Phytochemical evaluation of curcuma longa and its beneficial effects

Abstract

Curcuma (C.) longa L. (Zingiberaceae) has been reported for a range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, antioxidant and nematocidal activities. This review summarizes the beneficial pharmacological effects of Curcuma longa. As, curcumin is a key component of C. longa L., and it is responsible for the plant's biological effects. Other extracts of this plant have been shown to be effective. Curcumin has antispasmodic, anti-parasitic, anti-arthritic and anti- inflammatory properties in vitro, as well as antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic, anti-venom, and anti-arthritic properties, and suppresses carcinogenesis and cancer growth. Curcumin and extracts of C. longa L. have been shown to have anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo in animal models using parenteral and oral administration. In this current effort we formulate an intuition of the pharmacological potential of C. longa L., screening its significance.