Curcuma longa L.

INTRODUCTION

• curcuma longaBotanical origin

• zingiberaceaeFamily

• TurmericCommon name

• HaldiUrdu name

• Dried rhizomesPart used

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Curcumin

Curcuminiods

Cymene

Tumeron

Isdemethoxycurcumin

Demethoxycurcumin

Diaryl heptanoids

MEDICINAL USESAs an antioxidant

Use to treat arthritis

Used for cancer treatment

Improve the liver function

cardiovascular protection

Use for headache

lung infections, menstrual problemOther uses include

Alzheimer”s disease ,depression , worms

and kidney problems

MECHANISM OF ACTIONS

Antioxidant Activity Curcumin

Generate hydroxyl radical

Structural features of

curcuminoids that may

contribute to antioxidant

activity

MECHANISM OF ACTIONS

Cancer treatment Curcumin

Induces tumor

suppressor gene

Stop metastasi

s of cancer cells

Prevent regrowth of cancer stem cells

MECHANISM OF ACTIONS

Alzheimer disease

treatment

Plaque formation and tangles cause the disease

CurcuminBreakdown

the amyloid-beta plaque

MECHANISM OF ACTIONS

Anti depressant Curcumin

Act as anti inflammatory and anti

oxidant

Increase the level of neurotrophi

c factor

Modulates the level of neurotrans

mitters

Dosage

Many people take 400 mg. of turmeric three times per day in

capsules or tablets

Turmeric as a spice can also be incorporated into the diet as a way

to promote health

Side Effects

Curcumin may cause

hypoglycemiaAnti coagulant

Medicincal amount may cause menstruation and stimulate uterus

TOXICITY Primary active compound is curcumin and it is found that it

may also be toxic to your liver, depending on dose

INTERACTION:

Medications that slow blood clotting interacts with TURMERICTurmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bleeding. Anticoagulant example: aspirin.

REFERENCES http://holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h27.htm

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/benefits-turmeric-cancer-treatment/