Jakarta, Oct. 1 -- Indonesian researchers say galangal, a spice widely grown across the country, has strong potential as a natural ingredient in modern herbal medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

"Galangal can suppress inflammatory mediators in diseases such as hepatitis and arthritis, and damage bacterial cell membranes to fight certain pathogens," said Afi Candra Trinugraha, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in a statement on Tuesday.

The plant, known scientifically as Alpinia galanga, contains several bioactive compounds, including galangin, flavonoids, acetoxychavicol acetate, and essential oils.

These compounds support digestion, boost the immune system...