Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora), a plant in the Zingiberaceae ginger family, is a traditional herbal medicine of Thailand. Black ginger should not be confused with common ginger (Zingiber officinale), which is in the same family but is a completely different genus and species. In any case the pharmacological properties of black ginger include anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac and more. Its active components are polymethoxyflavones. Research demonstrates that black ginger polymethoxyflavones offer a range of benefits including fat reduction,1,2 promoting physical fitness,3,4 and supporting sexual health in men.5,6 In this article, we’re going to explore research on black ginger polymethoxyflavones for these purposes.
The Active Components of Black Ginger
The primary active constituents of black ginger are its naturally occurring methoxyflavones, collectively referred to as polymethoxyflavones (PMF). One major methoxyflavone is 5,7-dimethoxyflavone,7 which has been identified as an active component in some human8 and animal9 research. In other research,10-12 it is the totality of the PMF that has been found to provide specific activity. Now, let’s look at the research on black ginger for fat reduction.
Fat Reduction
Let’s begin this discussion on fat reduction by taking a look at the associated mechanism of action. A seven-week, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study13 was conducted to examine the acute effects of black ginger ingestion on energy expenditure (EE, aka, fat burning) in 20 healthy male subjects (21-29 years) and to analyze its relation to the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Results were that after an oral ingestion black ginger extract (providing 10.48 mg of PMF), EE increased significantly, showing a maximal increase of 229±69 kJ/d at 60 min, while it did not change after placebo ingestion. The results suggest that a single oral ingestion of the black ginger can potentially increase EE through the activation of BAT in healthy men.
Human Research on Fat Reduction
Visceral fat is belly fat found deep within your abdominal cavity. It surrounds important organs, including your stomach, liver and intestines. Research suggests that if you have a potbelly—or are more “apple-shaped” than “pear-shaped”—you may have more visceral fat.
A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study14 was conducted in 80 overweight adults investigating the effects of black ginger extract on visceral fat. Subjects received either black ginger extract (12 mg PMF/day) or placebo. The primary outcome was a reduction in visceral fat area (VFA), while the secondary outcome was a reduction in subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and total fat area (TFA). Results showed that VFA, SFA and TFA was significantly reduced in the BGP group compared to placebo:
Another 12-week, single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial15 was conducted to examine the effects of black ginger extract in reducing abdominal fat in 76 overweight and pre-obese Japanese subjects. Once again, the subjects in each group ingested one capsule of placebo or black ginger extract (12 mg PMF/day) once daily for 12 weeks. Also once again, the primary outcome was reduction in visceral fat area, with the key secondary outcomes as reductions in subcutaneous fat area and total fat area. Results were, compared with the placebo group, the black ginger extract group exhibited significant reduction in abdominal fat area (visceral, subcutaneous, and total fat) and triglyceride levels after 12 weeks:
It should be noted that a high-quality branded black ginger extract called ACTIZ!NG (from Nutraland USA) containing a relatively high potency of PMF (35 percent) and 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (20 percent) won Nutrition Industry Executive magazine’s 2024 New Ingredient award in the Weight Loss category.
Physical Fitness
Three studies have demonstrated the physical fitness enhancing effects of black ginger extracts. These include studies in healthy adults, adolescents and soccer players.
Physical fitness in healthy adults
This 12-week, three-arm randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study16 examined the effect of two functional drinks containing black ginger extract or placebo on the physical fitness of healthy adult male and female volunteers (19-60 years old). The two BGE drinks yielded 3.57 mg PMF and 7.14 mg PMF per serving per 80 mL, respectively. Results were that subjects who consumed both doses of the drink had significantly increased VO2 max (i.e., an indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance; p<0.05) at six weeks. Subjects consuming the higher dose displayed improved performance in both the timed shuttle run test and five minute distance run (p<0.05) at 12 weeks. At six weeks, subjects who consumed both doses of the drink significantly increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase compared to the placebo group (p< 0.05). The significant reduction in the MDA level (i.e., an oxidative marker) after six weeks of consumption was observed only in the subjects who consumed the high dose of the drink compared to the placebo group (p< 0.05). When the consumption was prolonged to eight weeks, it was found that the subjects who consumed the functional drink at both doses had a decreased MDA level compared to the placebo group (p< 0.01). At six weeks, both doses also significantly reduced serum lactate levels compared to the placebo group (p< 0.05). In conclusion, black ginger extract can be successfully used to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance by improving oxidative stress and lactate.
