Table of contents:
- What is lempuyang?
- Nutrition in lempuyang
- Benefits of lempuyang for health
- 1. Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
- 2. Lowering blood sugar
- 3. Fighting bacterial infections
- Do not just consume herbs or herbal medicines
Indonesian people are certainly familiar with the herbal medicine made from ginger, turmeric, betel leaf, lemongrass, ginger, and others which have been known for a long time for health. In fact, there is one more nutritious medicinal plant which is also often processed into herbal medicine but is rarely known to people, namely lempuyang. Not inferior to other spices, Lempuyang also has potential health benefits, you know!
What is lempuyang?
Lempuyang or also known as puyang is a type of spice from the Zingiberaceae family.
Lempuyang has three varieties, namely lempuyang emprit or bitter (Zingiber amaricanus BI),Lempuyang Wangi (Zingiber aromaticum Val),and the elephant plate (Zingiber zerumber Sm).The three of them can be distinguished in terms of appearance.
The lempuyang emprit and the lempuyang elephant plant looked similar. The difference is that the elephant's lempuyang is bigger while the fragrant lempuyang is like ginger. That's why lempuyang wangi is also often referred to aswild gingeraka wild ginger.
In general, both emprit, fragrant, and elephant rhizomes all have properties that are believed to treat various diseases. Besides being used as traditional medicine, this spice can also be used for cooking spices and ornamental plants.
Nutrition in lempuyang
Seskuiterpenes, monoterpenes, and phenolic compounds are a number of the main compounds contained in lempuyang.
Lempuyang is also reported to contain several other bioactive metabolites which include folifenol, alkaloids, and terpenes. In addition, this spice also contains components such as hemulene, caryophyllene, zingiberene, and zerumbone which are obtained from its essential oils.
Based on various scientific references, Lempuyang Gajah is a herbal plant with high potential medicinal benefits.
Benefits of lempuyang for health
Here are some of the health benefits of lempuyang that you need to know.
1. Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
Based on research by researchers from the Pharmacology-Clinical Pharmacy Scientific Group, ITB, the ethanol extract of lempuyang wangi is known to have potential as an anticancer.
This is due to the content of zarumbone compounds in the rhizome of lempuyang wangi. Zerumbone is a terpenoid compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Until now, cancer is not known what the exact cure is. Most of the existing research is still limited to animals. But at least, the potential benefits of this one lempuyang could be a breath of fresh air as an alternative to fighting the growth of cancer cells.
2. Lowering blood sugar
Previous research reported on the ethanol extract of lempuyang Gajah (Zingiber zerumbet. L)can help lower blood glucose levels in streptozotosin-induced diabetic rats.
While recent research has found that the ethanol extract of the rhizome of lempuyang emprit (Zingiber amaricans BL)also effective in helping lower blood sugar in alloxan-induced white mice.
Unfortunately, new research clinical trials have been conducted on animals. As a result, further research with a wider scope is still needed to truly prove the benefits of lempuyang to lower blood sugar in humans.
3. Fighting bacterial infections
Research has found that the antimicrobial properties of the rhizome extract of lempuyang wangi have the potential to treat a number of infectious diseases.
Yes! The results of the screening test of the rhizome extract of lempuyang wangi were reported to have a particularly positive effectBacillus subtilis. These are bacteria that can cause meningitis, endocarditis, eye infections, and others.
In addition, the extract of the fragrant lempuyang rhizome also has a positive effect on Salmonella typhi causes of typhus,Staphylococcusepidermidis, and Vibrio sp.
Although the research found positive results, again, much further research is needed to confirm the benefits of this one lempuyang.
Do not just consume herbs or herbal medicines
It should be understood that valid medical research that specifically addresses the benefits of lempuyang is still very limited. That is why, further research with a wider scope is needed to ensure its benefits and safety.
In addition, medicines from herbs or spices should not be used to replace medical consultation and treatment from a doctor. The reason is, herbal medicine is also not always safe for everyone.
If you have a history of allergies to the components contained in this plant or certain herbs, you should not force it to use it as a medicinal therapy. Meanwhile, for those who have a history of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and so on, it's a good idea to consult a doctor before using any type of medication.
