A Comprehensive Review on Ethnomedicinal Properties of Curcuma caesia Roxb.

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is commonly known as black turmeric. It is a valuable medicinal plant of the Zingiberaceae family in traditional systems of medicine. Its bioactive chemical constituents have been associated with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, anti-diabetic, and antiurolithiatic activities, etc. The major chemical constituents present in Curcuma caesia are camphor, 1,8-cineole, ar-turmerone, ar-curcumene, and borneol, etc. In addition, the plant also contains anthocyanins, which impart its distinctive bluish-black color. But there are not enough comprehensive pharmacological investigations to support the efficacy and safety of several ethnomedical properties. There is also inadequate knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic benefits, with limited data on toxicity, safety profile, and long-term effects. There is a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with effect sizes and confidence intervals (CIs). So, this study focuses on current research findings on the phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Curcuma caesia. This review also highlights the opportunities and challenges in new drug development using Curcuma caesia in natural product research.