Kaempferia parviflora ethanolic extract promoted nitric oxide production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

The rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) (Zingiberaceae) have been used in Thai traditional medicine for health promotion and for the treatment of digestive disorders and gastric ulcer. This study investigated effect of KP on endothelial function. Studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) showed that KP dose-dependently increased nitrite concentrations in culture media after 48 h incubation. eNOS mRNA and protein expression were also enhanced. The induction of eNOS mRNA was detected at 4 h and plateau at 48 h while iNOS expression was not observed. These data demonstrate that KP has a great potential for a supplemental use in vascular endothelial health promotion.