Promising Curcuma species suitable for hill regions towards maintaining biodiversity

Abstract

Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms and diversity within species, between species and of their ecosystem. Turmeric, considered as the Golden Spice of the world has considerable biodiversity including innumerable medicinal values. India occupies the first position in area and production of turmeric. Several species of Curcuma which are mostly grown in high elevations include Curcuma caesia, Curcuma rubescens, Curcuma amada, Curcuma leucorrhiza, Curcuma montana, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma angustifolia, Curcuma pseudomontana, Curcuma longa etc. Turmeric contains protein, fat, minerals, carbohydrates and moisture The essential oil obtained by steam distillation of rhizomes Curcumin is responsible for the yellow colour, and comprises curcumin I (94%), curcumin II (6%) and curcumin III (0.3%). Turmeric has attracted much attention due to its significant medicinal potential. It is used in the cure for leoprosy, intermitted fever, infections of liver, dropsy, purulent ophthalmia fevers, affections, wound healing, tumours, and indolent ulcers. It is used for treatment of snake bites and as antitumor. Turmeric also demonstrated antifungal properties. It has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antiviral activities and anticancer activity. The curcuma sp. which are grown in temperature ranging from 11-40⁰C which are also suitable from the hilly area for their growth and development as the region receives a well distributed rainfall during the growing season and also the sloppy well drained land with good organic matter content. Hence, there is a suitability of curcuma species for their biodiversity and conservation in the hilly regions for the exploitation of yield and also used for various medicinal purpose.