Curcuma longa (haridra): a magical herb in tradition and pharma.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A review - curcuma longa (haridra): emerging as magical herb from traditions to the pharmaceutical industries
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Sarita Verma
M.D. Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar, Uttrakhand
D. C. Singh
Professor and H.O.D, P.G. Dept. of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Ritu Singh
M.D. Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Rupesh Kumar Sanger
M.D. Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Dravyaguna, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, Uttrakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A review - curcuma longa (haridra): emerging as magical herb from traditions to the pharmaceutical industries
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Curcuma longa, commonly known as Haridra or Turmeric, has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine in India and China for thousands of years. This herb is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating skin disorders, liver ailments, and respiratory issues, as documented in Ayurvedic scriptures. Recent research underscores the biological and pharmacological actions of its active constituents, particularly curcumin and curcuminoids. The growing awareness of its numerous therapeutic benefits has led to increased demand in the pharmaceutical industry and the agriculture sector, especially considering India’s role as a major producer and exporter of turmeric.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Haridra
One of the critical therapeutic actions of Haridra is its anti-inflammatory capacity. Curcumin, the primary active compound in turmeric, interferes with multiple inflammatory mediators including cyclooxygenase-2 and various cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-12 (IL-12). Additionally, the essential oil derived from turmeric contains components that bolster its anti-inflammatory effects. Laboratory studies expand on these traditional uses, revealing that curcumin exhibits effectiveness in reducing inflammation in various models, thus supporting its use for conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Nutritional and Chemical Composition
Aside from its medicinal benefits, Haridra is nutritionally rich, boasting an impressive array of vitamins and minerals. For instance, it is a significant source of Vitamin B-6, Niacin, Vitamin C, Iron, and Manganese, among others. The caloric value and composition further highlight its role not only as a spice but also as a functional food with health-promoting properties. Additionally, the chemical constituents, prominently curcumin (50-60% of turmeric), and other curcuminoids contribute to its therapeutic benefits. This nutritional profile, alongside its pharmacological benefits, positions Haridra as an essential element both in dietary practices and therapeutic applications.
Conclusion
In summary, Curcuma longa (Haridra) extends its utility far beyond culinary applications to serve as a notable herbal medicine with extensive therapeutic potential. Its documented anti-inflammatory properties and rich nutritional value signify its importance in both traditional and modern healthcare contexts. As the pharmaceutical industries continue to explore its medicinal capabilities, the cultivation and trade of Haridra are poised to expand, ensuring that this ancient herb continues to play a vital role in contemporary health solutions. The growing body of research validating its uses further promotes its integration into drug formulations and cosmeceutical products, illustrating its significance in addressing various health issues.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What traditional uses does Curcuma longa (Haridra) have in medicine?
Curcuma longa, or Haridra, has a history of use in treating cough, cold, skin disorders, and liver ailments. It's also utilized in Ayurvedic practices for respiratory issues and as a remedy for inflammation and infections.
How does Curcuma longa contribute to the pharmaceutical industry?
Due to its potent pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, Curcuma longa is increasingly demanded in the pharmaceutical industry for developing various formulations and cosmeceutical products.
What are the nutritional benefits of consuming turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It contains high levels of iron, manganese, and potassium, promoting overall health with no cholesterol content, making it beneficial in a balanced diet.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Curcuma longa (haridra): a magical herb in tradition and pharma.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Haridra:
Haridra, also known as turmeric, is a potent medicinal herb used traditionally in Ayurveda for treating various skin, liver, and respiratory disorders. It is scientifically known as Curcuma longa.
2) Turmeric:
Turmeric is an herbal spice known for its bright yellow color and medicinal properties. It is extensively used in Indian and Chinese cuisine and has therapeutic effects documented in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
3) Disease:
Haridra is used traditionally and in modern pharmaceuticals to treat a variety of diseases, including skin disorders, liver issues, and respiratory problems, due to its potent pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
4) India:
India is the leading producer and exporter of turmeric, and the herb is extensively used in traditional Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda. Major turmeric-producing states include Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal.
5) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa is the scientific name for Haridra (turmeric), a herb with significant medicinal properties. It is rich in phytoconstituents such as curcumin, which provide various therapeutic benefits, driving its high demand in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
6) Indian:
Turmeric is often referred to as Indian Saffron because of its vibrant yellow color and extensive use in Indian cuisine, traditional rituals, and medicine. India is also the largest producer and exporter of turmeric.
7) Drug:
Haridra is used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its multiple therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. It is incorporated into various drug formulations for treating different health conditions.
