Curcuma Longa - Herbal

Botanical Name-: Curcuma longa
Family Name-: Zingiberaceae (ginger)
Other Names: Turmeric, Curcuma, Curcuma

History Curcuma longa
Turmeric has been used in Indian systems of medicine for a long time. It was listed in an Assyrian herbal dating from about 600 BC and was also mentioned by Dioscorides. Both the East and the West have held its medicinal properties in high regard through the ages.

Principal Constituents
The rhizomes contain curcuminoids, curcumin, demethoxy curcumin, bis- demethoxycurcumin, 5'- methoxycurcumin and dihydrocurcumin which are found to be natural anti-oxidants. A new curcuminoid, cyclocurcumin, was isolated from the nematocidally active fraction of turmeric. The fresh rhizomes also contain two new natural phenolics which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and also two new pigments. Several sesquiterpenes, germacrone, turmerone, ar-(+)-, a-, ß- turmerones; ß- bisabolene; a-curcumene; zingiberene; ß- sesquiphellandene, bisacurone; curcumenone; dehydrocurdione; procurcumadiol; bis-acumol; curcumenol; isoprocurcumenol epiprocurcumenol; procurcumenol; zedoaronediol; curlone; and turmeronol A and turmeronol B, have been recorded from the rhizomes. The rhizomes are also reported to contain four new polysaccharides-ukonans - having activity on the Reticuloendothelial system, along with stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol, cholesterol and 2-hydroxymethyl anthraquinone1.

The essential oil from the rhizome contains d-a-phellandrene, d-sabinene, cineol, borneol, zingiberene, sesquiterpenes (turmerones)2. The crystalline coloring matter, curcumin, is a diferuloyl methane. It dissolves in concentrated sulphuric acid giving a yellow-red coloration3.


Pharmacology
Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory property. Petroleum ether extracts of the rhizome showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in experimental animals without producing any toxicity or side effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric extracts has been attributed to curcumin and its analogues4

Oil of C.longa leaves obtained by steam distillation was given orally to study its effects on the exudative and proliferative phases of the inflammatory reaction, using the techniques of carrageenin-induced paw edema and cotton pellet methods in male albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was compared with Phenylbutazone. In carrageenin- induced edema, 1.6ml/kg of the volatile oil had as much anti-inflammatory activity as that of 100mg/kg Phenylbutazone. The oil was also found to be potent in cotton pellet granuloma studies5.

An oral dose of 500mg/kg of the ethanol extract of turmeric produced significant antiulcerogenic activity in rats subjected to hypothermic-restraint stress and pyloruic ligation. It also showed marked anti-ulcerogenic effect in indomethacin and reserpine, induced-gastric ulcers in rats. The extract had a highly significant protective effect against cytodestructive agents. Turmeric extract not only increased the gastric wall mucus significantly but also restored the non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) content in the glandular stomachs of the rats6.

C.longa rhizome extract showed blood glucose lowering activity in experimental, induced- diabetic rats. After 3 and 6 hrs of curcuma injection (10mg), 37.2 percent and 54.5 percent fall, were observed respectively in the glucose levels7.

Turmeric is reported to have anti-fertility activity as observed with experimental animals. The petroleum ether and aqueous extracts showed 100 percent anti-implantation in rats at a dose of 200mg/kg body wt fed orally on day 1 to 7 of pregnancy8.

Clinical Studies
Of the 50 cases of conjunctivitis, 25 cases were treated with Haridra Eye drops (HEB) and other 25 cases with soframycin eye drops (SED). Clinical symptoms started subsiding from the 3rd day and all were cured by the 6th day (except 2 patients) in patients treated with HED. In SED patients symptoms subsided from the 4th day and complete relief took 7 days except for 2 cases, which took 9 days. This indicates that HED has a definite role in conjunctivitis. Bacteriological study shows that Haridra act, effectively on E.coli, Staphylococus aureus, Klebsella and Pseudomonas9.

The Volatile oil of C.longa when given orally, was found most effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma than when given intramuscularly10.

Toxicology
The clastogenic potential of Curcuma longa in experimental rats in in vivo conditions has been evaluated. A single acute dose treatment (500mg/kg b.w.) could not significantly induce micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes but caused considerably higher chromosomal abberrations11.

