Turmeric (Curcuma longa L., family Zingiberaceae) is one of the most economically important plants for its use in food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. Cultivar identification is a major constraint in turmeric, owing to high degree of morphological similarity that in turn, affects its commercialization. The present study addresses this constraint, using EST-SSR marker based, molecular identi...

Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that send out shoots as well as roots. The bright yellow color of turmeric comes mainly from fat-soluble, polyphenolic pigments known as curcuminoids. Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric, is generally considered its m...

OBJECTIVE Scientific evidence is lacking for the antiarthritic efficacy of turmeric dietary supplements that are being promoted for arthritis treatment. Therefore, we undertook studies to determine the antiarthritic efficacy and mechanism of action of a well-characterized turmeric extract using an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The composition of commercial turmeric dietar...

Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to chronic pain and joint deformity. First line treatment includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) slow disease progression, but RA patients are often left with debilitating symptoms. This article explores alternative topical naturally based options treat symptoms, supporting evidence for their use. Considered inclu...

Ethanol extract of ginger, turmeric and cinnamon was assessed for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring FRAP (ferric reducing-antioxidant power) assay. The antibacterial efficacy was determined using paper disc method against different gram negative bacterial and sensitivity in terms of zones of inhibition of all extra...

Abstract: Chemical constituents of various tissues of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) have been extensively investigated. To date, at least 235 compounds, primarily phenolic compounds and terpenoids have been identified from the species, including 22 diarylheptanoids and diarylpentanoids, eight phenylpropene and other phenolic compounds, 68 monoterpenes, 109 sesquiterpenes, five diterpenes, three t...

The present study aim to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of Curcuma longa (turmeric) oil on lipophilic, yeast like fungus Malassezia furfur which causes Pityriasis versicolor disease, a common superficial fungal skin disease. The antifungal activity of turmeric oil was screened by using disc diffusion method and microdilution method. Results indicated that, in screening of turmeric oil...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairment develops with pre-diabetes and dementia is a complication of diabetes. Natural products like turmeric and cinnamon may ameliorate the underlying pathogenesis. METHODS People ≥ 60 years (n=48) with newly-recognised untreated pre-diabetes were randomised to a double-blind metabolic study of placebo, turmeric (1 g), cinnamon (2 g) or both (1 g & 2 g...

The dried, ground rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. This perennial plant in the ginger family is cultivated throughout the tropics and is used as both a spice and to support health. Curcumin is a term that is sometimes used to refer to any or all of the curcuminoid compounds in turmeric. There are three main curcuminoids in turmeric, of which cur...