Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Galangal (Alpinia)

A ginger relative whose joint reputation comes from one large trial where it was combined with ginger. On its own it has been studied mainly for alertness, not for arthritis.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Knee osteoarthritis Limited evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in 261 patients tested a standardised extract combining Zingiber officinale and Alpinia galanga and found a statistically significant but, in the authors' own words, moderate reduction in knee pain on standing (63% versus 50% responders). Because galangal was given with ginger, the trial cannot show what galangal contributes alone.

  • Ginger as the likely active partner Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of ginger in osteoarthritis found a modest reduction in pain and disability, with more gastrointestinal side effects than placebo. Ginger, not galangal, is the ingredient with an independent evidence base.

  • Alertness and attention Limited evidence

    A randomized placebo-controlled study found an Alpinia galanga extract improved measures of mental alertness and sustained attention with or without caffeine. This is a different use from the joint claim, and the study was small.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe knee osteoarthritis trial used 255 mg of the combined ginger–galangal extract twice daily. Alertness studies used 300 mg/day of Alpinia galanga extract.
SafetyThe osteoarthritis trial found significantly more gastrointestinal adverse events with the extract than with placebo, though most were mild. Like ginger, galangal may have a mild antiplatelet effect, so caution is warranted with anticoagulants and before surgery. Avoid concentrated extracts in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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