Physical fitness in adolescents
This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study17 investigated the effects of a standardized black ginger extract GE (125.46 mg PMF/dose) or placebo on the physical fitness and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in 194 adolescent sport school students. Results were that black ginger extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the right-hand grip strength, the back-leg strength and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and decreased the time used for 50-meter sprint test without changing the sit-and-reach test and the 40-yard technical test. For HRV parameters, black ginger extract significantly (p<0.05) increased physiological resilience against stress, improved parasympathetic nervous system impact on heart rate and improved parasympathetic nervous system increase on the heart via the vagus nerve, without changing low frequency (LF) norm and LF/HF ratio. The increase in stress resistance and decrease in stress index were found in the BGE-treated group, without changing the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and balance. Blood biochemical analysis showed normal values of all participants. This data indicates the safety and positive effects of black ginger extract on muscle strength, endurance and speed.
Physical fitness in soccer players
This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial18 examined the effect of placebo and black ginger extract at a dose yielding 13.5 mg PMF on the physical fitness of 60 soccer players. Baseline data were collected including tests of physical performance performed every four weeks throughout the 12-week study period. Results were that treatment with black ginger extract significantly increased right-hand grip strength at weeks 4, 8 and 12. The left-hand grip strength was significantly increased at week 8. In conclusion, supplementation with black ginger extract 12 weeks may significantly enhance some physical fitness components in soccer players. Now, let’s take a look at black ginger extract’s effect on sexual health.
Sexual Health
Sexual health positively correlates with overall wellbeing. Existing therapeutics to enhance male sexual health are limited by factors that include responsiveness, adherence and adverse effects. As the population ages, safe and effective interventions that preserve male sexual function are needed. Research suggests that various preparations of black ginger extract may be able to help promote erectile function.
Black ginger extract pilot study on ED
The aim of this open-label, one-arm, pilot study19 was to examine the effects of black ginger on erectile function in 13 generally healthy middle-aged and older men (50-68 years) with self-reported mild erectile dysfunction, who were not using prescription treatments. Participants took black ginger extract daily (yielding 5 mg 5,7-dimethoxyflavone) for 30 days. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and on the final study assessment. Results were that supplementation with black ginger resulted in statistically significant improvements in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction and total scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Black ginger was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile. In conclusion, black ginger extract may improve erectile function in healthy middle-aged and older men.
Black ginger extract double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial on ED
This eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial20 investigated the effect of supplementation with two doses of BGE (yielding about 5.18 mg PMF and 18.65 mg PMF) or placebo on erectile response of 45 healthy male elderly volunteers. The erectile function tests were assessed after single administration, one and two months of treatment, and included the response latency time to visual erotic stimuli, size and length of penis both in flaccid and erection states. Results were that BGE at a dose providing 18.65 mg PMF/day exhibited a significant enhanced all parameters after one and two months of treatment. Moreover, the penile length at erection states and the response latency to sexual erotic stimuli showed significant changes during the delay period. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrates that BGE has potential for the treatment of aged related male erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Black ginger extract and its PMF has fat reduction properties as demonstrated in human clinical research. In addition, human clinical research has also demonstrated that black ginger extract offers physical fitness and sexual health benefits.VR
References:
1 Yoshino S, Tagawa T, Awa R, et al. Polymethoxyflavone purified from Kaempferia parviflora reduces visceral fat in Japanese overweight individuals: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Food Funct. 2021; 12: 1603.
2 Yoshino S, Awa R, Miyake Y, Fukuhara I, Sato H, Ashino T, Tomita S, Kuwahara H. Daily intake of Kaempferia parviflora extract decreases abdominal fat in overweight and preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018 Aug 28;11:447-458.
3 Promthep K, Eungpinichpong W, Sripanidkulchai B, Chatchawan U. Effect of Kaempferia parviflora Extract on Physical Fitness of Soccer Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2015 May 6;21:100-8.
