |
| Family | Zingiberaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Kaempferia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found in the South-Central regions as well as throughout the Southeast. Its presence also extends to the tropical island of Hainan. In Eastern Asia, the species is specifically documented in Taiwan. Finally, its range reaches the Indian Subcontinent, particularly within the area of Assam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
Chemicals
Kaempferia has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include clerodane diterpenoids, curcuminoids, flavonoids, steroids.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| clerodane diterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| curcuminoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Kaempferia has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticholinesterase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Kaempferia has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, cancer, coughs, epilepsy, erectile dysfunction.
- Total uses
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epilepsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| erectile dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fevers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |