Herbal Value of Turmeric; Haridra

Turmeric
Curcuma longa Linn.

Synonym; C. domestica Valeton.

Family; Zingiberaceae.

Habitat; Cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

English; Turmeric.

Ayurvedic; Haridraa, Priyaka,Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri,Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarnini, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, Naktaahvaa, Sharvari.Unani; Zard Chob.

Siddha/Tamil; Manjal.

Action; Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, anti-oxidant, detoxifier and regenerator of liver tissue, anti-asthmatic, anti-tumor, anti-cutaneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic, carminative. Reduces high plasma cholesterol. The antiplatelet activity offers protection to heart and vessels. Also protects against DNA damage in lymphocytes.

Key application; In dyspeptic conditions. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) Asanti-inflammatory, stomachic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) the rhizomes gave curcuminoids, the mixture is known as curcumin, consisting of at least four phenolic diarylheptanoids, including curcumin and mono desmethoxy curcumin; volatile oil (3-5%), containing about 60% of turmerones which are sesquiterpene ketones, and bitter principles, sugars, starch, resin. Curcumin related phenolics possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. the antioxidant activity of curcumin is comparable to standard anti-oxidants—vitamin C and E, BHA and BHT. the volatile oil, also curcumin, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models (the effects were comparable to those of cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used orally, curcumin prevents the release of inflammatory mediators. It depletes nerve endings of substance P, the neurotransmitter of pain receptors. 

Curcumin’s cholesterol-lowering actions include interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids via its choleretic effects. Curcuminoids prevent the increases in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this validates the use of turmeric as a hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders. Curlone, obtained from the dried rhizome, is used against hepatitis. Turmeric and curcumin increase the mucin content of the stomach and exert protectiveness effects against stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer formation. (Curcumin at doses of 100mg/kg weight exhibited ulcerogenic activity in rats.)

The ethanolic extract of the rhizome exhibited blood sugar lowering activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Piperine (a constituent of black and long pepper) enhances absorption and bioavailability of curcumin.

Dosage; Cured rhizome 1-3g powder. (API Vol.I.), Ref: Indian Medicinal Plants p.188

Turmeric; Haridra Curcuma longa

Turmeric is an essential flavoring spice of Indian and other cuisines. Turmeric rhizome provides the typical yellow color of many curry dishes and helps to make the food more digestible. Turmeric has been used in managing arthritis, cholesterol, indigestion, hepatoprotective and in obesity. Turmeric also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. Turmeric contains curcumin and essential oil (turmerone, zingiberine). Curcumin increases the secretion of bile by stimulating the bile duct. Curcumin also protects the liver by detoxification, stimulating the gall bladder and scavenging free radicals. In conjunction with the adrenal glands, it inhibits both platelet aggregation and the enzymes which induce inflammatory prostaglandins. Curcumin may also help break down fats and reduce cholesterol it is one of the ingredients of Diabit Compound.