PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TURMERIC – A REVIEW

Abstract

A review. Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn), a nature's precious and most popular Indian spice belonging to the family zingiberaceae is cultivated throughout the Indian sub continent because of its excellent medicinal properties. The rhizomes of the plant have medicinal values. The active constituents of the turmeric are the flavonoids, curcumin (Diferulo Methane) and various volatile oils, which includes zingiberone, tumerone, water and fat soluble extracts of turmeric. The component Curcumin exhibits strong anti-oxidant properties resulting in enhanced cellular resistance to oxidative damage. Extensive research over last fifty years has revealed several important functions of curcumin. Turmeric has been shown with wide spectrum of biol. action which includes Anti-mutagenic, Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic, Anti bacterial, Anti viral, Hepatoprotective, Anti-fungal, Anti-protozoal, Anti-ulcer and Analgesic actions. Curcumin has the ability to inhibit carcinogenesis at three stages, namely tumor promotion, angiogenesis and tumor growth. Curcumin is also used topically to counteract inflammation and irritation associated with inflammatory skin conditions and allergies. This review focuses on the medicinal and pharmacol. treatment of diseases with the medicinal values of turmeric.