Curcuma longa: Review of Advances in Pharmacology

Curcumin is an active ingredient of Curcuma longa belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The data reviewed indicate that extracts of C. longa exhibit anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-tumor activity. It is cyto-toxic in nature and also shows the cyto protective activity. It also shows the hypolipidemic action and other activities such as anti-viral and inhibition of platelates aggregation. The medicinal properties of this plant represent it as a valuable source of medicinal compound. This study is collective information concerning the pharmacology activities of the C. longa.