Curcuma caesia
Curcuma caesia, commonly known as Black Turmeric, is a unique medicinal plant prized for its striking blue rhizomes. Renowned in Ayurvedic medicine, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This rare species is widely utilized to support digestive health, enhance immunity, and treat various skin and respiratory ailments.
- Scientific name: Curcuma caesia
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
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.
| 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 caesia, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Telugu, it is referred to as నల్ల పసుపు, while in Malayalam, it is called കരിമഞ്ഞൾ. It is known as كركم قيسيا in Arabic (arz) and as جدوار أسود in Arabic (ar). Additionally, in Nepali, the plant is commonly known as कालो बेसार.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| te | నల్ల పసుపు | Wikidata |
| ml | കരിമഞ്ഞൾ | Wikidata |
| arz | كركم قيسيا | Wikidata |
| ar | جدوار أسود | Wikidata |
| ne | कालो बेसार | Wikidata |
| fr | Curcuma noir | Wikidata |
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.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Curcuma caesia or Black Turmeric, is primarily valued for its medicinal properties which are concentrated within its underground structures. The most significant plant parts utilized in traditional medicine are the rhizoomes, which possess a distinct dark or bluish-black color compared to common turmeric. Whether used in the form of a whole rhizome or processed into a powder from the dried rhizomes, these parts contain unique bioactive compounds that are essential for their therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Curcuma caesia has 27 reported phytochemicals identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include camphor, sesquiterpenes, zederone, 4-terpineol, Epicurzerenone.
- Total chemicals
- 27
- Scientific sources
- 30
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| camphor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sesquiterpenes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| zederone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 4-terpineol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Epicurzerenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerugidiol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-elemene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| boldenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calebin-A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Curcuma caesia has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarthritic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Curcuma caesia has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium smegmatis, Oral cancer, antioxidant, arthritis, bacteria.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mycobacterium smegmatis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oral cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric ulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |