59) BLACK TURMERIC : A MAGIC REMEDY OF NORTH EAST INDIA.
Divya Deshmukh, Priya Jadhav, Rahul Bansode, Megha Mugade*
Lokmanya Tilak Institute of Pharmacy, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, 410210
[email protected] +91 91376 53987
ABSTRACT:
Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia ), a close relative of the commonly known turmeric, has been traditionally used in
various medicinal practices, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. This review delves into the current scientific
understanding of black turmeric, exploring its unique phytochemical composition, diverse biological activities,
and potential therapeutic applications.Key findings highlight the presence of a distinct set of bioactive compounds,
including curcuminoids and essential oils, which contribute to its various pharmacological properties. These
properties encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, suggesting potential
benefits in managing various ailments, such as oral submucous fibrosis, asthma, and skin disorders.However, the
research on black turmeric remains largely in its preclinical stages. Further clinical investigations are crucial to
validate its efficacy and safety in treating specific medical conditions. This review aims to provide a
comprehensive overview of black turmeric's potential, paving the way for future research and its potential
integration into modern healthcare systems.
INTRODUCTION:
Black turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma cassia, is a perennial herb that belongs to the ginger family
Zingiberaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found mostly in the north-eastern states of India,
especially Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. Black turmeric is known for its unique dark purple to black rhizomes,
which contain a compound called curcumin. Turmeric (Turmeric) has been valued since ancient times in South
Asian countries as a source of medicine, as a flavor and color additive. It probably gained attention in earlier times
because of its attractive color, which acquired many religious and socio-cultural values in its time. Turmeric, also
known as "Indian saffron", is mentioned in the ancient medical system "Ayurveda". Its meaning was documented
in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language between 1700 and 800 AD, during the Vedic period. In Sanskrit, it is
described as ``Haridara'', suggesting that Lord Vishnu carried it on his body. The great ancient Indian doctors
Charaka and Sushruta systematized the Ayurveda Medicine system, listed the various uses of this plant. Turmeric
in the form of Oushadhi was used in everyday life antidotes to treat wounds. , stomachache, poison, etc. Also used
in dyeing clothes and threads and in\religious rituals. The Greek physician Dioscorides (40-90 AD) also
mentioned turmeric in a pharmacological text. The Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 3300 BC, included
the spice trade of curcumin in western India. Greco-Roman, Egyptian and Middle Eastern regions knew the herb.
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that has been widely studied for its potential medicinal properties. It is
known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for
various medical applications.
From the genus Curcuma, C. caesia is still considered an underutilized species that has not yet been widely studied
or commercially exploited. C. caesia is a perennial rhizome that grows vertically to a height of 0.5–1.0 m. It has a
large tuberous rhizome, broad, upright oblong leaves and pale yellow with a reddish margin . The interior of the
rhizome is bluish-black or yellowish in color and has a circular arrangement that is often confused with a growth
ring .shows C.caesia rhizome rhizome cross section flower and whole plant are used for medicinal purpose.
Figure 59.1: Black turmeric plant
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:
Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia) is a perennial herb that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native
to the Indian subcontinent and is found mostly in the northeastern states of India, especially Assam, Meghalaya
and Manipur. Black turmeric is also found in other parts of India such as West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, as well
as parts of Nepal and Bangladesh.
Black turmeric prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. . It usually grows
in the wild in forest areas, riverbanks and other areas with high humidity and high rainfall. The plant grows to a
height of about 1-2 meters and has large lance-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple on the underside.
Cultivation and Harvestment:-
Land Preparation and Fertilizer Application: The land is ploughed, harrowed and plowed, mixed with FYM (Farm
Manure) @ 5 tonnes per hectare with NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) @ 33:80:60 kg per hectare as base
dose. during the preparation of the land. Lime @ 2 tonnes per hectare can be applied if necessary to reduce
excessive acidity of the soil, at least one month before planting.Transplanting and optimum spacing: Mid-April is
the best time for planting in Northeast India, while in other regions. it is the pre-monsoon season. The crop
increases vegetatively through rhizomes. Rhizome weighing about 20 g or its parts should be planted in rows
directly in the field during the month of April. Planting at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm is considered optimal,
requiring 0.11 million shoots (rhizome segments) per hectare. Rhizomes germinate in about 15-20
days.Intercropping System: Kali Haldi is grown as a single crop. However, it can be extensively pruned under
alternate canopies.Intercropping and Management Practices: Full dose of NPK should be applied at 100:80:60 kg
per hectare as urea, single superphosphate and potassium. One third of the urea, i.e. 33 kg, and the full
recommended amount of single superphosphate and potassium are applied at the final cultivation. The remaining
two thirds of the nitrogen as urea are treated with the surface in two divided parts, the first in relation to the first
soil and the remaining part to the second soil. Landing occurs 45 days and 60 days after planting. Hand weeding is
recommended at 60, 90 and 120 days after planting in early stages of growth to reduce competition between crops
and weeds.Irrigation Practices : Crops are usually grown under rainfed conditions in Assam and Assam rainfed
areas. States of Kerala. In other areas, constant humidity must be maintained by regular watering. Sprinkler
irrigation is most suitable.Diseases and pest control: Leaf spot (Tephrina sp., Coletotrichum sp.) and leaf spot
(Corticium sp.) were occasionally observed on the culture. They can be controlled by spraying with 1% Bordeaux
mixture every month.HarvestHarvest Maturity and Harvesting: The crop takes about nine months to mature.