4 Wattanathorn J, Tong-Un T, Thukham-Mee W, Weerapreeyakul N. A Functional Drink Containing Kaempferia parviflora Extract Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Flexibility in Adult Volunteers. Foods. 2023 Sep 13;12(18):3411.
5 Wannanon P, Wattanathorn J, Tong-Un T, et al. Efficacy Assessment of Kaempferia parviflora for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences. 2012; 12(4):149-155.
6 Stein RA, Schmid K, Bolivar J, Swick AG, Joyal SV, Hirsh SP. Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: a pilot study. J Integr Med. 2018 Jul;16(4):249-254.
7 Saokaew S, Wilairat P, Raktanyakan P, et al. Clinical Effects of Krachaidum ( Kaempferia parviflora): A Systematic Review. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):413-428.
8 Stein RA, Schmid K, Bolivar J, Swick AG, Joyal SV, Hirsh SP. Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: a pilot study. J Integr Med. 2018;16(4):249-254.
9 Lee S, Kim C, Kwon D, Kim MB, Hwang JK. Standardized Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker (Zingiberaceae) Extract Inhibits Fat Accumulation and Muscle Atrophy in ob/ob Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:8161042.
10 Yoshino S, Tagawa T, Awa R, Ogasawara J, Kuwahara H, Fukuhara I. Polymethoxyflavone purified from Kaempferia parviflora reduces visceral fat in Japanese overweight individuals: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Food Funct. 2021 Mar 1;12(4):1603-1613.
11 Yoshino S, Awa R, Miyake Y, Fukuhara I, Sato H, Ashino T, Tomita S, Kuwahara H. Daily intake of Kaempferia parviflora extract decreases abdominal fat in overweight and preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018 Aug 28;11:447-458.
12 Matsushita M, Yoneshiro T, Aita S, Kamiya T, Kusaba N, Yamaguchi K, Takagaki K, Kameya T, Sugie H, Saito M. Kaempferia parviflora extract increases whole-body energy expenditure in humans: roles of brown adipose tissue. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(1):79-83.
13 Matsushita M, Yoneshiro T, Aita S, Kamiya T, Kusaba N, Yamaguchi K, Takagaki K, Kameya T, Sugie H, Saito M. Kaempferia parviflora extract increases whole-body energy expenditure in humans: roles of brown adipose tissue. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(1):79-83.
14 Yoshino S, Tagawa T, Awa R, Ogasawara J, Kuwahara H, Fukuhara I. Polymethoxyflavone purified from Kaempferia parviflora reduces visceral fat in Japanese overweight individuals: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Food Funct. 2021 Mar 1;12(4):1603-1613.
15 Yoshino S, Awa R, Miyake Y, Fukuhara I, Sato H, Ashino T, Tomita S, Kuwahara H. Daily intake of Kaempferia parviflora extract decreases abdominal fat in overweight and preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018 Aug 28;11:447-458.
16 Wattanathorn J, Tong-Un T, Thukham-Mee W, Weerapreeyakul N. A Functional Drink Containing Kaempferia parviflora Extract Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Flexibility in Adult Volunteers. Foods. 2023;12(18):3411.
17 Sripanidkulchai B, Promthep K, Tuntiyasawasdikul S, Tabboon P, Areemit R. Supplementation of Kaempferia parviflora Extract Enhances Physical Fitness and Modulates Parameters of Heart Rate Variability in Adolescent Student-Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. J Diet Suppl. 2022;19(2):149-167.
18 Promthep K, Eungpinichpong W, Sripanidkulchai B, Chatchawan U. Effect of Kaempferia parviflora Extract on Physical Fitness of Soccer Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2015;21:100-108. 19 Stein RA, Schmid K, Bolivar J, Swick AG, Joyal SV, Hirsh SP. Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: a pilot study. J Integr Med. 2018;16(4):249-254.
20 Wannanon P, Wattanathorn J, Tong-Un T, et al. Efficacy Assessment of Kaempferia parviflora for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences. 2012; 12(4): 149-155.
Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, Professor Emeritus of Nutraceutical Science, is a writer, educator and a nutraceutical scientist with more than 45 years of experience educating natural product retailers and health care professionals and formulating natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies. He has written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer magazines and peer-reviewed publications. Bruno also hosts “The Vitamin Professor Podcast” brought to you by VRM Media. He can be reached at [email protected].
