EFFECTS OF KAEMPFERIA PARVIFLORA ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSES IN ADULTS

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.