Abstract

HARIDRA-CURCUMIN THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE

Akshu Sharma*, Manisha Dikshit, R. C. Tiwari and Ved Bhushan Sharma

Abstract

Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn., Zingiberaceae) which has been described in various ancient Ayurvedic text books i.e in Samhita, Chiktisagrantha, Nighantus Rasagrantha has various properties like Anti-Microbial Activity, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-viral Properties etc. It is a perennial herb, having aromatic, deep orange yellow colour rhizome. Leaves are elliptic – oblong, caudate –acuminate. Inflorescence is central to the leaf tuft and appearing with the leaves. It is used in many forms and through many routes of administration, such as – Nasal, Oral, Application on the skin etc. Curcumin, the principal curcuminiods found in turmeric, is generally considered its active constituent.

Keywords: Haridra, Curumin, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory.