Galangal denotes the root of various plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, with lesser galangal, scientifically known as Alpinia officinarum, being the most frequently utilized variety.
People can consume galangal, like ginger and turmeric, either fresh or cooked, making it a favored ingredient in numerous dishes from Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai cuisines.
Additionally, this spice is reputed for its medicinal properties, believed to aid in treating infections, alleviating inflammation, enhancing male fertility, and potentially combating various forms of cancer.
This article examines the advantages and safety of galangal root while drawing comparisons with ginger and turmeric.
Potential benefits
Traditional medicine practitioners have utilized galangal root to treat various health issues, and a growing body of scientific research supports these applications.
Rich in antioxidants
Galangal root is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are beneficial phytochemicals that assist in combating diseases and safeguarding cells from harmful free radicals.
It is particularly high in polyphenols, a category of antioxidants associated with numerous health advantages, including enhanced cognitive function and reduced levels of blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Polyphenols are also believed to offer protection against cognitive decline, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have identified a connection between the health benefits of ginger and turmeric, which share a close relationship with galangal root, and their significant levels of polyphenols.
Nevertheless, no research has definitively connected galangal root to these outcomes, indicating that further investigation is necessary before drawing firm conclusions.
Potential cancer protection
Galangal root may offer protective effects against certain cancer types.
In vitro studies indicate that the active component of galangal root, known as galangin, may induce apoptosis in cancer cells or inhibit their proliferation.
Specifically, one study demonstrated the spice’s capacity to eliminate two strains of human colon cancer cells. Additional research suggests it may also combat breast, bile duct, skin, and liver cancer cells.
However, it is important to note that findings from test-tube studies do not automatically translate to human applications. While the results have been encouraging, further research involving human subjects is required.
Enhance male fertility
Recent studies indicate that galangal root may have the potential to enhance male fertility.
In a particular animal study, researchers observed an increase in both sperm count and motility in rats that received galangal root extract.
Additionally, a three-month study involving 66 men with suboptimal sperm quality revealed that those who consumed a daily supplement of galangal root and pomegranate fruit extract experienced a 62% enhancement in sperm motility, whereas the placebo group only saw a 20% improvement.
While these results are noteworthy, researchers remain uncertain whether galangal root alone caused the observed effects or if pomegranate fruit extract also played a significant role.
Additional human studies are necessary to clarify the impact of galangal root on male fertility.
Alleviate Inflammation and Pain
Galangal root may mitigate inflammation associated with various diseases because it contains HMP, a naturally occurring phytochemical that has shown significant anti-inflammatory properties in test-tube and animal studies.
Additionally, members of the Zingiberaceae family, such as galangal, appear to provide mild pain relief, which is often associated with inflammation.
For example, in a 6-week study involving 261 individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis, 63% of participants who took a daily ginger and galangal extract reported a decrease in knee pain while standing, compared to 50% of those receiving a placebo.
Nevertheless, further research focusing specifically on the pain-relieving effects of galangal root is required to draw definitive conclusions.
Protection against infections
The essential oils derived from galangal root have the potential to combat various microorganisms.
Consequently, incorporating galangal root into certain foods may enhance their shelf life. Additionally, using fresh galangal root in your culinary preparations could lower the likelihood of vibriosis, an infection linked to the consumption of undercooked shellfish.
Moreover, laboratory studies indicate that galangal root may be effective in eliminating harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhi, although the degree of effectiveness may differ across various studies.
Lastly, some investigations propose that galangal root may provide defense against fungi, yeasts, and parasites, although there is not unanimous agreement among all studies.
Precautions and side effects
Galangal root has a long history of use in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, and it is generally considered safe when ingested in the quantities typically present in food.
However, there is limited data available regarding a safe dosage or the possible adverse effects associated with higher intakes, such as those found in dietary supplements.
In one animal study, administering doses of 909 mg per pound (2,000 mg per kg) of body weight led to significant adverse effects, including decreased energy, loss of appetite, increased urination, diarrhea, coma, and even mortality.
Conversely, researchers did not observe these negative effects at much lower doses of 136 mg per pound (300 mg per kg) of body weight.
Despite this, there remains a lack of comprehensive information concerning the safety and potential side effects of galangal root supplements in human subjects.
How does it compare with ginger and turmeric?
Galangal is a close relative of ginger and turmeric, with all three roots available in both fresh and dried forms to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
Ginger imparts a fresh taste that is both sweet and spicy, whereas galangal presents a sharper, spicier, and somewhat peppery flavor profile. In the trio, turmeric stands out for its most intense and bitter taste.
Studies indicate that these three spices share similar health advantages. Like galangal, both ginger and turmeric are abundant in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate joint stiffness and discomfort.
Additionally, all three spices contain compounds that could help prevent or fight various types of cancer.
However, galangal is unique among them in its potential to enhance male fertility.
In contrast, neither galangal nor turmeric has equaled ginger’s effectiveness in alleviating nausea and promoting stomach emptying.
The bottom line
Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine frequently utilize galangal root, a spice closely related to ginger and turmeric.
This spice enhances the flavor of dishes while contributing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering numerous health advantages. These benefits may include the enhancement of male fertility and protection against infections, as well as a possible role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
Asian and specialty markets primarily carry fresh galangal root, while dried slices and ground powder are readily accessible, including through online retailers.”
In summary, we highly recommend incorporating this spice into your culinary creations.
