Integrating Ethnomedicinal Knowledge and Pharmacological Insights of Curcuma caesia Roxb.: An Economic Perspective

Curcuma caesia Roxb., belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is known to be a valuable medicinal herb native to northeast and central India. One of its peculiar features is the bluish coloration of its rhizomes, which makes it easily recognizable. The plant has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as fever, wounds, asthma, inflammation, piles, vomiting, gastric ulcers or constipation. In addition, the plant’s extract has been reported to be useful in treating diabetes, cancer, and bronchitis, suggesting the presence of various bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic roles. However, it is only during recent years when scientific studies have begun to validate the ethnomedicinal claims associated with this species. This review aims to consolidate the available information on ethnobotanical studies and also recent scientific studies on the pharmacological potentials of this plant, especially the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. activities of this plant. Furthermore, this paper discusses the economic potential and cultivation prospects of this important medicinal species. Nevertheless, sustainable cultivation practices and the establishment of regulated trade and value-chain models will be significant for securing prolonged utilization and economic sustainability of this important medicinal herb.