Botanical Name : Curcuma longa 
Sanskrit Name: Haridra
English Name : Turmeric
Family : Zingiberaceae

Plant Parts Used : Rhizomes

Traditional uses: The rhizomes are bitter, acrid, thermogenic carminative emollient, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, depurative, antiseptic, appetiser, stomachic, anthelmintic, laxative, diuretic, expectorant, haematinic, alterative, alexiteric, stimulant, febrifuge and tonic. It is useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and pitta, inflammations, ulcers, wounds, skin diseases, allergic conditions, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, cough, anaemia, dropsy, gonorrhea, amenorrhoea, jaundice and general debility.

Phytochemistry: The major bioactive constituent of Curcuma longa are a group of diferuloylmethanes known as “curcuminoids”, which contains mainly curcumin along with desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin. The rhizome also contains volatile oil consisting mainly of bisabolane derivatives; polysaccharides viz. ukonan A, B, C and D common : phytosterols and fatty acids.

Pharmacology: Curcuma longa has been evaluated for various pharmacological activities. Curcuma longa has been found to be potent, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiarthritic and wound healing activity. Curcuma longa is also been reported for gastroprotective, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, antifertility, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, antifungal and antitumour activity.

Marker constituent: Curcumin

Main uses: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, food colorant.

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