Adaptogenic-active components from Kaempferia parviflora rhizomes

► Adaptogenic activities of Kaempferia parviflora rhizome extracts are screened using swimming tests of mice. ► The fraction rich in terpenoids shows the highest activity comparable to crude ginseng root extract. ► Germacene D, β-elemene, α-copaene, and E-caryophyllene are the major active constituents. ► These terpenoids are considered the adaptogenic agents of K. parviflora rhizomes.