8) Pharmacological:
The pharmacological actions of Haridra include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties, validated by both traditional uses and modern research, making it a cornerstone in pharmaceutical formulations.
9) Powder:
In Ayurvedic practice, Haridra powder is recommended for various treatments, often mixed with other ingredients like honey or milk, to enhance its therapeutic effects.
10) Tikta:
Tikta refers to the bitter taste of Haridra, which is one of its Rasa (taste) properties in Ayurveda. This bitterness contributes to some of its therapeutic effects in the body.
11) Katu:
Katu, meaning pungent, is another Rasa (taste) property of Haridra in Ayurveda. The pungency helps in various digestive and detoxifying actions within the body.
12) Soil:
For cultivating turmeric, well-drained loamy or alluvial soil is preferable, as the crop is sensitive to waterlogging and requires a hot, moist climate for optimal growth.
13) Medicine:
Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its various therapeutic properties, including its actions as a carminative, stomachic, and expectorant.
14) Kapha:
In Ayurveda, turmeric is used to balance Kapha dosha by its bitter and astringent taste, and its warm nature helps to alleviate conditions like congestion and lethargy.
15) Honey:
Honey is often used with Haridra powder in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly for diabetes, coughs, and skin disorders, to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the herb.
16) Tamil:
In the state of Tamil Nadu, turmeric is a significant agricultural product, particularly in Erode, known as the Turmeric City. Tamil Nadu is one of the largest producers of turmeric in India.
17) Inflammation:
Curcumin, a primary component of turmeric, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting various molecules involved in inflammation, making it useful for treating inflammatory conditions.
18) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is one of the leading turmeric-producing states in India, with the city of Sangli being a major trading center for turmeric.
19) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu, particularly the city of Erode, is a significant turmeric-producing region and a major center for turmeric trade in India. The region is known for its high-quality turmeric.
20) Harvesting (Harvest):
Turmeric is harvested approximately 8 months after planting, when the leaves turn pale and the stems dry. The rhizomes are then boiled, dried, and polished.
21) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, extensively documents the therapeutic uses of Haridra for treating various disorders like skin diseases, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.
22) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to Ayurvedic lexicons that list various plants, including Haridra, along with their synonyms, properties, and medicinal uses.
23) Allergy:
Haridra exhibits antiallergic properties by inhibiting the release of histamine, making it effective for treating allergic reactions. This property is due to its glycosides of curcumin.
24) Kerala:
Kerala produces a variant of turmeric known as Alleppey Finger Turmeric (AFT), considered one of the best quality turmeric in terms of color and flavor.
25) Bengal (Bemgal):
West Bengal is known for its specific type of turmeric, including tribal uses for treating various ailments and in culinary practices.
26) Nature:
Turmeric is defined by its multifaceted nature of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits.
27) Rakta:
In Ayurveda, turmeric is known to have Raktaprasa-dana (blood purifying) properties, making it beneficial for conditions related to the blood.
28) Kandu (Kamdu):
In Ayurvedic literature, Haridra is noted for its efficacy against Kandu (itching), providing relief in various skin disorders.
29) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu refers to anemia in Ayurveda, and Haridra is used in formulations like Triphala and Ghee to treat this condition.
30) Cina:
Turmeric is not only integral to Indian traditions but also to Chinese cuisine and medicine, where it is used similarly for its color and therapeutic properties.
31) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurvedic context refers to taste. Haridra has Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa, contributing to its therapeutic uses.
32) Nadu:
[see source text or glossary: Nadu]
33) Milk:
Turmeric mixed with milk is a traditional remedy for various conditions such as inflammation and respiratory disorders due to its enhanced therapeutic effects.
34) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Turmeric is effective in balancing both Kapha and Pitta doshas in Ayurveda due to its warm and bitter properties, making it useful in treating related disorders.
35) Katutikta (Katu-tikta):
Katu-tikta refers to the pungent-bitter taste combination of Haridra, which is significant in Ayurveda for its effects on digestion and detoxification.
36) Krimighna (Krmighna, Krimi-ghna):
Krimighna denotes Haridra's property of being an effective anti-parasitic agent, useful in treating various parasitic infections.
37) Colouring (Coloring):
Turmeric is traditionally used as a coloring agent due to its bright yellow hue, and this usage extends from textiles to culinary practices.
38) Gujarat:
In Gujarat, the planting of turmeric typically occurs towards the end of May, and the state is one among the minor producers.
39) Chennai:
In Chennai, turmeric is planted between March and April. The region is known for particular varieties like Chinna nedan.
40) Vikara:
Vikara in Ayurveda refers to disorders or diseases. Haridra is used in treatment for various Vikara such as skin diseases and inflammatory conditions.