Harvesting takes place in mid-January. Before digging the rhizomes, the soil is moistened by watering, so that the
rhizomes are not damaged. Damage to the rhizomes can cause rot when harvested.Aftercare: Peeled, split or cut
rhizomes should be dried in an oven at 55°C or in well-ventilated shade. These dried rhizomes must be stored in
suitable moisture-proof containers.Chemical Constituents: Dried Curcuma caesia rhizomes contain 1.6% essential
oil containing 76.6% d-camphor; 8.2% caffeine and borylene; and 10.5% of sesquiterpenes, curcumin, ionone and
turmerone.Yield: Estimated fresh rhizome yield is 48 tons per hectare, while dry rhizome yield is about 10 tons
per hectare.
PHYTOCONSTITUENTS:
Black turmeric is a recognized medicinal herb,containing mixtures of various bioactive compounds,whichcan
work individually, in addition or in combinationto improve health. The plant contains large amounts of
curcumin,which has many medicinal properties, as is often reportedfor all species of turmeric. Several
phytoconstituents such as curcuminoids, oil content, flavonoids, phenols, amino acids, proteins and high alkaloids
are found in rhizomes,responsible for antimicrobial, antitumor, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, CNS
depressant and antioxidant effects.Karmakar et al., 2013; Devi et al., 2015; Vineelaet al., 2017). The chemical
structure of phenolic compounds,with a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring in thestructure, allows them to
act as free radical scavengers.Antioxidants are referred to asneutral oxygen and free radicals. biological
systems.Black turmeric used in traditional and folk medicineappears to be a promising source of active therapeutic
agents.Further studies on the isolation of active substances mayplay an important role in increasing its
pharmaceutical andindustrial importance. Since black turmeric belongs to the genus Curcuma,which has been
known for its antimicrobial potential for\years,turmeric should be considered an important\source of herbal
antimicrobial agents. Such species are likely to provide safer alternatives to microbial antimicrobials, with adverse
effects and drug resistance increasingly reported (Pandey et al., 2015). A field and market-based studyconducted
in Dirang district, Arunachal Pradesh found that this medicinal plant brings economic benefits to local
communities due to its high market price (around 3000-3500/kg).Local communities should be encouraged to
generate income by cultivating this plant species on a commercial scale.
Sl. No Compound Genotypes with percent of compounds:
1. Curcumenol GKM-1(20.35%), GKB-3(12.96%), GKB-4(15.67%), GKT29(16.17%)
2. Curcumenone GKM-1(16.07%), GKM-2(25.03%), GKB-3(29.30%), GKT29(22.25%)
3. n-hexadecanoic acid GKM-1(13.69%)
4. Epicurzerenone GKM-1(12.93%), GKM-2(21.82%)
5. 9-12,Octadecadionic acid GKM-1(5.54%), GKB-3(2.81%), GKB-4(3.59%)
6. 5-hydrocxy methyl furfural GKB-4 (15.05%)
7. 2-Bornanone GKM-2(4.38%), GKB-3(5.38%)
8. l-(+)-Ascorbic acid 2,6- dihexadecanoate GKM-2(2.63%)
9. 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- GKB-3(8.91%), GKB-4(24.44%), GKJ-5(19.82%),
GKT-29(9.88%)
10. Isoborneol GKM-2(1.54%), GKB-3(3.67%)
11. Eucalyptol GKM-2(1.17%)
12. 9-Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester, (E,E,E)- GKJ-5(16.57%)
13. α-Terpineol GKM-1(1.03%),GKM-2(1.23%), GKB-4(1.34%), GMV-6(1.10%)
14. Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, acetate, (1S-endo)- GKB-3(1.18%), GMV-6(2.34%), GKK-30
(0.68%)
THERAPEUTIC USES:
Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia) has traditionally been used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for various medicinal
purposes. Some of the possible medicinal uses of black turmeric are:
Anti-inflammatory properties:
Black turmeric contains curcumin, which has demonstrated powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can help
reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other
inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant properties:
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. It can
help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases.
Antimicrobial properties:
Curcumin has been found to have antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, viruses and fungi. This makes it
potentially useful for treating infections and promoting wound healing.
Digestive Health:
Curcumin has been shown to stimulate bile production, which can aid digestion and improve overall digestion.
Skin Health:
Curcumin has been traditionally used in India for its skin healing properties. It can help treat various skin diseases
such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Pain:
Curcumin has been found to have analgesic properties that can help relieve pain associated with arthritis and
muscle pain.
Cancer Prevention:
Some studies show that curcumin may have anti-cancer properties by preventing the growth and spread of cancer
cells. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential in cancer treatment.
Liver Health:
There is evidence that curcumin may have hepatoprotective effects that may be beneficial for liver health
Heart Health:
Curcumin has been shown to have potential benefits for heart health by improving endothelial function and
reducing.
Figure 59.2: Potential benefits of Black Turmeric
MARKETED FORMULATION:
1. Organic black turmeric powder
2. Black turmeric capsule
Brand name; Holy Naturals
3. Black turmeric extracts
Brand name; life extension, Naturelo, maxmedix
CONCLUSION:
Based on the research articles reviewed, here are two possible conclusions about black turmeric (Curcuma
caesia .) by focus area: Medicines: Black turmeric is promising for various medicinal uses due to its antioxidant
properties. antimutagenic and other biological effects .Studies show that it can be effective in the treatment of
diseases such as oral submucosal fibrosis, asthma and wounds.
Compared to regular turmeric :Black turmeric can contains higher levels of curcumin compared to regular yellow
turmeric .More research is needed to fully understand the comparative benefits and optimal use of each species.It
is important to note that most research on black turmeric is preliminary and more of research is needed to confirm
its effectiveness and safety in various settings.
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