Wild Turmeric

Other Names: Curcuma aromatica, musk turmeric, vana haridra, kasturi manjal, pasuppu, Spring Curcuma
Curcuma aromatica is one of the species related to common turmeric or Curcuma longa. In the Curcuma family, it is the second most common species cultivated for its rhizomes. This species is rich in volatile oil compounds. C.aromatic has a camphor like odor while C.longa has a spicy sharp smell. Also C.aromatica leaves no stains due to lower curcuminoid content. Curcumin content of C.longa is 10 times that of C.aromatica. The antioxidant capacity of C.longa is higher than that of C.aromatica. The volatile oil content of C.aromatica (4-8%) is higher than that of C.longa.
See also Turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Health benefits and Uses of Curcuma aromatica

Few of the major compounds are alpha-curcumene (ar-curcumene), beta curcumene, d-camphor, alpha and beta-turmerone. Camphene and camphor are also present in the oil which is why this herb has camphor like odor (Hence the name C.aromatica!). The constituents identified in the oil were: alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, , 1,8-cineol,isofurano-germacrene, borneol, isoborneol, beta-curcumene, ar-curcumene, xanthorrhizol, germacrone and curzerenone. Compared to C.longa , C.aromatica has not been researched upon that extensively but it has medicinal properties. A. Sikha et al list a number of wild turmeric’s pharmacological properties which are proven by research. Traditionally, C. longa is recommended to improve hepatic function and C. aromatica is administrated to people with gastrointestinal dysfunction.

• Curcuma aromatica has anti-inflammatory and wound healing property. Despite of low concentration of curcumin, volatile oil from wild turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory property. Animal studies demonstrate that volatile oil of wild turmeric reduces inflammation and swelling in experimental models. Powdered rhizome of wild turmeric shows excellent wound healing properties.Wild turmeric oil possess anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing property that is in provides support for the household remedy of applying turmeric paste over cuts and injuries.
• Wild turmeric demonstrates antioxidant activity. Alcoholic extracts of wild turmeric are a good source of antioxidants. They scavenge chemically reactive species that could cause oxidative damage. Research suggests that this property can be of use to food industries. C.aromatica has a lower concentration of curcuminoids (which are amazing antioxidants) yet it possesses antioxidant activity.
• Anticancer property : Aqueous extract of C.aromatica prevents growth of cancerous cells in colon cancer. Germacrone, a bioactive constituent of wild turmeric oil, is thought of as a novel chemopreventive agent in glioma (a cancer of nervous system tissue). C.aromatica oil prevents cell proliferation in hepatoma (liver cancer). It improves antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative stress in order to protect from skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. Compared to common turmeric, wild turmeric’s anti-cancer activity have not been researched upon extensively. However it does act as a potential chemopreventive agent.
• Anti-platelet activity
• Mosquito repellent activity
• Antitussive or cough expectorant
• Antibacterial property
• Anti-nephrotoxic activity (prevents toxicity of kidney)