THE AMAZING PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HARIDRA- A SHORT REVIEW
Keywords:
Curcuma longa L., Haridra, Haldi, Curcumin, Anti-oxidant, Therapeutic properties.Abstract
Curcuma longa L. is commonly called as Haldi, it is frequently used as spice in our kitchen. In India, turmeric is used in almost all curries and gravy dishes. It gives a rich colour and a unique flavour to the food. Women in India use turmeric in skin products such as creams and body scrubs to boost the glow factor. It has many therapeutic properties like Hepato-protective, Gastro-protective, Anti-cancerous, Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and skin glow enhancing etc. The wide range of turmeric health benefits come mainly from its main ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenol responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric. In vitro, curcumin exhibits anti-parasitic, anti spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal effects, and also inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer growth. In vivo, there are experiments showing the anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory potency of curcumin and extracts of Curcuma longa L. by parenteral and oral application in animal models. This widely researched component of turmeric is highly therapeutic and is used in various drugs and pharmaceutics. This article briefly reviews the pharmacological and various therapeutic aspect of turmeric.
