Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a fundamental element of traditional medicine for ages, especially in

Ayurvedic and Chinese practices. The bioactive molecule curcumin has attracted considerable interest for its

medicinal potential. This review examines the therapeutic qualities of turmeric, emphasizing its anti-

inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions. Turmeric's capacity to regulate many signaling pathways,

including NF-kB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, enhances its therapeutic efficacy in the management of chronic

conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, turmeric's efficacy

Cardiovascular disease, Traditional medicine, Therapeutic applications, Health benefits.

People have utilized herbs and natural products to treat various diseases since ancient times. The Indian

subcontinent features various flora, encompassing both fragrant and medicinal plants. Contributions must be

made to assess, standardize, and validate Unani and Ayurvedic medications for their potential, safety, and

efficacy before their introduction to the market as first-line therapeutic agents. Plant-based medicines are utilized

in all cultures. Plant-based medications are widely employed, with numerous countries allocating 40% to 50%

of their whole health budget to the development of new pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicines are presumed to exert

a positive impact on health without adverse consequences.

The genus Curcuma has been utilized for many years for its therapeutic properties and has roughly 133 species

Curcuma longa, a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family, is predominantly cultivated in Asian nations. It is

one of the oldest spices in India, utilized for centuries in the western and southern regions, and plays a crucial

role in Ayurvedic treatments. In Ayurveda, the books Dashemani (emaciating), Kusthagna (anti-dermatosis),

and Visaghna (anti-poisonous) document and address the medicinal properties of C. longa. It is referred to by

various names, including Haridra in Sanskrit, Haldi in Hindi, Jianghuang (yellow ginger in Chinese), Manjal in

South India, and Kyoo or Ukon in Japanese, denoting its efficacy as a treatment for jaundice (Sharma, P. V.,

2000).

Origin & History of C. Longa: The precise origin of turmeric remains unidentified. However, it likely

originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, China, or Western India. It is solely recognized as a

specimens from South India being definitively classified as C. longa. The phylogeny, connections, intraspecific

and interspecific variation, and the identity of other species and cultivars globally require establishment and

validation. Numerous species presently employed and marketed as turmeric in different regions of Asia have

been demonstrated to belong to multiple morphologically identical taxa, characterized by overlapping local

in Asia for ages and is a significant component of Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, traditional Chinese medicine,

and Unani (Chattopadhyay, 2004) and the animistic rituals of Austronesian peoples (Kikusawa, Ritsuko; Reid,

Lawrence A., 2007; McClatchey, W., 1993). Initially utilized as a dye, it was subsequently employed for its

purported medicinal effects in folk remedies (Nelson et al., 2017; "Turmeric." National Center for

turmeric, including jayanti, signifying "one who triumphs over ailments," and "matrimanika," denoting "as

beautiful as moonlight." This material has consistently been considered auspicious across the subcontinent,

among both Aryan and Dravidian cultures, and its significance may trace back to the beliefs of ancient

indigenous populations. In the northern regions, turmeric is commonly referred to as haldi, a term originating

from the Sanskrit word "haridra," whereas in the southern regions, it is known as manjal, a designation frequently

seen in ancient Tamil literature. Turmeric possesses an extensive historical background of therapeutic application

in South Asia, as referenced in Sanskrit medical texts and extensively utilized in Ayurvedic and Unani practices.

Susruta's Ayurvedic compendium, originating from 250 B.C., advocates for an ointment comprising turmeric to

mitigate the effects of food poisoning. Turmeric plays an important part in Indian history and religious practices.

It is utilized for the veneration of the Sun God. It was utilized for the veneration of the Sun during India's solar

system, Western herbalists did not acknowledge its benefits until the late 20th century. By the mid-20th century,

turmeric began to gain favor in the Western world as well. Currently, several research investigations and trials

are conducted to ascertain its benefits. In 1280 AD, Marco Polo referred to turmeric as Indian saffron because

to its use in dyeing fabrics. He stated that he discovered a plant with all the characteristics of saffron, although

it is a root. Turmeric arrived in China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, and West Africa by 1200 AD,

thereafter gaining global popularity. The Chinese utilize turmeric as a medicinal agent, particularly for ailments

related to the spleen, stomach, and liver. It is utilized for stimulation, purification, and as an antibiotic, antiviral,

and analgesic. Currently, India is the predominant producer and user of turmeric. Additional producers in Asia

comprise Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, China, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Turmeric is cultivated in

the Caribbean and Latin America, specifically in Jamaica, Haiti, Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil. It is distributed in

utilized in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine as a home treatment for numerous ailments (Chattopadhyay

I, et al, 2004; Abas F, et al, 2005).

