Did you know that there are 80 (!) different curcuma species known to us while only mainly 8 of them are used for medicinal purposes or traditional herbal remedies?
We at Primrose Laboratories use 2 different kinds of curcuma. Discover why and which medicinal properties they have.
Curcuma is generally known for its anti-inflammatory effects and most of it is attributed to curcumin, a potent active substance within the curcuma ‘root’. Yet different species have many more different active molecules which makes them each suitable to support different bodily functions or suppress certain ailments.
Curcuma xanthorrhiza or Java Ginger
Java Ginger is the rhizome, a stem growing underground which makes it have root-like characteristics, from the Curcuma xanthorrhiza species. It is originally from South East Asia, where this plant has proven its usefulness for years in both food as medicine. It is traditionally used for stomach and intestinal complaints, fever, rheumatic disorders and liver problems.
Several studies* have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, immuno-stimulating and antioxidant properties. Interestingly, anti-cancer activity has been shown as well. Research discovered that it is mainly xanthorrhizol and curcumin who are the responsible molecules for these effects. Because of these properties, Java ginger is used in formulations that aid in combating and preventing inflammation and cancer activity.
Curcuma longa or turmeric
The rhizome of Curcuma longa is usually the turmeric you use in the kitchen but, when properly extracted, its potency as a herbal remedy can not be ignored! Several studies have shown that Curcuma longa can function as a hepatoprotector (liver protector) and can be used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases. The main molecule responsible for this is curcumin again and shows anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating and antioxidant properties. Research also attributed antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and expectorant activity to curcuma longa’s rhizome. Because of these effects, turmeric is used in remedies to help with rheumatic diseases and with inflammations of the airways.
REFERENCES
Kim MB, Kim C, Song Y, & Hwang JK (2014) Antihyperglycemic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Standardized Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Extract and Its Active Compound Xanthorrhizol in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM 2014:205915
Lee LY, Shim JS, Rukayadi Y, & Hwang JK (2008) Antibacterial activity of xanthorrhizol isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. against foodborne pathogens. Journal of food protection 71:1926-1930
Kim AJ, Kim YO, Shim JS, & Hwang JK (2007) Immunostimulating activity of crude polysaccharide extract isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry 71:1428-1438
Devaraj S, Ismail S, Ramanathan S, & Yam MF (2014) Investigation of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of standardized Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizome in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damaged rats. TheScientificWorldJournal 2014:353128
Cheah YH, Azimahtol HL, & Abdullah NR (2006) Xanthorrhizol exhibits antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cells via apoptosis induction. Anticancer research 26:4527-4534