Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): A promising spice for phytochemical and pharmacological activities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22377/ijgp.v7i2.302Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a small rhizomatous perennial herb belonging to Zingiberaceae family originating from South‑EasternAsia, most probably from India. The plant produces fleshy rhizomes of bright yellow to orange colour in its root system, which are the source of the commercially available spice turmeric. In the form of root powder, turmeric is used for its flavouring properties as a spice, food preservative and food‑colouring agent. Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as it is credited with a variety of important beneficial properties. Turmeric constituents include the three curcuminoids: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane; the primary constituent and the one responsible for its vibrant yellow colour), demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, as well as volatile oils (tumerone, atlantone and zingiberone), sugars, proteins and resins. Several studies using the modern techniques have authenticated turmeric used as anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti‑fertility, anticancer, anti‑diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti‑venom, anti hepato‑toxic, nephroprotective, anticoagulant, etc., Most importantly, the plant has shown to possess anti HIV
activity which could be of great value to combat AIDS particularly in third world countries. In this present work, we make an overview of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of turmeric, showing its importance.
Key words: Curcuma longa, phytochemistry, turmeric
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How to cite this article: Yadav D, Yadav SK, Khar RK, Mujeeb M, Akhtar
M. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): A promising spice for phytochemical and
pharmacological activities. Int J Green Pharm 2013;7:85-9.
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
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