Chemical Composition of C.LongA: The chemical composition of turmeric is diverse. The qualitative and

quantitative components of turmeric differ markedly according to its variety, geographic origin, source, and

cultivation conditions (Heath DD, et al, 2004). This spice has yielded approximately 235 chemicals, primarily

phenolic compounds and terpenoids. This collection comprises 22 diarylheptanoids and diarylpentanoids, in

addition to phenylpropene, other phenolic compounds, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenoids, sterols,

monoterpenes, alkaloids, and more chemicals. The principal bioactive components of turmeric are curcuminoids,

categorized as diarylheptanoids. Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid in turmeric, has been employed for

medicinal purposes for centuries. The three primary curcuminoids commonly found in commercial curcumin are

found in commercial curcumin are curcumin (71.5%), demethoxycircumin (19.4%), and

bisedemethoxycurcumin (19.1%) (Pfeiffer, et al, 2003).

Turmeric has produced three diarylpentanoids including a five-carbon chain connecting two phenyl groups.

Additional phenylpropene and phenolic compounds identified in turmeric include catebin-A, vanillic acid, and

vanillin. Monoterpenes are frequently present in essential oils derived from plants and flowers (Li, et al,

2011).Turmeric comprises the following monoterpenes: p-cymene, phellandrene, terpinolene, p-cymen-8-ol, and

myrcene. Dried turmeric rhizomes generally produce 1.5-5% essential oils, predominantly composed of

sesquiterpenes, which contribute to the aromatic flavor and scent. The predominant sesquiterpenes in turmeric

are turmerone, turmeronol A, and turmeronol B (Golding BT, 1992).

Boric Acid Test: When the paper is immersed in a boric acid solution, it exhibits an orange-red coloration. The

hue persists even when exposed to free mineral acid. Paper altered to orange by boric acid will exhibit a blue

hue when dampened with weak alkali.

Phyto-Chemistry of C. Longa: C. longa contains fiber, carbohydrates, certain proteins and lipids (no

cholesterol), vitamin C, pyridoxine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, C. longa is a naturally

occurring dietary item that is high in nutrients (Uma Pradeep, et al, 1993). C. longa, in its typical composition,

(<3.5%). Monoterpenes predominate in the essential oils of flowers and leaves, but sesquiterpenes are prevalent

in the oils of roots and rhizomes. The oil elements are 25% tumerone, 11.5% curdine, and 8.55% ar-turmerone

(Nisar, et al 2015). C. longa oil possesses anti-mutagenic properties and can inhibit the formation and excretion

al, 2004).

Pharmacological & Medicinal Aspects of C. Longa: In human trials, curcumin is suggested to be effective

and safe, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has certified it as "generally regarded as safe."

treatment, C.longa tablets significantly decreased the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and

abdominal pain/discomfort scores, whereas IBS quality of life scores shown substantial enhancement

properties of curcumin are significant in the pathophysiology of depression. While serotonin turnover,

cortisol levels, and serum corticotrophin-releasing factor levels increased, the ethanolic C. longa extract

stopped the decline in serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine concentrations (Xia, et al, 2007).

prevention of platelet aggregation, thereby offering protection against atherosclerosis, as evidenced by

Maghsoudi, et al, 2017). The extract shown antibacterial efficacy against Trichophyton longifusus,

Microsporum canis, and Staphylococcus aureus, while exhibiting toxicity to Lemna minor. The C.longa-

treated rabbit group had a markedly increased mean value for wound contraction, resulting in reduced

inflammation and an upward trend in collagen synthesis. The ethanol extract of C. longa shown activity

against Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus,

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella typhi (Oghenejobo, et al, 2017). Drug

combinations can produce significant or attenuated pharmacokinetic effects, potentially augmenting or

reducing each other's therapeutic efficacy through modulation of absorption, distribution, metabolism,

and excretion (Chou, T. C. 2006). A separate study demonstrated the synergistic combinatorial effect of

longa. Ether, chloroform, and ethanol extracts of C. longa, in addition to its oil, exhibit antifungal activity

against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium moniliforme, and Penicillium digitatum, as

indicated by multiple authors (Wuthi-Udomlert, et al, 2000; Jayaprakasha, et al, 2001). The

methanolic extract of C. longa demonstrated antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and

Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 128 and 256 µg/ml,

respectively. Curcumin exhibits antifungal activity against all tested Candida strains, with minimum

inhibitory concentrations ranging from 250 to 2,000 g/L; nonetheless, it is less effective than fluconazole,

as per a recent analysis. This may be due to alterations in membrane-associated ATPase activity,

ergosterol synthesis, or proteinase secretion (Neelofar, et al, 2011).