BIO-MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longa L.), A DIETARY SPICE USED AS A FOLKLORE MEDICINE IN INDIA: A REVIEW

Curcuma longa or commonly name as turmeric is a common ingredient used in Indian kitchen. Its health benefits have been recognised years ago in Ayurveda. It is not only the gem of Ayurveda but its medicinal potential is also recognized by modern medical science. Traditionally and historically, believed to be originated in the lands of South East Asian countries like India, China and Bangladesh, now is grown almost throughout the tropical and subtropical terrains worldwide. In the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, turmeric is commonly known as “haldi”, and in the down south, it is called as “manjal”. The word turmeric is derived from the latin word-terra merita (meritorious earth) refers to the color of ground turmeric. The medicinal properties of this plant have been largely practiced for various diseases like asthma bronchial hyperactivity, rheumatism, diabetic wounds sinusitis smallpox, skin cancer, urinary tract infection, liver ailments. In this review we have summed up some of the important health benefits of turmeric, reviewed some new nanoparticle based formulations of turmeric which may have a great impact in the development of medical science as well as focused on its future prospects and difficulties regarding its future use. In conclusion, turmeric has wonderful medicinal properties which can be used in treatment of many diseases. With the help of nanotechnology we can inhance the properties of turmeric.