Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Properties of Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A Mini Review

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the oldest medicinal plants, which has been used from ancient times. Turmeric derived from the Zingiberaceae family and curcumin is the bioactive component in the turmeric. Extensive researches have proven that most of the turmeric activities are due to curcumin. The purpose of this review was to provide a brief summary of the medicinal and nutritional value of curcumin. Turmeric is good source of macro and micronutrients such as protein, energy, vitamin and minerals, and it is known for various medicinal properties with antioxidant activities and is useful in conditions such as inflammation, ulcer and cancer. It has also antifungal, antimicrobial, renal and hepatoprotective activities. Turmeric is being used since past era to modern era; the major application of turmeric is due to antifungal and anti-bacterial property in skin and hair. The recently published papers in international cite as PubMed/ Medline, Science Citation Index and Google Scholar about turmeric were searched. Therefore, turmeric is widely used in treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis etc. The nutrient content present in the curumin longa is in significant amount, so it can be helpful in combating the nutrients deficiency. Turmeric is also used for Ayurvedic and various cosmetic purposes like blood purification and different types of skin products.