black turmeric

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• black turmeric
• black zedoary
• Black Tumeric

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Curcuma kuchoor

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Zingiberales, it is a member of the family Zingiberaceae. It is specifically classified under the genus Curcuma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern centered within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing across various regions of India, showcasing its local importance. Furthermore, its presence extends into the diverse landscapes of Bangladesh. The species is also documented within the unique ecological zones of the East Himalaya. Together, these locations define the primary natural range of Curcuma caesia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Curcuma caesia is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a perennial herb that relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. Classified primarily as a geophyte, the plant maintains its persistence through the development of thick, fleshy rhizomes located beneath the soil surface, which serve as reservoirs for nutrients and water. This life form is further categorized under the broader group of crypto-phytes, meaning that its vital regenerative parts are protected from seasonal stressors by being concealed underground. During the favorable growing seasons, the plant emerges from these rhizomes to produce its aerial vegetative structures, but as the environment shifts, the above-ground parts may perish, leaving the subterranean systems to remain dormant until favorable conditions return to trigger a new cycle of growth.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Curcuma caesia is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting plant, as it does not function as a climber and lacks any obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host. Furthermore, the plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological niche, rather than being an epiphyte, growing directly within the soil substrate.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Curcuma caesia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. AMB Express
2. Scientific reports

Chemicals

Curcuma caesia has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicurzerenone, Sesquiterpenes, Zederone, camphor, 4-Terpineol.

Epicurzerenone

1. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine
2. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

Sesquiterpenes

1. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
2. Scientific reports

Zederone

1. Chemistry & biodiversity
2. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine

camphor

1. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology
2. Frontiers in pharmacology

4-Terpineol

1. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety

Aerugidiol

1. In silico pharmacology

BETA-ELEMENE

1. International journal of mycobacteriology

Boldenone

1. International journal of mycobacteriology

CALCIUM

1. Journal of food science and technology

Calebin A

1. AMB Express

Activities

Curcuma caesia has 6 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.

Antioxidant

1. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology
2. Scientific reports

Antiarthritic

1. In silico pharmacology

Antibacterial

1. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

Antidiabetic

1. Scientific reports

Antimicrobial

1. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

Gastroprotective

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Curcuma caesia has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium smegmatis, Oral cancer, antioxidant, arthritis, bacteria.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations