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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Kaempferia Parviflora

    Also known as: Black ginger, Thai ginseng, Krachaidum

    Standardised K. parviflora rhizome extract delivering polymethoxyflavones (PMFs); modulates PDE5, AMPK, and steroidogenic pathways.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    52/100
    Metabolic healthTestosterone supportEnduranceBody composition
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger) is a Thai herb traditionally used for vitality, with emerging RCT evidence for body composition, endurance, and testosterone support.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Improves mitochondrial function and fat oxidation via AMPK; modulates testosterone biosynthesis and PDE5 (similar mechanism to sildenafil).

    Physiological Role

    RCTs show improved body composition, grip strength, and physical performance in older adults; emerging testosterone data.

    Primary Pathways

    AMPK activationPDE5 inhibitionSteroidogenic enzyme supportMitochondrial biogenesis

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Multiple RCTs in older adults and healthy men show physical performance and metabolic benefits.

    Evidence Review

    Overall52/100
    Human Clinical58/100
    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic75/100
    Real-World50/100
    Safety82/100

    Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    100 mg
    Optimal Range
    100–400 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~600 mg/day
    Timing
    With food
    Best Format
    Capsule
    Bioavailability
    Moderate.
    Absorption Considerations
    Standard botanical absorption.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset

    Contraindications

    • Pregnancy

    Drug Interactions

    • •PDE5 inhibitors
    • •Antihypertensives
    • •Nitrates

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy
    • •Active gastric ulcer

    Monitoring

    None routine.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Kaempferia Parviflora typically used or indicated?

    Kaempferia Parviflora is most commonly used for: Metabolic health, Testosterone support, Endurance, Body composition. RCTs show improved body composition, grip strength, and physical performance in older adults; emerging testosterone data.

    How does Kaempferia Parviflora work?

    Improves mitochondrial function and fat oxidation via AMPK; modulates testosterone biosynthesis and PDE5 (similar mechanism to sildenafil).

    What is the recommended dose of Kaempferia Parviflora?

    The optimal range is 100–400 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 100 mg. Best taken: With food. Upper / caution level: ~600 mg/day.

    What are the side effects of Kaempferia Parviflora?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset. Monitoring: None routine.

    Does Kaempferia Parviflora interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: PDE5 inhibitors; Antihypertensives; and Nitrates. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Kaempferia Parviflora?

    Kaempferia Parviflora is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy; Active gastric ulcer; and Pregnancy.

    How strong is the evidence for Kaempferia Parviflora?

    Evidence level: Limited (overall score 52/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Kaempferia parviflora on physical function in older adults

    RCT2017Moderate
    PubMed

    Significant improvement in grip strength and chair-rise performance.

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    Research Overview

    Limited Evidence
    1Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2017Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceElderly
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/kaempferia-parviflora

    SuppIndex. (2026). Kaempferia Parviflora: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/kaempferia-parviflora

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.

    Goal Ratings

    Hormonal Support
    Endurance
    Metabolic Health
    Muscle Gain

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with Tongkat Ali, ashwagandha, or zinc for hormonal stack.

    Tongkat AliAshwagandhaZinc