Exploring the therapeutic potential: A comprehensive review on the Phytochemistry of Curcuma aromatic

Curcuma aromatic Salisb. (C. aromatica) is commonly known as wild turmeric mentioned as ‘Vanaharidra’ in Ayurveda, belongs to the ‘ginger family’ Zingiberaceae. It is a perennial herb with characteristic aromatic rhizomes used in many traditional systems of medicines in India, China and other Southeast Asian countries. The rhizome of the plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, curcuminoids, tannins and terpenoids which are reported to be the reasons for its various pharmacological properties. The extraction of compounds in different solvents shows that the plant contains curdione, neocurdione, germacrone as its major components. Extensive literature survey showed that the plant has anti- angiogenic, cholerectic and cholagougic, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, wound healing, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammmatory, analgesic, antitussive, larvicidal, antimelonogenic, anti-nephrotic, antiplatelet, anti-hyperlipidemic, antivenom, and neuroprotective properties. The plant thus proves to be a promising candidate for the development and designing of modern drugs for several diseases. The present study was aimed to review the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. aromatic Salisb.