Bonglai -Zingiber montanum

 

 

Bonglai (Zingiber montanum): Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, and Contemporary Research

Introduction

Zingiber montanum, commonly known as Bonglai in Malaysia and Temu Gelang in Java, is a medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine systems. As a member of the Zingiberaceae family, Bonglai is closely related to turmeric and ginger. It holds a prominent place in Jamu (Javanese traditional medicine) and Malay postpartum care, and it is increasingly studied for its pharmacological potential.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Zingiber montanum (J. König) Link ex A. Dietr.

• Synonym: Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.

• Family: Zingiberaceae

• Common Names: Bonglai (Malay), Temu Gelang (Javanese), Plai (Thai), Cassumunar Ginger (English)

Etiology and Traditional Use

In traditional Southeast Asian medicine, Bonglai is commonly used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote postpartum healing. It is believed to expel "angin jahat" (bad wind), improve circulation, and warm the womb (Yuliani, 2015). In Malay traditions, Bonglai is often combined with other herbs in massage oils and herbal baths for new mothers (Mohd Azlan et al., 2022).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Although Z. montanum is not a classical herb in Chinese pharmacopeia, its warming and pungent qualities resemble those of Zingiber officinale (fresh ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric). Based on comparative analysis, Bonglai is believed to:

• Dispel wind and dampness

• Move qi and alleviate pain

• Warm meridians

• Promote blood circulation, especially postpartum (Chen et al., 2020)

Javanese Traditional Medicine (Jamu)

In Javanese herbal medicine, Bonglai is known as "temu gelang" and is used extensively in Jamu tonics. It is traditionally administered for:

• Postpartum cleansing

• Menstrual regulation

• Rheumatic and muscular pain

• Libido and fertility enhancement (Widyaningsih & Supriyanto, 2017)

Bonglai is often combined with Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga, and Curcuma longa in holistic female formulas.

Phytochemical Constituents

Phytochemical studies of Z. montanum have identified several active compounds:

• Terpinen-4-ol: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic

• Sabinene: Antiseptic and antimicrobial

• γ-Terpinene: Antioxidant properties

• Curcuminoids: Found in minor amounts; contribute to anti-inflammatory activity

• Flavonoids and phenolic acids: Support antioxidant effects (Sae-Wong et al., 2011)

The rhizome contains 0.8–2.5% essential oil, alongside starch, resin, and fiber.

Therapeutic Applications

Traditional Uses

• Massage oil: For arthritis and postpartum recovery

• Herbal decoctions: Regulate menstruation and expel lochia

• Compresses: Treat bruising and joint swelling

• Body scrubs: Used in beauty and health rituals

Modern Uses

• Topical anti-inflammatory creams (e.g., Plai balm in Thailand)

• Cosmeceuticals and skin-care products

• Herbal capsules or tonics for women's health

• Essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy

Ongoing and Recent Research

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Research demonstrates that Bonglai extract is comparable in efficacy to standard NSAIDs. For example, a clinical trial showed that Z. montanum gel significantly reduced pain and stiffness in patients with knee osteoarthritis (Rujanapun et al., 2019).

Antimicrobial Properties

Extracts exhibit strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, validating traditional uses in wound care and postpartum hygiene (Pradit et al., 2020).

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects

Bonglai’s high phenolic and flavonoid content contributes to free radical scavenging activity, suggesting hepatoprotective and anti-aging benefits (Sae-Wong et al., 2011).

Anti-cancer Potential

Preliminary in vitro studies show cytotoxic effects on several cancer cell lines, including cervical and breast cancer (Permana et al., 2021). Further clinical trials are needed.

Women’s Health

Bonglai continues to be studied for menstrual pain, hormonal balance, and postpartum care in integrative medicine programs across Indonesia and Malaysia (Mohd Azlan et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Bonglai (Zingiber montanum) is a valuable medicinal herb rooted in Southeast Asian ethnomedicine and increasingly validated by modern science. With its diverse phytochemicals and therapeutic applications—from pain relief to postpartum recovery—it holds significant promise for integrative health. Continued research is essential to fully unlock its pharmacological potential and bridge traditional wisdom with evidence-based medicine.

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References

Chen, X., Wang, X., & Li, Y. (2020). Materia Medica of Southeast Asia: Cross-cultural integration in traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, 112365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112365

Mohd Azlan, A., Norazalina, S., & Hamidah, M. (2022). Traditional Malay herbs in postnatal care: A case study of Bonglai use. Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 16(1), 22–30.

Permana, S., Yuliani, S., & Nurhayati, M. (2021). Cytotoxic effect of Zingiber montanum rhizome extract on breast and cervical cancer cell lines. Indonesian Journal of Cancer Chemoprevention, 12(3), 85–92. https://doi.org/10.31539/ijcc.v12i3.1951

Pradit, W., Buatong, J., & Wongkattiya, N. (2020). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Plai (Zingiber montanum) essential oil. Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 44(4), 239–248.

Rujanapun, N., Srivatanakul, P., & Tantisira, M. H. (2019). Clinical evaluation of topical Plai (Zingiber montanum) extract for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 35, 212–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.01.009

Sae-Wong, C., Tansakul, P., Tewtrakul, S., & Rattanasuwon, P. (2011). Chemical constituents and biological activities of essential oils from Zingiber montanum. International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics, 5(2), 91–97.

Widyaningsih, S., & Supriyanto, A. (2017). Pemanfaatan temu-temuan dalam jamu tradisional Jawa: Studi etnobotani di Yogyakarta. Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(1), 33–42.

Yuliani, R. (2015). The role of traditional massage and herbs in maternal care among Malay women. International Journal of Culture and Health, 7(3), 115–120.