41) Ruksha (Ruksa):
[see source text or glossary: Ruksa]
42) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya denotes the property of improving complexion or skin tone, which is one of the celebrated benefits of Haridra in Ayurveda.
43) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of food or herbs in Ayurveda. Haridra has a Katu Vipaka, impacting its long-term effects on the body.
44) Bitter:
One of the primary tastes of Haridra is bitter (Tikta), which contributes to its detoxifying and digestive properties in Ayurvedic medicine.
45) Animal:
Studies involving animals have validated Haridra's various pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting its use in modern medicine.
46) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, doshas are bio-elements; Haridra is used to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas due to its inherent properties.
47) Pitta:
Haridra is used in Ayurveda to balance Pitta dosha, addressing issues like inflammation and heat-related disorders due to its cooling and bitter properties.
48) Karma (Karman):
Karma refers to the therapeutic actions of a substance in Ayurveda. Haridra's Karmas include Vishaghna (detoxifying), Varnya (improving complexion), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory).
49) Campu:
[see source text or glossary: Campu]
50) Vrana:
Vrana refers to wounds or ulcers in Ayurveda. Haridra has significant wound-healing properties, making it effective for treating Vranas.
51) Aroma (A-roma):
Turmeric has a distinctive, sweet aroma, which contributes to its widespread use in cuisine and also enhances its therapeutic appeal.
52) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
53) Blood:
Haridra is known for its Raktaprasadana (blood-purifying) properties, enhancing its use in treating blood-related disorders in Ayurvedic medicine.
54) Vata:
Turmeric oil prepared with Haridra is used to alleviate Vata disorders, offering relief in conditions like paralysis.
55) Guna:
Guna in Ayurveda refers to qualities of a substance. Haridra's Guna include Ruksha (dry) and Laghu (light), contributing to its medicinal effects.
56) Food:
Turmeric is widely used in food, especially in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, for its flavor, color, and health benefits.
57) Diet:
In Ayurvedic dietetics, turmeric is recommended for its digestive and detoxifying properties, making it a staple in various dietary regimens.
58) Crop:
Turmeric is an important cash crop with significant commercial value, primarily grown in tropical regions like India. It requires well-drained soil and a hot, moist climate.
59) Bronchial asthma:
Haridra is used as an ash with honey, providing relief in bronchial asthma by reducing inflammation and clearing respiratory pathways.
60) Sour gruel:
In Ayurvedic treatments, turmeric mixed with sour gruel is used for conditions like kidney stones, helping to dissolve and pass them.
61) Varattumannal:
[see source text or glossary: Varattumannal]
62) Phytochemical:
Haridra contains significant phytochemicals, such as curcumin and curcuminoids, which contribute to its wide range of therapeutic properties.
63) Pratishyaya (Pratisyaya):
Pratishyaya refers to allergic rhinitis in Ayurveda. Haridra has antiallergic properties that help in the treatment of such conditions.
64) Vranaropana (Vrana-ropana):
Vranaropana means wound healing. In Ayurveda, Haridra is known for its Vranaropana properties, making it effective for treating wounds and ulcers.
65) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is the Ayurvedic study of medicinal herbs. Haridra's properties and uses are extensively detailed in Dravyaguna texts.
66) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
Kusthaghna indicates the property of being effective against skin diseases (Kustha). Haridra is widely used in Ayurveda for its Kusthaghna actions.
67) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi refers to Vata disorders, and Haridra oil is used for their alleviation, especially in conditions like paralysis or arthritis.
68) Dhanvamtri (Dhanvantri):
[see source text or glossary: Dhanvantri]
69) Depression:
Haridra is also noted for its effects on mental health, offering relief from depression and stress due to its multiple beneficial phytoconstituents.
70) Vishaghna (Visaghna, Visha-ghna):
Vishaghna refers to the detoxifying property of a substance. Haridra is recognized for its Vishaghna action in Ayurveda, making it useful in detoxification therapies.
71) Karnataka:
[see source text or glossary: Karnataka]
72) Haridradi (Haridra-adi):
Haridradi ghrita is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that includes Haridra and is used for treating conditions like jaundice and other liver-related disorders.
73) Rajasthan:
[see source text or glossary: Rajasthan]
74) Anulomana:
Anulomana refers to the property of regulating digestion and bowel movements. Haridra possesses Anulomana action, making it useful for digestive health.
75) Krimihara (Krmihara, Krimi-hara):
Krimihara signifies the anthelmintic property of Haridra, used in Ayurveda for treating parasitic infections.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 137]
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