The rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an important spice crop
extensively cultivated and consumed in tropical countries such as India. This spice is
understood to exert multiple beneficial effects on health. Turmeric imparts
characteristic flavour, aroma and yellow colour to foods. The chemical constituent
curcumin from the rhizome of turmeric is responsible for the yellow colour and is also
considered to be the bioactive component of this spice. Turmeric is endowed with
many curative virtues according to the indigenous Ayurvedic system of medicine of
India. It is considered as an analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
appetizer, carminative, diuretic, cardiovascular protectant, and antitumour. The
medicinal properties of turmeric known for centuries include: wound healing, antiinflammatory,
and usefulness in liver diseases such as jaundice. In the past couple of
decades, many health beneficial physiological effects of turmeric or its constituent ─
curcumin have been documented in experimental and/or clinical studies which suggest
that consumption of this spice offers benefits beyond sensory attributes. Turmeric and
curcumin have been shown to exert preventive and ameliorative influence on diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. The antioxidant property
of turmeric/ curcumin explains its diverse pharmacological potential. Curcumin
effectively reduces lipid peroxidation through its antioxidant influence. Turmeric is
traditionally employed as an anti-inflammatory drug. Experimental research indicates
that curcumin suppresses both tumour initiation and promotion. The anticarcinogenic
effect of curcumin is mediated through inhibition of the transcription factor NFkB and
proinflammatory pathways. Curcumin induces apoptosis, and suppresses tumour
proliferation and angiogenesis. The anticancer potential of curcumin is also evidenced
in clinical studies.
Keywords: Turmeric, Curcumin, Digestive stimulant, Anti-atherogenic,
Antioxidant effect, Anti-diabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Cancer preventive, Cardio
protective, Cholesterol gallstones, Erythrocytes integrity.
