Black Ginger

Kaempferia parviflora

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Abdominal fat reduction^{1, 2} Physical fitness^3–5 Muscular strength^{3, 6} Erectile function⁷ Fasting blood glucose⁸	Pregnancy or nursing⁹ Within two weeks of surgery⁹ Under age 18⁹

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) is a ginger-family rhizome used in Thai folk medicine for centuries, now taken as extracts enriched in polymethoxyflavones¹⁰. People take it mainly for physical performance, in athletes, older adults, and healthy volunteers^3–5.

A randomized trial reported lower abdominal fat and triglycerides in overweight adults¹. A systematic review nonetheless called the clinical evidence inconclusive because the studies were small¹⁰. The erectile function data come from one open-label study without a placebo group⁷. In human three-dimensional skin models, a 2024 study found a standardized extract increased collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and its clinical component tested only irritation and sensitization¹¹. Many products list black ginger, mostly as capsules and tablets, often within multi-ingredient formulas; see Form comparison.

Controlled trials report no adverse events related to the extract^{1, 12}. Per United States product labels, use is discontinued two weeks before surgery⁹. The same labels warn against use during pregnancy or nursing⁹.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

46 sources, 25 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources