The volatile oil, also curcumin, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models (the effects were comparable to those of cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used orally, curcumin prevents the release of inflammatory mediators. It depletes nerve endings of substance P, the neurotransmitter of pain receptors.
Siddha/Tamil Manjal.
188 Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
Curcumin’s cholesterol-lowering actions include interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids via its choleretic effects.
Curcuminoids prevent the increases in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this validates the use of turmeric as a hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders. Curlone, obtained from the dried rhizome, is used against hepatitis.
Turmeric and curcumin increase the mucin content of the stomach and exert gastroprotective effects against stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer formation. (Curcumin at doses of 100 mg/kg weight exhibited ulcerogenic activity in rats.)
The ethanolic extract of the rhizome exhibited blood sugar lowering activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Piperine (a constituent of black and long pepper) enhances absorption and bioavailability of curcumin.
Dosage Cured rhizome—1—3 g powder. (API Vol. I.)
Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
Family Zingiberaceae.
Habitat Cultivated throughout India; wild in Eastern Himalaya.
English Zedoary, Zerumbet.
Ayurvedic Karchuura, Draavida, Palaashi, Kachura, Gandhmuulaka, Shati.
Unani Zarambaad.
Action Carminative, stomachic, gastrointestinal stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, demulcent, rubefacient. Used in flatulence and dyspepsia. Fresh root is used for checking lecorrhoeal discharge; also for blood purification. Zedoary’s effect on digestive organs is similar to ginger but milder.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of the rhizome in goiter.
The rhizomes are a source of Shoti Starch, used as a food for babies and convalescents, recovering from chronic stomatitis. It is cooling and demulcent.
