Alpinia oxyphylla uses and benefits

In traditional Chinese medicine, the fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla (also known as Yi Zhi Ren) is used for conditions like diarrhea, enuresis, and dementia, with modern studies suggesting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Traditional Uses:
The fruit is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
It is used to treat diarrhea, enuresis, dementia, and other disorders.
It is also used for its effects of tonifying kidney-essence and nourishing intelligence.
The dried, ripe fruit is used as a medicinal constituent or health supplement.
Scientific Research:
Studies have isolated bioactive compounds from Alpinia oxyphylla fruit, including acidic polysaccharides.
Research has identified phytochemicals that target key molecules involved in neurodegenerative dementia.
Some studies suggest that Alpinia oxyphylla extract can have antioxidant properties.
Studies have shown that Alpinia oxyphylla extract can mitigate oxidative stress and reduce PTEN protein expression in DN mice, as well as lower blood glucose levels and other kidney related markers.

Other Parts:
While the fruit is the primary part used in TCM, the roots and rhizomes are also used for medicinal purposes.
The rhizome is used as a flavoring in food and in medicine.
The leaves and stems are usually discarded after harvesting the fruits.
Potential Benefits:
Alpinia oxyphylla is known for its potential neuroprotective, anti-diarrheal, anti-diuretic, anti-neoplastic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, viscera protective and anti-diabetic activities.
It is also used to treat symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders.

Traditional Uses:
Gastrointestinal Issues:
The fruit is traditionally used to treat diarrhea, ulceration, and other intestinal disorders.
Urinary Issues:
It’s used for conditions like enuresis (bed-wetting) and urosis (frequent urination).
Cognitive Function:
Some traditional uses suggest it can improve cognitive function and memory, and may be used in the treatment of dementia.
Other Uses:
It’s also used for conditions like warming the kidney, securing essence, and stopping saliva.
Modern Scientific Research:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Studies have shown that extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities.
Neuroprotective Effects:
Research indicates that Alpinia oxyphylla extracts may have neuroprotective effects and could be beneficial in treating neurological disorders.
Other Potential Benefits:
Some research suggests that Alpinia oxyphylla may have anti-ulcer, anti-allergy, and anti-tumor properties.
Diabetic Nephropathy:
Studies suggest that Alpinia oxyphylla may mitigate oxidative stress and reduce kidney damage in diabetic nephropathy (DN).
Longevity and Stress Resistance:
Research indicates that Alpinia oxyphylla fruit extract promotes longevity and stress resistance in C. elegans.
Hyperuricemia:
Polysaccharides from Alpinia oxyphylla fruit prevent hyperuricemia by inhibiting uric acid synthesis, modulating intestinal flora and reducing renal inflammation.
Chemical Composition:
Alpinia oxyphylla contains various bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenoids, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, and other compounds.

Galangal berries: while the berries can be used as a spice, similar to cardamom, once they turn bright red. Galangal is an essential element in Thai cooking, and is probably best known for making Tom Kha Gai (Thai coconut soup).

Benefits: Sharpleaf Galangal Fruit removes dampness, promotes the flow of vital energy, warms spleen and stomach. Used to treat diarrhea, poor appetite, abdominal distension, vomiting and nausea.

The fruit of the herb Alpinia oxyphylla, also known as sharp-leaf galangal, is used in East Asian medicine to treat cancer and inflammatory conditions. One study found that fruit extract from Alpinia oxyphylla can help regulate Th1/Th17 cells and improve experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

It may act as anti-microbial.
It may help enhance immunity.
It may help protect the liver.
It may show anti-inflammatory property.
It may act as an antioxidant(acts against free radicals).
It may show anti-allergic properties(helps to fight allergic reactions).