Therapeutic and pharmacological potential of turmeric: An overview

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is medicinal herb belongs to family Zingiberaceae. It is mostly useful as flavouring of foods throughout the World. It is extensively used in traditional and alternative medicine for the treatment and management of various ailments such as diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and other age related chronic diseases. Many biological activities of turmeric have been reported such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-muscles fibrosis, antiulcer, anticancer and hepatoprotective activities. The phytochemical studies of turmeric rhizome showed the presence of some flavonoids such as curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin and various volatile oils, including α turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone. Turmeric also contains some other phytoconstituents include sugars, proteins, and resins. Curcumin is the main active constituents of turmeric and responsible for its therapeutics and biological activities. The purpose of this review is to provide the innovative knowledge of turmeric and its ingredients for treatment of various deadly diseases and a leading scope in the future research for researchers.