Supplement Scholar
Herb

Galangal (Alpinia)

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Galangal (Alpinia). Thai ginger relative for inflammation.

How it works. Diarylheptanoids anti-inflammatory.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces OA pain (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 255 mg ginger+galangal.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Galangal (Alpinia). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Galangal (Alpinia). Thai ginger relative for inflammation.

Key compound: galanginC15H10O5 · 270.24 g/mol

What it is

Thai ginger relative for inflammation.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Immune Function

How it works

Diarylheptanoids anti-inflammatory.

Pathways

  • Diarylheptanoids anti-inflammatory

Effects

  • ↓OA pain decreases

What the research supports

Reduces OA painmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
255 mg ginger+galangal
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Shop Galangal (Alpinia) on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Galangal (Alpinia) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Galangal (Alpinia) — Reduces OA pain ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Galangal (Alpinia) and "Reduces OA pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Galangal (Alpinia) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Galangal (Alpinia) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Galangal (Alpinia) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Galangal (Alpinia) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…