A review on selected pharmacological activities of <i>Curcuma longa</i> L.

Spices have long been a part of human diets and commerce. Since the birth of human civilization, medicinal plants have yielded a wealth of information on treating and preventing illness. Still, the growing understanding of the connection between nutrition and health in the food business has increased its relevance and piqued researchers’ interest in deciphering the mechanisms of the action of spices and the plethora of beneficial properties attributed to them. Turmeric is one of the most important spices due to its active biochemical activities. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic qualities and the ability to promote wound healing and reduce sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation have been revealed in curcumin. Several human disorders, including fibrosis, lupus nephritis, acne, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome, have been tested in clinics. Consequently, an herb used solely in the kitchen is now used in the clinic. New technologies are being tried in the drug development process to increase the bioavailability of curcumin, such as additives, micelles, nanoparticles, liposomes, and phospholipid complexes. Curcuminoids and other compounds associated with turmeric were examined to learn more about their biological effects and potential applications. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a flavonoid, and many volatile oils, including turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone, are the active ingredients in turmeric. Inhibiting carcinogenesis at three stages: tumor promotion, angiogenesis, and tumor development, curcumin’s capacity Turmeric’s medical and pharmacological advantages in illness prevention and therapy are the subject of this study. The present study deals with the importance of extensive pharmacological activities of turmeric and its role in the medical industry in creating novel medicines to treat various diseases.