Review on Curcuma longa: Ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activity and phytochemical constituents

Curcuma longa Linn., is a well-known medicinal plant. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is cultivated throughout Asian countries. Curcumin, a major component of Curcuma longa obtained from the rhizome portion of the plant exhibit a great variety of pharmacological activities. It shows a wide range of activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral anti-oxidant, anti-septic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and digestive activities. In the form of root powder, turmeric is used as a spice, food preservative and a colouring agent. Turmeric phytoconstituents includes 3 curcuminoids: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane, the primary constituent responsible for its vibrant yellow), desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, as well as volatile oils (tumerone, atlantone and zingiberone), sugar, proteins and resins. This review emphasizes on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activity and phytochemical constituents of Curcuma longa.