Overview

Alpinia (Alpinia officinarum) is a plant that is related to ginger. The underground stem (rhizome) is sometimes used to make medicine.

Alpinia contains chemicals that might block certain steps in the swelling (inflammation) pathway.

People use alpinia for fevers, muscle spasms, intestinal gas, and swelling (inflammation), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Alpinia overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Alpinia is commonly consumed in foods. Alpinia is possibly safe when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. It may cause upset stomach in some people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpinia is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Alpinia is commonly consumed in foods. Alpinia is possibly safe when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. It may cause upset stomach in some people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpinia is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpinia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Antacids interacts with Alpinia

    Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Alpinia can increase stomach acid. Taking alpinia might decrease the effects of antacids.

  • Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers) interacts with Alpinia

    H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Alpinia can increase stomach acid. Taking alpinia might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

    Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).

  • Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with Alpinia

    Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Alpinia can increase stomach acid. Taking alpinia might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.

    Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

  • Indomethacin (Tivorbex) interacts with Alpinia

    Alpinia might increase how quickly the body gets rid of indomethacin. This might decrease the effects of indomethacin.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of alpinia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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