Sanskrit Name
कुलञ्जन
Botanical Name
Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd.
Family Name
Zingiberaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/165
Vernacular Names
- Hindi: कुलंजन
- English: Greater Galangal
- Marathi: वडालवण
Classification
- Bhavaprakasha: Haritkyadivarga
Habitat & Distribution
Native to Southeast Asia; cultivated in India, especially in southern regions. Found in moist, tropical climates.
Morphology
- Plant: Perennial herb with thick, aromatic rhizomes
- Leaves: Long, lanceolate, smooth margins
- Flowers: White with red streaks, in dense spikes
- Rhizome: Brownish outside, reddish inside, aromatic and pungent in taste
Varieties
No classical varieties mentioned; often compared with Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal)
Substitute/Adulterant
Adulterated with rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum, Kaempferia galanga, or Zingiber officinale
Phytochemicals
Galangin, eugenol, cineole, kaempferide, β-sitosterol, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, essential oils
Raspanchaka
- Rasa: Tikta, Katu
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha,Tikshan
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Shwasahara
- Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara
Karma (Rogaghnata)
- Deepana
- Shwasahara
- Shoolaprashamana
- Kaphanulomana
- Mutrala
- Aamapachaka
- Hridya
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses
External
- Rhizome paste applied on swellings and rheumatic joints
- Used in medicated oils for respiratory congestion
Internal
- Used in respiratory disorders like asthma, cough, and bronchitis
- Improves digestion and appetite
- Beneficial in urinary disorders and colic pain
- Acts as a cardiac and nervine tonic
Part Used
Rhizome
Dose
- Churna: 1–3 g
- Kwatha: 30–50 ml
- Arka/Asava: As per formulation
Yoga / Formulations
- Dashamoola Kwatha
- Chitrakadi Vati
- Hingwastak Churna
- Agastya Haritaki Rasayana
- Pippalyadi Ghrita
IUCN Status
Not Evaluated
Research Updates
- Bronchodilator and antiasthmatic activity: Extracts of Alpinia galanga have shown significant improvement in airway dilation and reduction of bronchospasm, supporting its traditional use in asthma and respiratory conditions.
- Antimicrobial efficacy: Rhizome extracts have demonstrated strong antibacterial and antifungal effects, particularly against E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans, validating its role in infections and gastrointestinal issues.
- Cognitive enhancement: Experimental studies indicate nootropic and neuroprotective properties, with improvements in memory retention and learning capacity in animal models.
