Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, AND PHARMACOLOGY OF CURCUMA CAESIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Priyanka Gautam* and Shourya Pratap

ABSTRACT

Curcuma caesia, commonly known as black turmeric, holds significant promise in traditional medicine systems due to its rich pharmacological potential. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety aspects of Curcuma caesia, offering insights into its traditional uses and scientific validations. Phytochemical constituents, including curcuminoids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, are elucidated, showcasing the diversity of bioactive compounds present in Curcuma caesia and their potential therapeutic relevance. The pharmacological activities of Curcuma caesia are extensive and encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating these activities provide insights into their mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. Traditional uses and ethnopharmacology underscore Curcuma caesia's integral role in folk medicine, reflecting centuries-old indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Safety considerations are addressed, summarizing available data on acute and chronic toxicity, as well as mutagenic and genotoxic effects, to ensure safe therapeutic usage. The manuscript concludes by outlining future research directions, advocating for further exploration of Curcuma caesia's pharmacological potential, mechanistic insights, and development of standardized formulations for clinical applications. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of Curcuma caesia, bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific exploration, and advocates for its continued investigation and utilization in healthcare and drug development.

Keywords: Curcuma caesia, black turmeric, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional medicine.