Curcuma aeruginosa
Curcuma aeruginosa, commonly known as Blue Turmeric, is a remarkable medicinal plant valued in traditional healing systems. Distinguished by its unique blue-tinted rhizomes, it possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This botanical treasure is increasingly studied for its therapeutic potential in treating various ailments and promoting holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Curcuma aeruginosa
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized within the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Curcuma.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zingiberales | WCVP |
| Family | Zingiberaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Curcuma | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Curcuma aeruginosa, is recognized by various regional common names across Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, it is widely referred to as Temu hitam (id) and Temu ireng (jv), while in Malaysia, it is commonly called Pokok Temu Hitam (ms). In French-speaking contexts, it is identified as Temu hitam (fr), and in Thailand, it is known as ว่านมหาเมฆ (th).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Temu hitam | Wikidata |
| jv | Temu ireng | Wikidata |
| id | Temu hitam | Wikidata |
| th | ว่านมหาเมฆ | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Temu Hitam | Wikidata |
| mad | Temmo èreng | Wikidata |
| ban | Temu ireng | Wikidata |
| su | Konéng hideung | Wikidata |
| id | Temu ireng | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this region, it can be found growing in both India and Bangladesh. Its range also extends significantly into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, the species is native to the countries of Cambodia and Laos. Additionally, its geographical presence includes the territory of Myanmar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Curcuma aeruginosa, is primarily valued for its medicinal properties which are concentrated within the rhizome. As an underground modified stem, this fleshy, horizontal part of the plant serves as a vital storage organ for nutrients and essential bioactive compounds. In traditional herbal medicine, it is this specific part of the plant that is harvested, dried, and processed to create various therapeutic preparations, making it the most significant component for both pharmacological study and practical application.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Curcuma aeruginosa has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include SOD, camphor, curzerene, curzerenone, germacrone.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| SOD | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| camphor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| curzerene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| curzerenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| germacrone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| superoxide dismutase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Curcuma aeruginosa has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Curcuma aeruginosa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include fever, fungal infections, gastrointestinal disorders, human coronavirus OC43.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungal infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human coronavirus OC43 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |