Ritesh Tiwari1, Suresh Kumar Dev2, Chetna Baregama2, Ajay Kumar Shukla3*, Akhil Mangal4, Rajesh Babu Vemula5, Yogesh Kumar Apurva2,Ayush Garg2, Mohammad Junaid Alam Mansoori2, Vijay Kumar Bansal6, Mohini Vishwas5, Vaibhav Rathore7
1Pharmaceutical Science, Madhyanchal Professional University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
2Venkateshwar Institute of Pharmacy, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313015, India
3Institute of Pharmacy, Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University Uttar Pradesh, India
4Bhai Gurudas College of Pharmacy, Sangrur, Punjab-148002, India
5Faculty of Pharmacy, Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313001, India
6Lachoo Memorial College of Science & Technology “ Pharmacy Wing” Jodhpur, Rajasthan- 342001, India
7Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Delhi Road, NH 9, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh-244102, India
*Address for Corresponding author:
Dr. Ajay Kumar Shukla
Associate Professor,
Institute of Pharmacy, Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Curcuma caesia Roxb., commonly known as black turmeric, is a medicinally important rhizomatous herb belonging to the family Zingiberaceae and widely distributed in Northeast and Central India. Traditionally, the species has been valued in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiasthmatic, wound healing, and neuroprotective actions. The plant is characterized by its distinctive bluish-black rhizome, rich aromatic profile, and the presence of bioactive constituents such as curcumin, camphor, ar-turmerone, germacrone, and various essential oils. These phytochemicals contribute to its broad-spectrum pharmacological potential. Recent pharmacognostic investigations have highlighted the microscopic, physicochemical, and chromatographic characteristics of C. caesia, supporting its correct identification and standardization for herbal formulations. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated significant antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, adaptogenic, and anti-ulcer activities, suggesting promising applications in modern therapeutics. Despite its high medicinal value, Curcuma caesia remains underutilized and is categorized as a threatened species in several regions due to overharvesting and limited cultivation practices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal relevance, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and future research prospects of Curcuma caesia. The article aims to bridge traditional knowledge with scientific evidence to encourage further exploration of black turmeric as a potential source for novel drug discovery and therapeutic development.
Keywords: Black turmeric; Curcuma caesia, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activities, Conservation strategies
