Abstract

Curcuma longa L. is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and used widely by the traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of various ailments. Due to high curcumin content Indian turmeric is very popular as compared to other countries. Rhizomes derived from Curcuma longa is commonly known as Haldi or Turmeric. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that send out shoot as well as roots. Turmeric constitutes of fat-soluble, polyphenolic pigments known as curcuminoids which include mainly curcumin (deferulolyl methane) responsible for yellow colour for Indian curries, others are demethoxy curcumin and bisdemethoxy curcumin. Turmeric is sometimes also called the ‘Indian saffron’ and it is a natural antiseptic. Turmeric has high nutritive and medicinal values. Turmeric contains phytochemical constituents so it is considered as medicinal plant. The presence of nonnutritive plant chemical (phytochemical constituents) possesses disease preventive properties. In the form of root powder, turmeric is used for its flavouring properties as a spice, food medicine as it is associated with a variety of important beneficial properties. Many studies have been carried out in respect of various aspects such as morphology, phytochemical profiles of the entire parts of the plant and other features have also been recorded and documented. In this paper effort has been made to review the uses, botanical description, taxonomical classification, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities along with the current trends in research on turmeric.

KEYWORD: Curcuma longa, Taxonomical Classification, Phytochemical, Uses Pharmacological, Description