Identity of Authentic and Market Samples of ‘Kala Haldi’ and comment on potential use of Curcuma caesia

Abstract

India, one of the 17 identified mega-diverse countries of the world, which is home to 11.80% of plant species where practice of herbal remedies in the recognized alternative systems, i.e., Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Unani, etc. to treat wide range of ailments dates back to many centuries. A time of trend reversal is seen world over, to use herbal remedies to treat health problems. Plants have been one of the important aspects of the world health. Curcuma caesia Roxb., a critically endangered plant (claimed to be useful in piles, leprosy and infertility, etc by traditional healers in India) is one such plant. The present paper deals with the identification of authentic sample of ‘Kala Haldi’ collected from natural habitat as well as the samples of ‘Kala Haldi’ obtained from traditional market at Nashik, Maharashtra. Headspace GCMS analysis of leaves of Curcuma caesia Roxb. suggests its use as substitute of another rare medicinal and aromatic plant namely, Hedychium spicatum Buch.- Ham. which is becoming rare due to over exploitation.