Indications
In Indian systems of medicine, turmeric is used to some extent as a stomachic, tonic and blood purifier. It is also prescribed as an antiperiodic alterative. Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers. A decoction of the rhizome is said to relieve the pain of purulent ophthalmia. Oil of turmeric, distilled from the dried rhizomes, has feeble antiseptic properties. It is an antacid, and, in small doses, acts as a carminative, stomachic, appetiser and tonic. In large doses, however, it appears to act as an antispasmodic inhibiting excessive peristaltic movements of the intestines. Turmeric also possesses anti-inflammatory property.

Product Range
Diabecon (GlucoCare), Geriforte (GeriCare / StressCare), Ophthacare, Purim (HemoCare), V-Gel (FemCare Gel), Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Foot Care Cream, Geriforte Aqua, Geriforte Vet, Scavon.

References

1. Ravindranath & Satyanarayana, Phytochemistry, 1980, 19, 2031; Masuda et. al., ibid, 1993, 32, 1557; Toda et. al., Chem Pharm Bull, 1985, 33, 1725; Kiuchi et. al., ibid, 1993, 41, 1640; Nakayama et. al., Phytochemistry, 1993, 33, 501; Ohshiro et. al., ibid, 1990, 29, 2201; Golding et. al., J Chem Soc, Chem Commun, 1982, 363; Uehara et. al., Shoyakugaku Zasshi, 1992, 46, 55; Kiso et. al., Phytochemistry, 1983, 22, 596; Imai et. al., Agric Biol Chem, 1990, 54, 2367; Gonda et. al., Chem Pharm Bull, 1990, 38, 482; 1992, 40, 185; Chem Abstr, 1977, 87, 11482; Ogbeide et. al., Pak J Sci, 1985, 37, 15.
2. Kelkar & Rao. J. Indian Inst. Sci.,1933, 17A, 7. A ketone, and an alcohol identified as p-tolylmethyl carbinol, have been obtained distillate3 (Chem. Abstr., 1933, 27, 4876).
3. Mayer & Cook,93; Chem. Abstr.,1948,42,8496.
4. Choudhury & Haq, Bull Med-Ethno-Bot Res, 1980, 1, 408; Arora et. al., Indian J Med Res, 1971, 59, 2189; Ammon & Wahl, Planta Med, 1991, 57, 1; Rao et. al., Indian J Med Res, 1982, 75, 574; Khung et. al., Indian J Pharmacol, 1986, 18, 20; Srimal & Dhawan, J Pharm Pharmacol, 1973, 25, 447; Srimal, Indian Spices, 1993, 30 (2&3), 21; Dhawan, ibid, 1993, 30 (2&3), 19; East Pharm, 1979, 22 (258), 70; Sinha et. al., Nagarjun, 1976, 19 (6), 11.
5. Iyengar, M.A et. al., Indian Drugs, 1994, v., 31(11), 528-531.
6. Rafatullah, S. et. al., J. Ethnopharmacol., 1990, v., 29(1), 25-34.
7. Tank, R. et. al., Indian Drugs, 1990, v., 27(11), 587-589.
8. Choudhury & Haq, Bull Med-Ethno-Bot Res, 1980, 1, 408; Garg et. al., Indian J Exp Biol, 1978, 16, 1077; Garg, Planta Med, 1974, 26, 225; Curr Res Med Arom Pl, 1983, 5, 83-01-549.
9. Srinivas,C. and Prabhakaran,K.V.S., Ancient Science of Life, 1989, v., 8(3 & 4), 279-283.
10. Jain, J.P. et. al., J. Res. Ayur. and Siddha, 1990, v., 11(1-4), 20-30.
11. Jain, A.K. et. al., Curr. Sci., 1987, 56(19), 1005-1006.
    

Source : himalayahealthcare

Herbs and Spices to the Rescue of Your Health! (Part One)

By: Scott Meyers

When we think of healing foods, we don't always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table.

Put the saltshaker away when you're cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot!

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better.

Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions.

Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system.

A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections.

Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic's beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped.

Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness.

Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Scott Meyers