|
|image = Koeh-156.jpg
|regnum = [[Plantae]]
|unranked_divisio = [[AngiospermsAngiospermae]]
|unranked_classis = [[MonocotsMonocotyledones]]
|unranked_ordo = [[CommelinidsCommelinidae]]
|ordo = [[Zingiberales]]
|familia = [[Zingiberaceae]]
|species = '''''A. officinarum'''''
|binomial = ''Alpinia officinarum''
|binomial_authority = [[HenryHenricus Fletcher Hance|Hance]]
|synonyms = ''Languas officinarum'' <small>(Hance) [[P.H.Hô]]</small>
}}
'''''Alpinia officinarum''''' ([[binomen]] ab [[Henricus Fletcher Hance|Henrico Fletcher Hance]] statutum) est planta generis ''[[Alpinia]]e'' et familiae [[Zingiberaceae|Zingiberacearum]] atque fons aromatis [[galanga]] (quod etiam a specie ''[[Alpinia galanga]]'' provenit): rhizoma enim [[flavonol]] nomine [[galangin]] continet.
'''''Alpinia officinarum''''', known as '''lesser galangal''', is a plant in the [[Zingiberaceae|ginger family]], cultivated in [[Southeast Asia]]. It originated in China, where its name ultimately derives. It can grow several feet high, with long leaves and reddish-white flowers. The rhizomes, known as [[galangal]], are valued for their spicy flavor and aromatic scent. These are used throughout Asia in curries and perfumes, and were previously used widely in Europe. They are also used as an [[herbal remedy]].
== Bibliographia ==
Another spice used in Southeast Asia which often goes by the name of lesser galangal is from another species, ''[[Kaempferia galanga]]''.
* {{Cite journal
| last1 = So | first1 = F. V.
==Etymology==
| last2 = Guthrie | first2 = N.
The [[genus]] is named for [[Prospero Alpini]], a 17th-century Italian botanist who specialized in exotic plants. The word "galangal" comes from the [[Arabic]] form of a [[Chinese language|Chinese]] word for ginger, ''liang-tiang''.<ref name="S&S">{{cite book|title=Simon & Schuster's Guide to Herbs and Spices |editor=Stanley Schuler |isbn=0-671-73489-X |author=Gualtiero Simonetti |year=1990 |publisher=Simon & Schuster, Inc}}</ref><ref name="ModernHerbal">Grieve, M. "[http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/galang01.html Galangal]". From ''[http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html A Modern Herbal]'', 1931.</ref>
| last3 = Chambers | first3 = A. F.
| last4 = Moussa | first4 = M.
==Description==
| last5 = Carroll | first5 = K. K.
This [[herbaceous plant]] can grow up to ten feet in height, though three to five feet is more common. The leaves are [[lanceolate]] (long and thin), and the flowers are white with streaks of red, growing from a spike at the top. The plant's [[rhizome]]s, the part known as galangal, are thin and tough, and they are the principal reason the plant is cultivated. They have orange flesh with a brown coating, and have an aromatic odor and a pungent flavor. These are smaller than [[greater galangal]].<ref name="S&S" /><ref name="ModernHerbal" />
| title = Inhibition of human breast cancer cell proliferation and delay of mammary tumorigenesis by flavonoids and citrus juices
| doi = 10.1080/01635589609514473
==Uses==
| journal = Nutrition and Cancer
The galangal rhizomes were widely used in ancient and medieval Europe, where they were reputed to smell of roses and taste of spice.<ref name="S&S" /> Its use in Europe has dramatically declined, however, and is now mainly used in Eastern Europe. It is used in [[Russia]] for flavoring [[vinegar]] and the liqueur [[Nastoika]]. It is still used as a spice and medicine in [[Lithuania]] and [[Estonia]].<ref name="ModernHerbal" />
| volume = 26
| issue = 2
In Asia the rhizomes are ground to powder for use in [[Curry|curries]], drinks, and [[Fruit preserves|jellies]].<ref name="S&S" /> In [[India]] an extract is used in perfumes, and [[Tatars]] prepare a tea with it.<ref name="ModernHerbal" />
| pages = 167–181
| year = 1996
''Alpinia officinarum'' contains high concentrations of the [[flavonol]] [[galangin]],<ref>{{cite doi|10.1038/sj.bjc.6690216}}</ref> which has been shown to slow the increase and growth of [[breast cancer|breast tumor]] cells.<ref>{{cite pmid|8875554}}</ref><ref>{{cite doi|10.1016/S0304-3835(96)04557-0}}</ref> Historically, the rhizomes were reputed to have stimulant and digestive effects.<ref name="S&S" />
| pmid = 8875554
| pmc =
==Distribution==
}}
Lesser galangal is native to [[China]], growing mainly on the southeastern coast, and it grows in [[Hainan]], [[Japan]], and [[Thailand]].<ref name="S&S" /> It is also cultivated in India. [[Hong Kong]] is the commercial center for the sale and distribution of the lesser galangal.<ref name="S&S" />
* {{Cite journal
| last1 = So | first1 = F.
==Other species==
| last2 = Guthrie | first2 = N.
The term "lesser galangal" properly refers to ''Alpinia officinarum''. ''[[Cyperus longus]]'' is known as "galingal", and has similar uses. Its rhizomes are spicy and starchy, and are used in cooking.<ref name="S&S" />
| last3 = Chambers | first3 = A. F.
| last4 = Carroll | first4 = K. K.
| title = Inhibition of proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by flavonoids in the presence and absence of excess estrogen
| doi = 10.1016/S0304-3835(96)04557-0
| journal = Cancer Letters
| volume = 112
| issue = 2
| pages = 127–133
| year = 1997
| pmid = 9066718| pmc =
}}
==References Nexus externi ==
* "[http://libproject.hkbu.edu.hk/was40/detail?lang=en&channelid=1288&searchword=herb_id=D00507 Alpinia officinarum Hance] " apud ''Medicinal Plant Images Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) {{zh-hant}} {{en icon}}''▼{{Reflist}}
* "[http://libproject.hkbu.edu.hk/was40/detail?channelid=35734&searchword=herb_id=D00660 高良薑, Lesser Galangal Rhizome, Gao Liang Jiang] " apud ''Chinese Medicine Specimen Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) {{zh-hant}} {{en icon}}''▼
{{Biologia-stipula}}
==External links==
▲*[http://libproject.hkbu.edu.hk/was40/detail?lang=en&channelid=1288&searchword=herb_id=D00507 Alpinia officinarum Hance] Medicinal Plant Images Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) {{zh-hant}} {{en icon}}
▲*[http://libproject.hkbu.edu.hk/was40/detail?channelid=35734&searchword=herb_id=D00660 高良薑, Lesser Galangal Rhizome, Gao Liang Jiang] Chinese Medicine Specimen Database (School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University) {{zh-hant}} {{en icon}}
[[Categoria:Alpinia]]
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