PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS OF CURCUMA LONGA- A POTENT PATENT

Abstract

Many herbal remedies individually or in combination have been recommended in various medical treatises for the cure of different diseases. The therapeutic value of Curcuma longa Linn. commonly known as Turmeric has been recognized in different systems of traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases and human ailments. It contains several phytoconstituents belonging to category of alkaloids, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols and volatile oils. It has been reported to cure inflammation, wounds, infections and acts as a carminative. Several studies using modern techniques have authenticated its use as anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fertility, anticancer, anti diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti venom, anti hepato-toxic, nephroprotective, anticoagulant etc. Most importantly, the plant has shown to possess anti HIV activity which could be of great value to combat AIDS particularly in third world countries.