Perennial herb native to China and cultivated in several Asian countries.
The aerial stalk, which originates from a highly branched rhizome
and from which additional stalks start, can reach more than
1 m (39 in.) in height. It exhibits distichous leaves and white, redstreaked
flowers. The rhizome is the part used. The dried product
and its derivatives from Galanga exhibit a bitter, aromatic taste.
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of dried rhizomes
with maximum yields of about 1%. The oil is a yellowish liquid
exhibiting a fresh, camphor-like odor.
The derivatives are tincture (20% in 60% ethanol) and fluid extract.
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of dried rhizomes with maximum yields of about 1% The oil exhibits a fresh, camphor-like odor with a distinct cineole-like top note and a warm undertone of rich and spicy body The favor is somewhat bitter at higher concentrations.
The oil is a yellowish liquid.
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Alpinia officinarum, Zingiberaceae.
Essential oil composition
The main constituents include d-alpha-pinene, cineol, linalool (sometimes) and sesquiterpenes.
