Morphological, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigation of Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.)

Abstract

Background & Aim: Curcuma caesia Roxb., commonly known as “Black turmeric” is a perennial rhizomatous critically endangered herb available in Northeast, Central, and Southern India. The plant possesses various medicinal properties and remains an untouched plant among researchers and growers. Experimental: In the current review keywords including black turmeric and medicinal properties, black turmeric and phytochemical, black turmeric and pharmacological application were searched in scientific websites such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar regarding plant description, distribution, chemical composition, and pharmacological investigation of black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) Results: The plant with bioactive compounds in form of carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, terpenoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, etc. possess antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic, smooth muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, bronchodilating, anti-convulsant, CNS depressant, locomotor depressant, anthelmintic, anti-bacterial anti-fungal, and anti-mutagenic activities. The potentiality of the rhizome as an antiviral agent against coronavirus has also been justified and under trial. Recommended applications/industries: This review focuses on the description, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigation of the herb to explore its potentiality as an important medicinal plant with special emphasis on its preservation and cultivation among the growers.

Keywords

• black turmeric
• phytochemical