Exploring the Wonders of Kaempferia parviflora: A Comprehensive Review of its Botanical Characteristics, Extraction Methods, Pharmacological Characteristics, and Future Directions

Kaempferia parviflora (KP), commonly known as black ginger, is an aromatic plant native to Thailand, notable for its richness in methoxyflavones—distinct compounds possessing potent pharmacological properties. Despite its promising bioactivity, the development of KP as a therapeutic agent remains insufficiently explored, with existing research yet to be fully integrated. This narrative review seeks to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary pharmaceutical research by comprehensively examining the ethnomedicinal applications, extraction techniques, phytochemical composition, pharmacological investigations, conservation strategies, and by identifying research gaps and developmental challenges associated with KP. Relevant studies were selected from original publications in English or Indonesian, dated between 1980 and 2025, and sourced through the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Findings indicate that KP is widely distributed across Southeast Asia. The primary methoxyflavones identified include 5,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone; along with various essential oil constituents. Among conventional extraction techniques, maceration is considered most suitable, whereas microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) proves most efficient for isolating methoxyflavones, and supercritical CO₂ extraction is particularly effective for extracting essential oils. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, KP has garnered modern scientific interest for its anticancer, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Conservation efforts include in vitro culture, vivipary, and shade management. This review highlights the potential of KP as a promising source of novel therapeutic agents and emphasizes the need for further multidisciplinary research to explore its bioactive compounds and promote their sustainable utilization.