Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): A promising spice for phytochemical and pharmacological activities

摘要: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a small rhizomatous perennial herb belonging to Zingiberaceae family originating from South‑Eastern Asia, most probably India. The plant produces fleshy rhizomes of bright yellow orange colour in its root system, which are the source commercially available spice turmeric. In form powder, turmeric used for flavouring properties as spice, food preservative and food‑colouring agent. has long history use Ayurvedic medicine it credited with variety important beneficial properties. constituents include three curcuminoids: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane; primary constituent one responsible vibrant colour), demethoxycurcumin bisdemethoxycurcumin, well volatile oils (tumerone, atlantone zingiberone), sugars, proteins resins. Several studies using modern techniques have authenticated anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti‑fertility, anticancer, anti‑diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti‑venom, anti hepato‑toxic, nephroprotective, anticoagulant, etc., Most importantly, shown possess HIV activity could be great value combat AIDS particularly third world countries. this present work, we make an overview phytochemistry pharmacological activities turmeric, showing importance. Key words: Curcuma longa, phytochemistry,