Zingiber purpureum Rosc.(Phlai)

Medicinal Plants in Thailand.

Zingiber purpureum Rosc.
(Z. cassumunar Roxb.)
ZINGIBERACEAE
Thai name : Phlai

Rhizomatous herb, 0.7-1.5 m high, characteristic odor. Leaf simple, alternate, lanceolate-oblong, 3.5-5.5 cm wide, 18-35 cm long. Inflorescence in terminal spike, from apex of the rhizome; flowers white or yellowish white. Fruit globose capsule.

Rhizome: carminative, emmenagogue, mild laxative, antidysenteric, astringent; externally used as anti-inflammatory for sprains and muscular pain, wound healing. Volatile oil from rhizome has anti-inflammatory effect; mix with alcohol as mosquito repellant. 4-(4-Hydroxy-1-butenyl) veratrole in rhizome shows bron-chodilatic activity. Powdered rhizome exhibits broncho-dilating effect in both chronic and acute asthma in children.

TRADITIONAL USE :
Rhizome:carminative, emmenagogue, mild laxative,antilysenteric,Astringent ; external use as anti-inflammatory for sprain and muscular pain, wound healing

By: Medicinal Plants in Thailand
Volume 1