Turmeric, derived from the plant Curcuma longa, is a gold-colored spice commonly used in the Indian subcontinent, not only for health care but also for the preservation of food and as a yellow dye for textiles. Curcumin, which gives the yellow color to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago, and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Since the time of Ayurveda (1900 Bc) numerous therapeutic activities have been assigned to turmeric for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including those of the skin, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems, aches, pains, wounds, sprains, and liver disorders. Extensive research within the last half century has proven that most of these activities, once associated with turmeric, are due to curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic illnesses. These effects are mediated through the regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other enzymes. Curcumin exhibits activities similar to recently discovered tumor necrosis factor blockers (e.g., HUMIRA, REMICADE, and ENBREL), a vascular endothelial cell growth factor blocker (e.g., AVASTIN), human epidermal growth factor receptor blockers (e.g., ERBITUX, ERLOTINIB, and GEFTINIB), and a HER2 blocker (e.g., HERCEPTIN). Considering the recent scientific bandwagon that multitargeted therapy is better than monotargeted therapy for most diseases, curcumin can be considered an ideal "Spice for Life".

Curcumin: The Indian solid gold

An evaluation of multipurpose oil seed crop for industrial uses (Jatropha curcas L.): A review

IT may occasion some surprise to those men of science who are ill-acquainted with India, and who so frequently express the view that Governments are unappreciative of the importance of science to learn that as far back as 1886 the Government of India arranged for Dr. George (later Sir George) Watt, professor of botany in the Presidency College, Calcutta, to prepare a "Dictionary of the Economic Products of India". The six volumes of this standard work were published during the years 1889-99. In 1908 Sir George Watt published a condensed version, "The Commercial Products of India". Whatever the defects of these 'dictionaries', they have been of inestimable value to all interested in Indian natural products. The Wealth of India A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products. Raw Materials, Vol. 1. Pp. xxvii+254+39 plates. 15 rupees ; 24s. Industrial Products, Part 1. Pp. xii+182+8 plates. 8 rupees ; 12s. (New Delhi : Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, 1948.)

The Wealth of India

Herbs, spices and their active components as natural antimicrobials in foods Effect of natural antioxidants in herbs and spices on shelf life of foods Ajowan Aniseed Asafoetida Allspice Capers and caperberries Caraway Celery Chervil Fennel and fennel seed Galangal Kaffir lime leaf Lavender Lemongrass Lovage Nigella Oregano Poppy Sesame Star anise Tarragon Tamarind Other significant herbs and spices.

Handbook of Herbs and Spices

https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/1038964.pdf

Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives – A review

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas roots in mice and rats.

Protection of liver cells from ethanol cytotoxicity by curcumin in liver slice culture in vitro.

Objectives: To study the antiinflammatory activity of Curcuma amada rhizome extract in albino rats. Methods: Rhizomes of Curcuma amada were extracted and subjected to spectroscopic studies. The extract was screened for antiinflammatory activity in albino rats using acute carrageenan paw oedema and chronic granuloma pouch model. Results: The extract showed presence of chemical compounds with hydroxyl, ester, carbonyl and olefin funtionalities and exhibited dose dependant antiinflammatory activity in acute and chronic models. Conclusions: The extract of Curcuma amada rhizomes showed antiinflammatory activity in acute and chronic administration in albino rats. Curcuma amada albino rats antiinflammatory activity SUMMARY

A. M. Mujumdar

Papers

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas roots in mice and rats.

Protection of liver cells from ethanol cytotoxicity by curcumin in liver slice culture in vitro.

Antiinflammatory activity of Curcuma amada Roxb. in albino rats

Studies on antidiarrhoeal activity of Jatropha curcus root extract in albino mice

Anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria bark ethanol extract in mice and rats.