EFFECTS OF KAEMPFERIA PARVIFLORA ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSES IN ADULTS

Abstract

: Although Kaempferia parviflora (K. parviflora) has been known as one of health-promoting
herbs, a clinical trial is needed to confirm its beneficial effect on stress reduction. The aim of this study was to
determine the effects of Kaempferia parviflora on the physiological and psychological stresses. Eighty healthy
adult participants with moderate stress level were randomly allocated into two groups; either ingested with
extracted Kaempferia parviflora at doses of 360 mg/day for 14 days (Kaempferia parviflora group) or placebo
capsules (placebo group). The results indicated both groups had significantly decreased stress based upon
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20). Heart rate variability
measures exhibited non-significant between-group comparison, except RMSSD and LF/HF of which the
placebo group had significantly lower and higher respectively than the Kaempferia parviflora group. This
study suggests that Kaempferia parviflora may be useful for both physiological and psychological stress
reduction.